You can wash your jeans as you do any garment, but if you want to preserve the integrity of the denim and bring out the high’s-and-low’s (which makes denim beautiful and your jeans unique), you’ll need to make a few adjustments to your standard wash process.

Each time you wash your jeans, you wash away a touch of the denims natural indigo color.  This color loss not only changes the color of your jeans, it also fades the distinct high-and-low distress marks created each time you wear them.  Keeping this distress visible is desirable; with it, the jeans become unique to you.

Here we offer you a few simple ideas to keep your denim looking special after the wash process:

 Wait Till You Can’t Wait Anymore

If you learn anything from this article, learn that you don’t need to wash your jeans as often as other garments.  The more you wash your jeans, the more character you strip away.

Denim has the ability to “shake off” most anything you’ll accidentally or purposefully rub on it during a day (almost magically), so constant washing isn’t necessary. 

The day will come when you know it’s time for a good cleaning.  Until then, resist “knee-jerk” washing.  “I’m doing a load of darks, do you have anything you need washed”, she asked.  “I guess you could wash my jeans”, you should avoid responding.  “I’m good for now, but thanks”, may be the more thoughtful response.

Turn the Jeans Inside Out

Most guys won’t turn their jeans inside/out before washing; it’s an extra step they’re unsure makes any difference.  But turning your jeans (or any garment) inside/out has a purpose. 

During the wash process jeans rub against each other, this abrasion (over time) breaks down the integrity of the denims cotton fibers. By turning your jeans inside out, the abrasion takes place on the under side, preserving the surface.

Don’t Stuff Your Washer Full

Imagine a washing machine packed solid with jeans; during the agitation cycle the jeans constantly rub against each other.  They have no room to move freely, increasing the abrasion and deteriorating the cotton fibers.    

Now imagine a washing machine half full of jeans; during the agitation cycle the jeans are suspended in water.  They can move without obstruction, reducing abrasion and wear. 

Less abrasion will preserve the cotton fibers and indigo color.  So instead of jamming in those last few garments set on doing just one load, break it into two loads.

Wash Cold, Gentle Cycle

Washing in cold water helps preserve the denims indigo color.  Washing in hot water can cause the denim to bleed indigo (no good).  You want to minimize the color reduction during the wash process.  Wash in cold water, your jeans will get clean and you’ll preserve the natural indigo.  

The “Gentle Cycle” is the best setting to reduce abrasion and minimize color loss, while still cleaning the jeans.  A less vigorous wash cycle will help maintain the high-and-low distress.

Don’t Tumble Dry, Air Dry Instead

From the washing machine, turn your jeans right-side-out and lay them over a chair to dry.  Once dry (several hours later), they’ll be a bit more stiff than if you tumbled them, but they’ll loosen up quickly once on.  

By air drying, you save the jeans about 40 minutes of heat and abrasion from the dryer.

The Romance and Quirkiness of Denim Care

If you don’t already know, there is a cool subculture of denim enthusiasts affectionately called “denim-heads”.  They think about denim like some guys think about Star Wars. 

Some denim-heads never wash their jeans, but if their denim absolutely needs cleaning, they’ve developed creative alternatives to the washing machine.  Here’s a few:

• Wash your jeans in the ocean. The salt water preserves the indigo and kills bacteria. 
•  Wash your jeans while wearing them in the shower.  The denim will be cleaned as they form to your body. 
•  Put your jeans in a plastic bag and place in the freezer overnight.  The cold will kill bacteria and your jeans don’t have to come in contact with water.

Although these solutions are intriguing, they might not work for every guy, that’s why we titled this article “Washing Jeans: A Practical Guide for Denim People”. 

Wash only when necessary.  Turn inside/out.  Don’t over stuff the machine.  Wash cold.  Air dry.