Jeans are a wardrobe staple — rugged, comfortable, and effortlessly stylish. But despite their durability, many people unknowingly ruin their favorite pair by washing them the wrong way. If you’re tossing your jeans into the wash with every load like most people do, you might be making a mistake that significantly shortens their life. Let’s dive into the most common errors when washing jeans and what you should be doing instead to keep them looking great for years.
The #1 Mistake: Washing Jeans Too Often
Most people throw their jeans in the laundry after just a few wears — sometimes after every single use.
But here’s the truth:
Washing your jeans too often is the fastest way to fade, shrink, and destroy them.
What Experts Say
- Levi Strauss & Co., the inventor of blue jeans, actually advises washing jeans as little as possible.
- According to Levi’s CEO Chip Bergh, he hadn’t washed his favorite pair of jeans in over a year. “Jeans do not need to be washed as frequently as most people think,” he told CNN.
What Happens When You Overwash Your Jeans
1. Fading
Denim is dyed with indigo, a color that naturally fades. Excessive washing causes the dye to wash out faster, leaving your jeans looking dull and lifeless.
2. Shrinking and Distortion
Hot water, strong detergents, and tumble drying can:
- Shrink your jeans
- Twist the seams
- Cause them to lose their shape
3. Weakened Fabric
Friction from washing machines and detergents can break down the cotton fibers in denim, leading to:
- Thinner fabric
- Holes in stress areas
- Frayed seams
How Often Should You Wash Your Jeans?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s a general guideline:
- Raw or selvedge denim: Every 6 months or even longer
- Stretch denim or skinny jeans: After 4–6 wears
- Everyday denim (light wash or faded): After 5–10 wears
If they don’t smell, look dirty, or feel oily — don’t wash them yet.
Best Way to Wash Jeans (When You Actually Have To)
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