How to Make Your Jeans Last Longer: The Ultimate Denim Care Guide
A great pair of jeans deserves the right care to keep it looking its best. Once you find your perfect fit, you’ll want to learn how to care for denim to ensure it stays in the best condition possible. And keeping your favorite pairs in top shape isn’t as difficult as you might think. Here are a few habits to pick up that will help keep your go-to denim looking (and fitting) great for years to come.
Why Denim Care Matters
Think denim damage comes from wearing your favorites on repeat? Think again. Most damage to jeans (like fading, stretching out, and fiber breakdown) comes from how they’re washed and dried, not everyday use. But don’t worry. You can have your denim and wear it too. Explore some practical and super easy fixes.
Wash Less, Wear More
The biggest cause of premature wear and tear is definitely the washing machine, as it strips natural fibers and can dull the indigo. Wondering how to care for denim? The number one thing you can do is skip the frequent washing. Instead, aim to wash your jeans after about 5-10 wears. Bonus: This also saves water and energy.
Signs It's Time for a Wash
While the above is a great guideline, be sure to keep a lookout for telltale signs that a wash may be in order. Watch for visible stains, odor that doesn’t air out, or stiff jeans that deserve a break.
Always Wash Cold, Inside Out
When learning about how to care for denim, it’s important to remember to keep it cool—the water, that is. Washing your jeans in cold water prevents shrinkage and preserves their stunning shade of blue.
Plus, don’t forget to turn them inside out before throwing them in, as this can help reduce fading and protect the outside (including those buttons and zippers) from damage. Ditch the bleach and consider a gentle or delicate cycle with mild detergent to really give your denim a fighting chance.
Skip the Dryer
While it can be tempting to throw your favorite pairs into the dryer (especially if you’re in a hurry), you’ll want to skip this step, too. Heat is especially damaging to stretchy denim, as it breaks down the fibers and can lead to bagginess that won’t bounce back. Instead, air-dry your jeans flat or hang them up. Feel free to pop them in for a quick low-heat tumble if they still feel stiff once dry.
Treat Stains the Right Way
Stained a beloved pair? Don’t panic. That doesn’t mean they have to head straight to the washer. Try spot-cleaning with a damp cloth or stain remover applied directly. Dish soap or a very light touch of rubbing alcohol can also work wonders on pesky stains, like ink and grease.
Store Them Properly
When thinking about how to care for denim, you can’t forget about the way you store them, and you have two main options. Hang them by the waistband to prevent wrinkles or fold them flat on a shelf. Make sure to give your denim some breathing room and avoid packing them in tightly.
Repair Small Damage Before It Spreads
Notice a snag, tear, or loose string? You’ll want to tackle repairs right away. And you’re in luck, because the worn, repaired look is super in right now. Try out DIY patch options using scratch fabric or pick a pre-made one up in a design you love and place it over the spot showing the damage. It’s a win-win—you save your jeans and they get a cool refresh in the process.
Your Jeans, Your Way
You deserve great jeans that last. Learn how to care for your denim, so you can keep all your favorites in rotation for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I wash my jeans? Aim to wash them about every 5-10 wears, or when they are visibly dirty or smelly to keep them in their best condition.
Should I wash new jeans before wearing them? Yes! You should wash new jeans before you wear them to remove any excess dyes and ensure they’re fully clean.
Can I put jeans in the dryer? While you can put jeans in the dryer, air-drying is better for them in the long run, as this helps keep them looking their best over time.
How do I get the smell out of jeans without washing them? To get rid of odors without washing your jeans, you can try airing them out or placing them in a plastic bag in the freezer overnight—a tried-and-true hack.