Jeans are one of those rare wardrobe staples that can actually look better with age — but how you look after them makes a big difference to how long they stay in rotation.
For Sustainable September, here are five simple denim-care habits that help preserve colour, shape and fit, meaning your favourite jeans can spend a little longer in your wardrobe and a little less time in the washing machine.
Stop washing your jeans after every wear
Unless they’re visibly dirty, denim doesn’t need washing every time you wear it. In fact, you should be washing your jeans roughly every 10 wears, with any small marks spot-cleaned in between.
Washing less frequently helps preserve both the colour and fit of denim. Try airing jeans between wears instead, and tackle small stains with a damp cloth and a little mild soap.
High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans in Mid-Wash
Turn them inside out
Turning jeans inside out before washing helps protect the outer surface of the fabric. Fasten any zips, then choose a gentle cycle.
The darker the denim, the more important this step is, as repeated washing can gradually dull the colour of black or indigo denim.
Keep the temperature down
Hotter water doesn’t automatically mean cleaner. For everyday denim, cold water can help reduce fading and shrinking — plus it uses less energy than a hot wash.
Always check the individual garment’s care label, but where the instructions allow it, a cooler wash will benefit both your jeans and your energy bill.
Give the tumble dryer a miss
Heat can contribute to shrinking, fading and changes to the shape of denim, so air-drying is generally the gentler option. Hang jeans or lay them flat, ideally inside out and away from strong direct sunlight to help protect darker colours.
It may take longer, but when the aim is keeping a favourite pair for years, treating the fabric more gently pays off.
Repair before you replace
A worn hem, loose button or small tear doesn’t necessarily mean the end of a pair of jeans. Denim is well suited to repair, from adding patches to reinforcing areas that have started to wear thin.
There’s no need to wait until something actually breaks. Paying attention to high-friction areas such as hems, pockets and inner thighs means you can catch wear early, before a small repair becomes a much bigger one.
Straight Leg Jeans in Neutral Denim
Ultimately, more sustainable wardrobe habits don’t have to start with buying something new. Looking after what you already own, washing it more carefully and repairing it when necessary can all help clothes stay wearable for longer.
Written by Nikkie Thorpe, Crew Clothing
