Good denim gets better with time if you treat it right. A few simple habits keep your jeans fitting well and holding their colour for longer.
Wear. Repeat. Repeat. Wash.
Washing
- Wash less often. Jeans don't need washing after every wear. Wash them only when they need it.
- Turn them inside out before washing to protect the colour and the surface of the fabric.
- Use cold water and a gentle cycle with a mild detergent. Hot water fades colour and can shrink cotton.
- Wash with similar colours, especially for the first few washes, as indigo dye can transfer.
- Skip the bleach. It weakens the fibres and leaves patches.
Drying
- Air dry by hanging or laying flat. The tumble dryer can shrink jeans and damage stretch fibres.
- Dry in the shade. Direct sun speeds up fading.
Fading
Denim is cotton thread coloured with dye, so some fading over time is normal, especially on black and dark jeans. To slow it down, wash less, use cold water and always wash inside out.
Stretch denim
Jeans with stretch keep their shape best away from heat. Avoid hot washes, the dryer and ironing directly on the fabric.
Storing
- Fold or hang your jeans in a dry place, away from direct sunlight.
- Give them a rest between wears so the fabric can recover its shape.
