Article: Garment vs. Pigment Dye: Why We Love Both
Garment vs. Pigment Dye: Why We Love Both
We Don’t Just Make Clothes:
We make the pieces you reach for when you want to feel like yourself.
When we talk about the XCVI design aesthetic, one word comes up again and again: lived-in. It is the feeling of a favorite well-worn college sweatshirt, soft from years of wear, perfectly broken in, and impossible to replace. Familiar, comfortable, and undeniably yours.
New clothing does not come with memories built in. But through thoughtful design and specialized dyeing techniques, we create that same ease and character from the very beginning, without sacrificing structure, quality, or longevity.
Two of the ways we achieve this are through garment dyeing & pigment dyeing. Unlike traditional large-scale commercial dye processes, these methods allow each piece to develop subtle variation, depth of color, and a softness that feels personal rather than mass-produced.
Pigment dyeing is a craft; its uneven tone is an art.
”— The XCVI Philosophy
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GARMENT AND PIGMENT DYE?
While both create a lived-in look, garment dye provides deep, even color saturation, while pigment dye offers artful tonal variations. In this guide, we break down why we choose these methods to create XCVI's signature fashion-forward style.
GARMENT DYEING is a process where the fully constructed piece is dyed after being sewn. Unlike traditional fabric dyeing, this method allows the seams, threads, and contrast details to take the dye simultaneously, resulting in a cohesive finish and a soft, pre-washed feel.
PIGMENT DYEING involves applying insoluble pigments to the surface of a finished garment using a binder resin. Because the color sits on top of the fibers rather than chemically bonding to them, it preserves the natural drape of the textile and creates unique tonal variations that age gracefully.
| GARMENT DYE | PIGMENT DYE | |
| The Feel | Soft & relaxed fibers | Natural textile drape |
| The Look | Deep, even, saturated color | Tonal variations & highlights |
| The Aging | Holds color beautifully | Fades naturally like vintage |
WHY WE LOVE BOTH
We love GARMENT DYE because it brings richness and cohesion. Color that feels settled, intentional, and deeply saturated. It gives structure a softness and makes a new piece feel familiar the first time you slip it on.
We love PIGMENT DYE because it embraces imperfection. Subtle highs and lows in color, gentle fading over time, and a finish that evolves with wear. It mirrors the way our favorite pieces age naturally, becoming more personal with every season.
Together, these techniques allow us to design with feeling, not formulas. They give us the freedom to choose the right process for each silhouette, fabric, and moment, ensuring every piece starts with character and gains meaning as you wear it. We choose garment dye and pigment dye for the same reason you choose your favorite clothes.
THEY FEEL RIGHT. From the start, and for years to come.
The XCVI Care Card
To preserve the "lived-in" beauty of your XCVI pieces:
- 🧼 Wash inside out: Protects surface pigments from friction.
- ❄️ Use cold water: Prevents premature fiber breakdown.
- 🎨 Wash with like colors: Essential for maintaining specialized dyes.
- 🌬️ Avoid harsh detergents: Preserves the binder and signature softness.
