One of the most common questions a jean lover will ask is how to best care for jeans and make them last a lifetime, this is actually a good question. The answer lies in the simple steps below that involve being intentional and style-care-savvy!
- Wear your jeans more than once -To put it plainly, most of us wash our jeans way too much. I recommend that you wear them at least 5 times before you wash them if the jeans are not soiled or truly "dirty". I know this sounds gross sis but use good judgment! I have definitely gone out for drinks with my friends and worn my favorite jeans for 1 hour came back home and hung them back in the closet.
- Hand wash or use cold gentle/delicate cycle - So hand washing your jeans is ideal if you have time. However, most of us are super busy and are always on the go. So this is when you need to take advantage of a smart technology washing machine, read the manual LOL so you know how to use the device, and set the device to gentle or delicate. Either way, your jeans will experience a more gentle wash which will in turn maintain the structure of the fabric. Yes, denim is a sturdy fabric but it doesn't have to be treated like it. To avoid fading, fabric breakdown, and shrinkage use the gentle/ delicate cycle. And don't forget to wash in cold water!
- Turn your jeans inside out - Have you ever had a pair of faded jeans that you love to lose luster after one wash? Well this most likely occurred because you didn't turn them inside out. Flipping your jeans protects the inner fabric and design against the raging washing machine rinse and repeat cycles. Turning your jeans inside can also protect your distressing so that your jeans don't continue to distress more quickly than you like.
- Air dry always - Have you ever washed a pair of jeans and later discovered that they don't fit? or had a pair of jeans that were too big, then put them in the dryer to shrink them? You probably answered yes to both questions. The logic is clear here - if you love your current denim fit - AIR DRY them! Excessive drying can damage the fabric, cause shrinkage, and misshape your jeans. Once they are washed, take them out, give them a good shake out, then hang them dry or lay them flat if you have space.