what is "raw" denim?

Raw denim is denim that has not been washed after originally being dyed, and has never been treated with chemicals. Most raw denims are dark in color and really stiff, but you just gotta break them in.

If you are not the kind of person who likes neither the idea of having an instruction manual for your jeans nor having to work at getting them broken in, do not buy raw denim jeans. For those who are willing to work at it, the end result is both gratifying and rewarding. After six months of wear, your jeans will show lines and creases at natural places on your body and will tell a story about you. They will fit you better than any other pair of jeans you have ever owned previously and like life’s battle scares, you’ll be damn proud of the story behind every rip and hole in them. (source)

they are quite the investment yet it's a process that is rad to see. i own a pair of adriano goldschmeid teddyboy slim raw jeans. i noticed certain marks and grooves on how my body contorts with my jeans. i sit often times with my legs criss-crossed-apple-sauced, or at least one half up in my chair where creases now reside. of course, you have your typical blown out wallet pocket.

so next time you're at a hipster dive bar & you see a hipster dude that isn't wearing his favorite dark washed american eagle skinny girl jeans in a size 4 with stretch, he is probably wearing nudie jeans. & they cost him a pretty penny at that-- with his arm twisted, he opted out on this month's tattoo even though he probably wasn't going to pay for it anyway since 2/3 of his band members are tattoo artists.