Jeans care 101: what to do (and what not to do!)

When it comes to washing your jeans, it’s all about keeping it simple. Over washing your jeans can lead to fading and often saying goodbye to your favourite pair too early! You don’t need to wash your jeans after every wear (in fact, we highly recommend you don’t). Spot clean any spills or marks when you can and save the machine washes for when they really need it, like after a muddy camping trip or a very messy meal. In between wears, let them breathe by airing them out in the shade to keep them fresh.

When laundry day does come around…

When it’s finally time to give your jeans a wash, start by turning them inside out to protect the denim wash colour and reduce friction in the machine. Use cold machine wash on a gentle cycle and always skip the bleach. Each pair of our jeans is a little different so make sure to read the individual care instructions on the label carefully before washing. When it comes to washing detergent, keep it mild, as harsh washing liquids can wear your jeans out faster than you think. We recommend not washing your jeans with other clothing that might shed lint or fuzz, like fluffy towels. Washing jeans with similar colours is ideal for the best results and has the added benefit of saving water.

The age-old question: can you put your denim jeans in the dryer? Technically, yes but if you want them to last longer and keep their original shape and colour, we don’t recommend it. The high heat of the dryer can cause jeans to shrink, fade and damage the stretchy fibres in the denim (bye bye comfy fit). Instead, for freshly washed jeans, air-drying flat or hanging them up to dry on their own is best. For winter days, an indoor clothes horse is a great alternative or when the weather permits, an outdoor clothesline always does the trick. If you’re in a rush, your jeans are still slightly damp and really do need to put your jeans in the dryer, we recommend a low heat or no heat short setting to minimise any damage.

Once your jeans are washed, it’s time to hang them up. The best way to dry jeans is to hang them up by the waistband so they keep their shape and dry evenly. If you prefer folding, make sure your jeans are completely dry first to avoid any dampness causing a smell. When it comes to storing your denim, avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading that perfect denim wash you love so much. Whether they’re stacked, hung or folded, treat your jeans right and they’ll stay in rotation for seasons to come.

Denim doesn’t ask for much but just a little love goes a long way. After all, the more we look after our clothing staples the long we will have them to wear them! With the right care, your favourite pair of jeans will remain a wardrobe staple for many more seasons to come. Now that you know how to care for them, it’s the perfect time to shop our range of women’s and men’s jeans at low prices you’ll love to give your denim drawer a refresh. Your perfect pair of jeans is waiting (and after reading this guide, they’ll be clean, comfy and ready to wear)!