outvättat

Outvättat is a Swedish adjective describing something that has been washed out, meaning it has lost color intensity and appears pale or desaturated. It derives from the verb tvätta (to wash) with the prefix ut-, forming the past participle outvättat.

In textiles and fashion, outvättat is used to label fabrics and garments with a faded, lightened appearance, often resulting from washing, bleaching, sun exposure, or wear. The term is common in descriptions of jeans, T-shirts, and prints, where a deliberately pale or vintage look is achieved by processes such as washing, stone washing, or bleaching. It can also describe colors or patterns that have lost their saturation.

In design and photography, outvättat can describe images or color palettes that are pale, soft, or washed-out, creating a subdued, retro aesthetic. The term may indicate either an intentional stylistic choice or effects from aging or exposure.

Etymology and usage notes: the word is most often used in Swedish textile and fashion discourse but is also employed more broadly to convey the idea of reduced color intensity. Distinctions are sometimes made between naturally faded results and artificially produced outvättat effects, the latter achieved through specific production methods to ensure consistency across a collection or design.