I’ve owned dozens of pairs of jeans over the years, and more or less, they’ve been the same. There’s the soft, familiar feel of cotton, the wear patterns that form over time, and the coarse durability that make them such a versatile choice. Of course, colors vary, from the classic ocean blue dark tones to lighter, almost sky-colored shades. Some had built in “stretch” with spandex added to the mix, but I didn’t feel much difference from 100% cotton versions.
But there’s a new player in denim: Rag & Bone’s Infuse, which transforms the material with a proprietary process, revealing special qualities of color, texture, and character. I wore a pair of Infuse jeans and a shirt for the past month or so, to see if the claims were true. Here’s my take.
From archive to art: how Infuse blends vintage wear patterns with new-school tech
To better understand the Infuse process, I asked Kyle Sweeney, SVP of Men’s Design & Merchandising at Rag & Bone, what makes it different. Here’s what he said about the material’s manufacture and specialized traits.
The Manual: Can you describe the Infuse process and what makes it special?
Kyle Sweeney: INFUSE is our newest denim innovation collection that reimagines Rag & Bone’s heritage through a modern, multi-step wash process. At its core, INFUSE takes everything we love about authentic vintage denim and amplifies it: richer tones, deeper character, and dimensional color that feels both lived-in and elevated.
The process begins with premium fabrics selected for their inherent personality (surface interest and construction). We use archival rag & bone selvedge wear patterns as a blueprint, then layer in a series of highly controlled techniques, from laser mapping and hand-sanding to enzyme treatments and natural dyes. Each step adds another level of depth, creating washes with movement, texture, and nuance you simply can’t replicate with a single treatment.
What makes INFUSE truly special is the fusion of craft and innovation. It’s denim rooted in authenticity but pushed forward through technology and modern overdyes that give every piece its signature, unmistakable rag & bone look. It’s heritage with intention. Vintage inspiration reimagined for right now.
The Manual: What properties does Infuse give clothing, and why should consumers choose it?
Kyle Sweeney: INFUSE gives denim a rare sense of depth. Color that’s saturated but never artificial, texture that feels lived-in yet refined. The multi-step process creates dimension throughout: vintage-inspired wear patterns that ground the garment in authenticity, and meticulous handwork and overdyes that add a modern polish and versatility. It’s vintage reimagined for a life that spans work, weekend, and everything in between.
For consumers, choosing INFUSE means choosing denim with both soul and substance. These pieces are meant to be worn hard and loved for years. The kind of jeans, shirts, and jackets that only improve with time. Behind the aesthetics, INFUSE incorporates lower-impact processes such as enzyme washes, natural dyes, and laser treatments that reduce water usage, chemicals, and abrasion.
We pair this with our “quality guaranteed” ethos, making longevity as intentional as the design.
INFUSE stands out because it balances craft, innovation, and durability. It honors the past, feels right for the present, and is built to last well into the future.
Does Infuse really make a difference in how denim looks and feels?
I tried two pieces in the Rag & Bone Infuse collection: the Fit 3 Athletic Jeans in graphite blue, and the Jack Denim Shirt in brown black. What I first noticed was the fine craftsmanship, with both pieces appearing as though made in a tiny workshop in NYC. Observing the denim along the thighs, it had a fineness and smoothness beyond the norm. Subtle badging like a stitched-in “RB” logo on the right back pocket, and instead of a rear patch, an outline formed in white thread. As one of my favorite designers, John Maeda, says: “Subtle equals simple.”
That tailor-made quality extended even to the labels with the shirt’s white cotton tag noting “Rag & Bone, New York.” The black shirt had distinctive wear patterns already appearing on the seams, and a sleek, classy appearance. So what was it like wearing Infuse denim?
Three things stood out: Style, softness, and stretch. Both pieces exhibited a rare, vintage, slightly antiqued appearance; a pair of jeans and a shirt designed in the heart of NYC. The jeans’ graphite blue had a steely appearance, and wear patterns started almost immediately along the thighs and outer seams. The shirt was similar, with the slightly heavy material adding a ruggedness, and the black shade looking tailored to nights in the city.
Then there was the feel. Infuse felt about 80% old-school denim and 20% fleece sweatpants. Putting on the jeans was luxurious, with the material gliding and stretching, making me think “ahhh.” The athletic fit was just right: not tight, not loose. Worn back to back with more traditional denim, the difference was striking, as my old jeans felt coarse and restrictive, while the Infuse wanted to stretch and conform.
Pairing the shirt and jeans was my preferred outfit on a recent night out in Boston, as the outfit exuded a strong and sleek look, whether strolling rainy streets or enjoying a mocktail in a speakeasy.
While I loved wearing the Infuse kit, the material’s fine construction and softness lose some of traditional denim’s durable, coarse qualities. If I were working on my car or in a wood shop, I’d prefer an old pair of cotton dungarees, if only to keep my Infuse from snags or stains.
Infuse, summed up: what you should know before buying
Denim is denim, right? Infuse proved that wrong. But with the jeans retailing for $268 and the shirt $298, is the investment worth it? I can only share my experiences. Since receiving the Athletic Fit 3 pants, I’ve rarely worn regular dungarees. The jeans and shirt made me realize traditional denim’s limitations, while offering an NYC aesthetic that made them my city wear of choice. Remember, this isn’t workwear. But it’s denim on another level, and if it fits your budget, it’s worth checking out.
