What does Iro-Ochi mean?

A type of fading process in which the fading is applied in exposed areas but not across the entire denim to give it a mixed fade look.

Heddels explains Iro-Ochi

Iro-ochi, a Japanese term meaning “color slips”, refers specifically to fading in areas subject to high levels of exposure and stress such as the knees, seams, and upper thighs. The term is also used in woodblock printmaking to refer to areas on the carving blocks where the color has been forgotten.

Additional Resources

Here is an example of iro-ochi fading: