Distressing refers to processes that create a worn look, such as rips, holes, laddering, fading, and fraying. Distressing often negatively affects the durability of the garment, because the aged effect is achieved by wearing the fabric away. Techniques used for worn effects include sandpapering, shredding, bleaching or acid washing, burning or heat distressing, enzyme washing, sandblasting, and stonewashing. Laser etching and printing are recent developments in distressing techniques that create similar effects with lower water and energy use, less waste and effluent discharge, and reduced risks to worker safety.(1-2)
DISTRESSING
