You might not be washing your jeans in the best way possible, and if that’s the case, it could be harming your favorite pair.
Jeans are a staple in any wardrobe due to their versatility, whether paired with a shirt, jumper, or sweatshirt. Investing in high-quality jeans means you can enjoy them for a longer time.
If you want to ensure your jeans maintain their quality and last as long as intended, Levi’s recommends following a specific washing method.
Levi’s is well-known for its denim products, particularly its jeans collection.
Interestingly, Levi’s CEO, Chip Berg, has famously stated that he avoids washing his jeans in the traditional manner, and there’s a good reason behind it.
He primarily spot cleans his jeans.
“And, when my jeans really need a wash, I do it the old fashioned way: I hand-wash them and hang-dry them,” Chip once wrote. “Ask my wife – I really do!”
But why does he do this?
The intention is to maintain the denim’s integrity, shape, color, and durability.
Levi’s Product Care page on their website suggests washing jeans no more than once every ten wears.
This frequency is quite minimal.
Levi’s advises that ‘washing denim too frequently can cause them to lose their shape and fit,’ recommending ‘washing them once every 10 wears at most to maintain their fit and prevent sagging.’
For minor cleanups between washes, they suggest using ‘a damp cloth or old toothbrush with mild soap to address small stains instead of a full wash cycle.’
According to denim specialists, there are three effective methods for washing denim that enhance its lifespan.
These methods include:
The website clarifies: “Dry cleaning is unnecessary, and handwashing is not the most convenient. Washing machines are convenient if you follow a few simple steps.”
If you decide to use a washing machine, Levi’s recommends turning your jeans inside out to protect the color during the wash, securing the zipper to maintain shape, and selecting a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water to prevent stress, shrinking, or fading.
It’s also important to use a ‘gentle detergent for darker colors, particularly for dark blue or black washes’.
Avoid using a dryer as it can deteriorate your denim.
Instead, experts suggest ‘hanging your denim to dry or laying them flat’ to ‘preserve the fit and avoid potential shrinkage or fabric distortion.’
On social media, opinions on this denim care advice varied, with many agreeing with the recommendations.
One user commented: “This is actually good advice. Washing jeans less keeps the fabric stronger, prevents fading, and saves a massive amount of water. Denim isn’t meant to be washed like t-shirts; it’s built to age, not shrink and fade every week.”
Another added: “The less you wash Levis, the better they look.”
However, another person noted: “I care about my comfort more than about the fabric longevity.”