With the colder temperatures on the horizon now more than ever we turn to denim that we can rely on to feel confident in both style and performance. If you are anything like us, you probably have multiple pairs folded in your closet, complete with different washes, finishes and fits. We stock vintage‑inspired styles, luxe designer denim, ripped jeans, jeggings, seventies styles, skinny, embroidered, mom jeans.. And the list goes on! Our jeans are worn on rotation, with different pairs for different occasions. Men in particular are somewhat attached to their favourite pair; after all, it’s a staple part of most outfits when you’re off-duty.
So with this said, it’s important to understand how to look after your staple jeans so that you can get the most out of them. There’s no point investing in a great pair of jeans only to ruin them in a matter of months. So, if you’re looking for a way to make your jeans last longer, here are some helpful tips.
Protecting your ripped jeans
First thing’s first; ripped jeans have undoubtedly become a hugely popular trend in recent years, but the rips and frays can soon become a problem if you’re not careful. For instance, take your favourite pair of black jeans with rips; you wash them a few times, and the small rips soon become gaping holes.
Denim only rips sideways, so make a note to reinforce the sides of the holes or frays to reduce the risk of them ripping further; unless that’s the look you’re trying to achieve! You can follow a couple of DIY methods to do this; either sew along the edges to keep your rips intact, or attempt to use clear nail polish which will create the same result.
Tips for washing your jeans
Washing jeans can be somewhat of a tricky one, simply because you’ll want to wash them often to keep them feeling fresh and clean! Jeans are better off when they aren’t washed often however, because washing them will make the colour fade quicker. If you need to remove any dirt in the meantime, just spot clean your jeans with a damp cloth instead of throwing them straight in the washing machine!
When you do eventually wash your jeans, turn them inside out to prevent any fading. You should also try to wash them on a cold wash if possible, or lukewarm at most. Some even suggest hand washing your jeans with cold water and a drop of mild detergent, before rinsing them off.
Make sure you never use bleach when washing your jeans; this will completely ruin the colour! If you’re washing jeans for the first time, only wash them with similar colours as the dye or pigment can often run. Be aware that jeans may shrink slightly on their first wash, so if you think you need to buy the next size up, then do so!
Tips for drying and storing your jeans
When it comes to drying your jeans, you’re better off leaving them to air dry. This can help lengthen the life expectancy of your favourite staple pair.
Did you know that lint is the result of your clothes breaking down in the dryer…? Hang your jeans indoors and away from sunlight to avoid any possible bleaching.
If you’re worried about your jeans going stiff, put them in the dryer on the lowest heat for a couple of minutes to help break them back in.
Once you’ve washed and dried them, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their appearance too. It’s recommended to hang your jeans; not fold them! Global creative director of Calvin Klein, Kevin Carrigan, says he hangs his by the back belt loop. This both helps them to air out, and give them a great lived-in look.
