From Wash to Wear: How to Make Your Favorite Denim Last Longer

With the evolving trends, denim has retained its place throughout the fashion eras. And here, jeans have become more than just a wardrobe essential. They remain a perfect fashion companion for your modern look or a casual outfit. The comfort and fit that every jeans offers make them a favourite choice for any fashion lover. From the right fit of the jeans to their stylish finish, they impart a versatile style every time you wear them. Enjoying all these pros of the jeans depends on proper maintenance. From understanding how to wash jeans to evaluating how often to wash jeans, every detail matters. Just like any quality fabric, denim deserves special care too.

Starting from your first wear, your jeans should be given special attention to make them last longer. Whether you own skinny-fit jeans or distressed jeans, every pair has its washing method. Tossing off your jeans into the machine after every use and expecting them to give you a blissful experience every time, needs a change. Wash them with special care and treat them right to enjoy their wear for years. 

Let’s discuss how to wash jeans while becoming aware of the dos and don’ts while maintaining them.

Wash and Dry Your Jeans: A Step-by-Step Process

Every pair of jeans in your wardrobe requires more washing care than usual outfits. Adapting to the right washing method is the best way to preserve the quality, shape, and color of the denim. 

Here is the step-by-step process for washing jeans that helps to keep them looking new after every wash.

  1. Flip and Start

Whether you’re opting for a hand wash or a machine wash, the first and foremost step is to turn your jeans inside out. By doing so, the color of the jeans can be protected from fading. Also, there is a chance of fabric wear that occurs due to friction while washing. With the jeans turned inside out, these chances of wear can be reduced. If you own jeans that adorns embellishments or other detailing, this flipping is a simple trick to preserve them during every wash.

  1. Use Cold Water:

Washing in warm water is advised for certain fabrics’ longevity, while denim jeans stick only to cold water washing. Carrying out the cold water washing helps maintain the fiber’s sturdiness, reduce the shrinkage, and preserve the color. Since the cold water remains gentle on the denim, you can enjoy a new jean feel after every wash.

  1. Go for a Gentle Wash:

Handling the denim gently is the standard way to care for the jeans expertly. Whether you machine wash or wash them regularly by hand, go for a gentle washing method. Rubbing the fabric fast and giving a tough squeeze can soon distort it. This may speed up the fabric wear, which destroys denim's quality. Also, this gentle handling keeps the stitching safe.

  1. Use Mild Detergents:

The quality of the jeans lies in their fabric strength. Only with the right choice of detergent can this quality be maintained. Opt for mild and color-saving detergent that helps maintain the rich color and durability of the jeans.

  1. Air Dry by Hanging or Leaving Flat:

Using high heat to dry will fade, shrink, or warp the fabric. So, air drying your jeans is the optimal method. While air drying, just lay them flat or hang them. This will help maintain the shape of the fit even after multiple washes.

  1. Stretch Before Fully Dried:

Ensure that you carry out a wise trick before the jeans are thoroughly dried. When the washed jeans possess minimal moisture, gently stretch the denim and reshape the jeans to their original shape. This stretch will also reduce the creases and maintain the right fit.

How to Wash Jeans Without a Machine?

Are you ready to care for your jeans without letting them get messed up in a machine wash? Here’s how you can do it right with hand-washing:

Step 1: Choose the right size of tub or bucket to wash your jeans comfortably. Fill it with cold water. This will prevent color fading and shrinkage while maintaining its quality. Get the water ready by adding a small amount of mild detergent. Never use detergents that are harsh on denim.

Step 2: Turn your jeans inside out and soak them in the cold water that’s ready with the detergent mix. Gently swirl the jeans for uniform soaking. Let them soak for about 15 to 30 minutes, not more than that.

Step 3: After soaking, loosen the dirt with your hands. Avoid scrubbing or squeezing the jeans, as this may damage the fabric.

Step 4: Rinse them in clean and cold water till the soap residues are out.

Step 5: After rinsing, hang or lay the jeans flat for air drying. Try not to twist the jeans to drain out the water. Give them a fine air dry to get them ready for the next use.

Way to Wash Your Jeans for the First Time

The first wash - it’s a significant step in every jeans maintenance. Whether you own a dark pair of jeans or a delicate distressed pair, the first wash decides their longevity and bright look. Know how to care for your jeans during the first wash:

  • Wash them Solo: Every pair of jeans has the chance of dye transfer during the first wash. So, it's good to wash your new jeans separately from other outfits.
  • Use Cold Water with Mild Detergent: Opting for hot water on your first time wash of denim can shrink or fade the fabric. Go for a gentle wash in cold water mixed with mild detergent.
  • Avoid Softeners or Bleach: Softeners or bleaches can be hard on denim and easily break down the fabric’s fibers. So, avoid using them.

Extra Care by Washing by Hands: If you love denim collections the most, give them extra care by washing them by hands.