How to Wash Jeans to Keep Their Shape and Color from Fading
Washing jeans properly will help preserve their color, limit stretching, and increase their lifespan many times over. Don’t let washing them incorrectly cause your favorite pair of jeans to deteriorate too soon.
Jeans: Wearing Well Is One Thing – Washing Properly Is An Art
In the fashion world of Gen Z and Millennials, jeans are not just a basic item – but a must-have . From school outfits, to work outfits, to going out, or even to "close the deal" with a gentle sexy vibe, jeans always have a place. But if you have ever seen your jeans fade, shrink, or wrinkle after a few washes, then you are most likely washing them wrong.
It’s not as simple as throwing it in the washing machine and spinning it hard. Jeans need to be treated like the fabric they are – denim is a special fabric: thick, durable, but prone to losing its shape if not cared for properly. And it’s great that you can protect your wardrobe – starting with the next wash.
How to Wash Jeans Properly – Every Fashionista Should Know
1. Flip Inside Out – The Classic Color Preservation Secret
This is a classic tip, but not everyone remembers it. Before washing, always turn your jeans inside out. This helps reduce friction on the outside of the fabric – where the color fades the most. Especially with light wash jeans, prints or effects, turning them inside out is a way to significantly extend their life.
Gentle hand washing in cold water is ideal. If you must machine wash, use a laundry bag and use the gentle cycle to minimize fabric damage.
2. Don't Wash Too Often – Less Is More
You don’t need to wash your jeans after every wear unless they’re really dirty. Every wash strips the denim of its natural oils, leaving it dry, brittle, and prone to fading. If you want your jeans to last longer, wash them after 3–5 wears (or longer if you’re not active).
You can use a damp cloth to wipe the dirty area or spray deodorant to refresh your clothes between washes. This is a habit that many sustainable fashion enthusiasts adopt – as it saves water and significantly reduces energy waste.
3. Dry Properly - Keep Shape Without Wrinkles
After washing, hang the pants vertically with a clip or a belt. Avoid wringing them horizontally as this will create hard creases at the thighs or hems. Dry in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight as UV rays will cause the denim color to fade quickly.
If you want to speed up the drying process, you can use a fan to blow horizontally – never use high heat as this will cause the fabric to shrink and become brittle over time.
Proper Laundry Is Also a Responsible Fashion Practice
It’s not just about keeping your clothes in shape and colour – washing them correctly is a way to extend the life of your favourite items . This means you wear them for longer, use less and create less fashion waste.
For local brands that focus on sustainable fashion like Root Rotation , jeans are not just a beautiful item of clothing – they are part of a philosophy of life. A pair of pants can follow you through many years, many seasons, many journeys – as long as you know how to love and care for them properly.
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