How to Care for Your Denim So It Lasts Years
The best way to care for denim is to wash it as little as possible, always in cold water on a gentle cycle, air dry rather than tumble dry, and repair rather than replace when it wears. A well-cared-for pair of jeans can last decades.
Chances are, your denim gets more wear than almost anything else in your wardrobe. Most of us wear our jeans on repeat, and quality denim is built to go the distance, so why does the average piece of clothing barely make it past two years? Maybe it’s not the jeans letting us down, but how we’re treating them.
The fact is, sustainable fashion starts with what’s already in your wardrobe. And if you’re hoping your favourite pair of jeans will stick around for the long haul (ideally forever), here’s how to give them the care they deserve.
With a few simple habits like washing less, drying properly, and storing your denim well can dramatically extend the life of your jeans. While also reducing water use, energy consumption, and fabric breakdown.
Can you put jeans in the freezer?
You might have heard that freezing jeans kills bacteria and freshens them between washes. It’s a popular tip, and it does reduce odour temporarily, but it doesn’t kill all bacteria the way a proper wash does. Hanging denim outside in fresh air and sunlight is more effective and easier. The freezer trick is fine as an occasional refresh, but airing is the better habit.
How often should you wash jeans?
Help extend the life of your jeans and only wash when needed, usually when they start to smell. The experts at Nudie Jeans recommend washing your jeans no more than every ten wears. Spot clean stains with a damp cloth and soap, and hanging them outside in the sunshine will help keep your denim fresh in between washes.
What’s the best way to wash denim?
To help your favourite pair retain the colour you love, wash in cold water using a gentle detergent. Washing in cold water also saves energy (and money), making it better for your jeans, your wallet and the environment.
Should you put jeans in the dryer?
Now, this is important. Do not put your jeans in the dryer! Hot air causes shrinkage and will cause your favourite pair to fade quicker. Give them a shake, turn them inside out and hang them outside to air dry. Skip the iron, the light creases will smooth out with wear.
What’s the best way to store jeans?
By folding your jeans or scrunching them up and chucking them in the corner, you create creases where you don’t want them to be. Hang your jeans by their loops helps your jeans maintain their natural shape and airs them out after wear.
How to repair jeans so they last longer
When you’ve worn your favourite pair almost to death, it’s time for a refresh. Repair rips and tears; they’re easily patched or sewn. And if you want expert care, these Australian sustainable denim brands all offer instore repair services:
- Nudie Jeans offers free repairs in their Repair Shops and partner stores in Sydney and Melbourne.
- Dejour Jeans is a Melbourne-based brand known for its custom-fit jeans. They offer alterations and repairs in their Brunswick store.
- Nobody Denim is another Melbourne-based brand. They don’t offer in-store repairs, but they have partnered with The Denim Doctor, a local denim repair service.
Find your fit
A good pair of jeans will be with you for life. With so many different fits, sizes and washes of denim, it can be tricky to know what works for you. This might seem obvious, but try on every type of style, and use a fit guide as a baseline to help you work out what will suit you. Finding the perfect pair of jeans means you’ll feel better in them and wear them more often. Nobody Denim has this great fit guide to help you get started.
Frequently asked questions about denim care
How often should you wash jeans?
The experts at Nudie Jeans recommend washing no more than every ten wears. Washing too frequently fades colour, breaks down fabric fibres, and shortens the life of the denim. Spot clean small stains with a damp cloth and soap, and air them out between wears.
Does cold water really make a difference when washing jeans?
Yes, hot water causes denim to shrink and fades colour faster. Cold water is gentler on the fabric, helps retain the original fit, and uses considerably less energy than a warm or hot wash.
Can you repair jeans at home?
Small rips and fraying hems are easy to patch or hand-stitch. Iron-on denim patches work well for inner thigh wear, which is where most jeans give out first. For more complex repairs, Nudie Jeans offers free repairs in Sydney and Melbourne, and Nobody Denim has partnered with The Denim Doctor for specialist work.
What causes jeans to fade?
Heat is the main culprit, from hot washes, tumble drying, and direct sun exposure while wet. Washing inside out in cold water and drying in the shade significantly slows fading.
