Jeans stay beautiful for longer if you follow the specific care label and only wash when needed. Whether to wash inside out, which detergent and which drying method are suitable depends on the label and the composition. Between washes you can let jeans air and gently remove dry dirt. This way colour and fit stay as you bought them for longer. Below you can read, step by step, how to do that, with what you need to know for different kinds of jeans.
What is denim actually?
Denim is a sturdy fabric made of cotton, usually woven with a blue yarn in the warp and a white yarn in the weft. That makes the inside lighter than the outside, and it is also the reason jeans fade: indigo and other dyes can gradually fade during wearing and washing. Many modern jeans also contain a small percentage of elastane, for more comfort. That is pleasant to wear, but it makes the fabric more sensitive to heat. The composition and the care label determine the right care.
Washing: less often, and then carefully
- Wash less often. Jeans do not need to go in the wash after every wear. There is no fixed number of wears. Wash when the jeans are dirty or no longer smell fresh.
- Turn them inside out. This way the outside rubs less against the drum and the colour lasts better.
- Choose a low temperature. Use the maximum temperature stated on the care label and do not choose a higher temperature than needed.
- Use a mild detergent. Use a detergent suitable for the colour and material and dose according to the packaging.
- Wash with similar colours. New dark denim can bleed colour; so sort according to the washing instructions.
You can find more about washing and symbols on the care instructions page.
Drying according to the care label
Use the dryer only if the care label allows it. High heat can affect some cotton and elastane blends. Dry the jeans according to the label and avoid direct heat if it is advised against. Pull them into shape shortly after taking them out of the machine, then they sit well again after drying. If they dry stiff, you can gently pull them into shape by hand or run them through your hands for a moment.
Between washes
- Airing: hang your jeans outside overnight or by an open window. That takes odours out.
- Brushing: a soft clothes brush removes dust and dry mud.
- Stains: dab them with a damp cloth and a drop of mild soap. Do not rub, because then you work the stain into the fabric.
- Ironing: iron them inside out on a low to medium setting, with a cloth in between.
Differences per kind of jeans
| Kind | Watch out for |
|---|---|
| Dark or raw denim | May bleed colour; follow sorting and washing advice |
| Jeans with elastane | Check whether tumble drying is allowed |
| Light jeans | Stains show sooner; treat according to material |
| Black jeans | Follow the care label and use a suitable colour detergent |
Storing and alternating
Store jeans folded on a shelf or hanging by the waistband, with enough space so the fabric does not have to be squeezed. Do not stack them too high, because that presses creases into the fabric that are hard to remove later. Do not store them in direct sunlight, because that fades the colour. And alternate: let a pair of jeans air after wearing before you decide whether washing is needed.
What do you wear with your jeans?
Well-kept jeans deserve a polished top. A light T-shirt such as the Lenora in light blue, made of 70% viscose and 30% polyamide, suits dark jeans and can be worn daily. A calm polo such as the Atticus in navy (70% cotton, 25% polyester, 5% elastane) works at the weekend and at the office. For a smarter outfit, the Hamilton shirt in light blue, 100% cotton, fits. For women, the Ophelia in white (100% lyocell) is a good combination with dark denim. And as a layer, the Veronique in light grey is a simple cardigan that suits every shade of blue. You will find more T-shirts in the T-shirts for women collection, and more shirts at shirts for men.
New jeans: the first wash
New jeans bleed colour the first few times, also onto your shoes and your sofa. Follow the care label for the first wash. Dark denim can bleed colour, so sort carefully. Some people deliberately wait a few months for the first wash, to let the shape wear in on their body. That is a matter of taste. If you wear them straight away, you can air them after a few wears, and only wash when really needed. Avoid combining them with white clothing until the jeans have stopped bleeding.
Which jeans suit which occasion?
Dark, plain jeans without rips are polished enough for a smart casual day, provided you combine them with a smart top and smart shoes. Light or worn jeans belong to the weekend. If you wear jeans to the office, see what is usual. Whether jeans are appropriate at the office depends on the dress code. Make sure the hem is not fraying and the knees are not worn through.
When is it time for a tailor?
A worn hem, a broken zip or a stretched waist are things a tailor can often fix well. A new hem can make worn jeans wearable again. Holes at the pockets and the crotch seam can also be repaired if you catch them in time. So do not wait until the fabric is completely worn out, but have small damage repaired straight away.
Shop the look
Lenora: T-shirt, light blue
Atticus: polo, navy
Hamilton: shirt, light blue
Ophelia: polo, white
Veronique: cardigan, light grey
Frequently asked questions
How often should you wash jeans?
There is no fixed frequency. Wash when they are dirty or no longer smell fresh and follow the care label.
Can jeans go in the dryer?
Only if the care label allows it. Otherwise let the jeans dry according to the stated drying advice.
Why do black jeans fade so quickly?
Friction and washing can affect colour. Follow the care label and use a detergent suitable for dark colours.
