Yesterday, users on Twitter were having an intense debate about jeans, specifically their jeans-washing habits. Two teams formed: those who wash their jeans after almost every wear and those who prefer to leave them out of their laundry baskets.
https://twitter.com/woehrlwind/status/950442336953290753
LOL I never did until I moved in with my boyfriend. He was always washing his that I got self conscious & tried to play it off like yea duh obv throw my pants in
— sarah (@sarahfoster13) January 9, 2018
We aren’t sure why this debate sprung up but it got us thinking – how often should we wash our denims? Apparently the best way to get jeans that fit you better is by washing them less so that the fabric stretches to fit your body. If you put it in the wash too often, the fibres become rigid again and contract, thus bringing you back to square one. Being violently spun around in the machine frequently can also result in more damage to your denims.
So if we’re not supposed to wash them, then how do we keep them clean? Well, not to worry! We have compiled some tips to help you maintain your favourite pair of jeans, without having to compromise on hygiene.
1. Spot clean
If you just have a small stain on your jeans, you don’t have to throw the whole pair into the washing machine! You just need an old toothbrush or a damp cloth and use some mild soap to scrub the stain away. That way, the fabric wouldn’t stiffen up and your jeans will still look amazing
2. Don’t wash your jeans so often
Okay, so according to Levi’s CEO, Chip Bergh, you never have to wash your favourite pair of Levi’s! This is because the bacteria and microbes that are found on your jeans after they have been worn are from your own body and fairly harmless. Also, it helps save water so it’s a win-win!
Well, not really. When the microbes are left on your clothes for an extended period of time, they break down your sweat and skin cells which makes your jeans smell. Yuck. To maintain a well-balanced jeans-washing cycle, we recommend that you wash your jeans after 4-6 wears – enough time for the jeans to form to your body and before the smell becomes noticeable.
3. Turn them inside out
Naturally, the indigo dye may start fading after numerous washes. Some people may prefer the distressed/worn in look but if you want to maintain the original colour of your jeans for as long as possible, turn your jeans inside out when you put them into the washing machine. This prevents excessive fading and colour loss. Furthermore, Levi’s says that “a good fade comes from living in your jeans, not an aggressive spin cycle”. So get that natural fade and keep your jeans in great condition by ensuring that they’re flipped out before you bring them for a wash!
4. Use the right detergent
When you bring your jeans for a wash, ensure that you’re using the right detergent (and the right amount!) to ensure that the dyes don’t get washed out! According to J Brand’s former head of design, Mary Bruno, most laundry detergents also have optical brighteners that will change the colour of your jeans. So opt for something milder and try to get your hands on detergents that have pumps so you have just the right amount for your laundry.
5. Opt for a cold-water spin
With soap, comes water. Use cold water when you wash your denims to retain the dyes in the denim for a longer time! It also protects against shrinking so you can maintain those comfy form-fitting jeans. A cold-water spin also saves energy thus resulting in savings on your electricity bills. This is the true win-win situation!
6. Hang them out to dry
Putting your jeans in the dryer causes great damage. The lint you see in dryers is actually the result of fabrics breaking down after being vigorously spun around! It’s better to hang your jeans out to dry to help preserve the fit and prevent shrinkage. Anyway, most of our homes in Singapore don’t have a dryer because we have the almighty sun, which is also free of charge – the perfect drying method for sunny Singapore. UV rays from the sun also help to kill bacteria on clothes but remember to keep them turned inside out to protect your jeans from excessive fading.
Whether you prefer the distressed look or want to keep your jeans as good as new, one thing’s for sure: we all would love to have a pair of comfy jeans that just fit our bodies well. So follow these tips for the perfect pair of jeans while keeping hygiene a top priority!
Header Image: Levis
Images: Levis and Wrangler
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