- Turn Jeans Inside Out
- Cold Water Is Non-Negotiable
- Always Use Cold Water
Turn Jeans Inside Out
Washing denim correctly is essential to maintain its color and fit, enhancing the longevity of the fabric. A well-known method is to turn your jeans inside out before placing them in the washing machine; this technique protects the outer dye from direct exposure to chemicals and abrasion. When dealing with denim, prefer cold water settings as hot water can cause the dyes to bleed and the fabric to shrink. Additionally, it’s wise to use a mild detergent designed for colored fabrics to further shield the dye particles.
Industry experts often recommend reducing the frequency of washes to preserve denim’s original appearance. Levi’s CEO once famously suggested that jeans should rarely be washed, pointing to freezing your jeans as an alternative to refresh them without washing. This can help maintain the strength and color of the fabric while reducing energy and water usage. Ultimately, the less you wash your jeans, the longer they will last, embodying a perfect blend of practical care and environmental consciousness, ensuring your favorite jeans stay vibrant and snug for years to come.
Yu-Qi Feng , Professior, Wuhan Textile University
Cold Water Is Non-Negotiable
I approach denim washing with a careful method that preserves both color and fit. Turn your jeans inside out before washing – this simple step reduces abrasion on the outer surface where color is most visible. The indigo dye in denim sits primarily on the surface of the fibers, making it particularly susceptible to washing damage.
Cold water is non-negotiable. Hot water accelerates dye loss and causes up to 4% more shrinkage per wash according to textile industry studies. Use a gentle, dedicated denim detergent that lacks harsh optical brighteners that strip color.
Skip the washing machine when possible – hand washing reduces fiber stress by 60% compared to machine agitation. When machine washing is necessary, use the gentlest cycle and avoid overfilling the drum.
The biggest mistake people make is over-washing. Premium denim brands like Nudie and Levi’s recommend washing jeans every 10+ wears rather than after each use. Every wash, even done properly, removes a small amount of dye and slightly alters the fit.
For drying, avoid the dryer completely. Heat-drying can shrink denim up to 5% and damages the cotton fibers’ elasticity. Instead, reshape while damp and lay flat or hang from the waistband to air dry.
By following these steps, you’ll extend your denim’s lifespan by years rather than months, maintaining both its color integrity and the personalized fit that makes quality denim so valuable.
AM Amirul Islam, Editor, Textile industry
Always Use Cold Water
Always use cold water when washing denim. Heat fades denim quickly, even on the first wash. I flip jeans inside out, wash them alone or with dark colors, and skip the dryer. Air dry them flat or hang them. Using cold water reduces dye loss by 60%, and avoiding heat helps jeans maintain their shape longer. I learned that after ruining my favorite pair once.
Avoid fabric softener—it breaks down stretch fibers. Denim experts say washing every 5-10 wears keeps the color intact without bacteria build-up. For deep indigo or raw denim, spot cleaning works better than washing them in the machine. The less you wash them, the longer they look new. Simple changes make a huge difference.
Richard Horrocks, Professor of Technical Textiles, University of Bolton
