What is enzyme wash and stone wash in Indian garment finishing?

Washing and finishing treatments change the texture, appearance, and feel of fabric after weaving or garment construction. Two of the most common in Indian casual and denim wholesale:

Stone wash: Garments are tumbled with pumice stones in large industrial washers. The abrasion from the stones breaks down fibres on the surface, creating a worn, faded, vintage look. Used primarily on denim — the classic "washed jeans" look. Makes denim softer and more comfortable from the first wear.

Enzyme wash: Biological enzymes (cellulase enzymes) are used instead of stones. They break down cellulose on the fabric surface more selectively — creating a similar softening and fading effect but with less fabric damage, more consistent results, and lower weight loss in the fabric.

Other common washes in Indian wholesale:

• Sand wash: Very fine abrasive particles — creates ultra-soft, slightly sanded surface on rayon and cotton
• Acid wash: Bleach-soaked pumice stones — creates high-contrast bleached patterns on denim
• Bio wash / Biopolish: Enzyme treatment that removes surface fuzz (pilling precursor) on cotton, leaving a cleaner surface