Jeans are a staple in many of our wardrobes, but for them to last, they need to be cared for in the right way. Especially after some time, fading can happen, and even though this can be a desired look in stonewash jeans, you might not want this for your favourite dark blue or raw denim pair.
So, for tips and tricks on how best to keep your denim looking bright, the technologists at M&S Menswear have revealed four hacks to make your favourite jeans last longer.
Don’t overdo your tumble dryer
If you ever feel unsure whether to use a tumble dryer, it’s always best to opt to air dry your jeans.
A tumble dryer isn’t appropriate for every piece of clothing. Before shoving everything in the dryer, please take the time to go through your denim, check the labels and untangle each piece.
Over time, tumble drying can damage the elastane fibres that give denim its stretch, and irreparable damage could mean that the jeans won’t hold their original shape. It’s best for them to dry naturally instead whenever possible, but if you do have jeans that can be put in the tumble dryer, be sure to check the heat level.
Turn jeans inside out before washing
Although this may be one of the most common tips for washing jeans, it’s one that’s worth following.
Regardless of whether your jeans are new or old, you must always turn jeans inside out before placing them in the washing machine. This helps minimise abrasion that causes fading as well as the wear that can happen along the hems, pockets, and edges of your jeans.
It’s also important to zip up zippers and fasten buttons and snaps, as this helps keep the jeans in shape and prevents snagging other items in the wash.
Make sure you are using the right products
Whether you prefer powders, gel or pods, using the right products for your clothes is another way to keep your jeans in tip-top shape for longer.
Choosing a suitable detergent for your washing is one of the most important steps in keeping your jeans in good condition. You should use a detergent designed to preserve the colours as these contain ingredients to help the denim hold onto dyes and to counteract the chlorine in the water that can fade colours.
If you usually opt for powder, you must remember that it may not dissolve fully during cooler cycles and that there’s a high chance you could overdo it on the dosage, as well as leave a sticky residue. Liquid detergents are great for scent and pre-treating tough stains left on your jeans.
Wash your jeans with the same coloured clothing
With a little bit of work, you can either lighten or darken your jeans by avoiding washing them with dark or light colours, especially in hot water.
Most people already know that mixing light and dark clothes together in the washing machine may cause the colours to bleed. Well, this same phenomenon occurs when washing jeans and dark clothes together.
So, if you’re trying to keep your jeans looking light and bright, you should either wash them separately in their own load or wash them with similar light-coloured clothes. Similarly, if you’re trying to darken your jeans, you can wash them with black/dark-coloured clothing items. Following this otherwise simple rule will go a long way in protecting the colour of your jeans.
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