How to wash jeans properly? The ultimate care guide for denim

Stylish favorite and durable everyday hero at the same time! Whether it's jeans, jackets, skirts or dresses: to ensure you can enjoy your denim fashion for many years to come, your clothes need the right care - and at BrandsLoft , we know how to do it! Read on for useful care tips for designs made from this popular material.

Proper denim care: how to keep your jeans looking good for a long time

Denim is more than just a fabric - it's a statement, a faithful companion for all ages and a fashion classic that will last for generations. But to keep your denim pants looking good and retaining their quality after many wears, it's important to handle them correctly. In this comprehensive guide, you will find out how to gently clean your denim jeans, avoid unpleasant odors and maintain the perfect used look - without wearing out or losing color.

Why denim styles need special care

Denim is a robust cotton fabric that was originally developed for workwear. Nevertheless, it is more sensitive than you might think - especially when it comes to color, shape and fibers. Incorrect care can cause jeans to wear out, shrink or lose their rich color. To avoid this, you should follow a few simple but effective rules:

Less is more: How often should you wash jeans?

Everyone is different: while some throw their pants in the laundry basket after every wear, others wait until there are stains on their clothes. However, many people simply wash their jeans too often - and this is one of the most common care mistakes. Washing too often not only leads to faster color loss, but also to degradation of the fibers.

Basic rule: Even if you prefer frequent washing, you should wear your jeans at least 5-10 times before you wash them, depending on how often you wear them.

Tip: Small stains can often be removed selectively with a damp cloth or a little mild detergent - without the need for machine washing.

Before washing: what you should definitely consider

Before your jeans even go into the washing machine, you can take simple steps to ensure that they are cleaned as gently as possible.

Turn inside out

Always turn your jeans inside out before washing them. This protects the top from abrasion and preserves the color.

Close zippers, pockets and buttons

Closed jeans keep their shape better and prevent other items of clothing from being damaged in the washing machine.

No overfilled drum

Give your jeans room - especially skinny or stretch styles. This will ensure they are washed more evenly and are better protected.

Denim pants, jackets and co: how to wash them properly

The right washing program

Select a delicate or gentle wash program at a low temperature (30 °C). Avoid high spin cycles - they put unnecessary strain on the fabric.

The right detergent

Use a mild, liquid detergent without bleach. Color detergents are particularly suitable as they are gentle on the color pigments. Avoid fabric softener - it attacks the elastane fibers in stretch jeans and causes them to wear out at the hips and legs.

Single or color sorting

Wash your jeans in a separate wash cycle or with similar colors together. New jeans in particular can bleed and discolor other textiles.

After washing: drying and storage

Air drying instead of a dryer

Lay your jeans flat on a towel or hang them up by the waist - preferably in the shade. UV rays fade denim quickly. Dryers, on the other hand, damage elastane fibers and lead to shrinkage.

Can jeans be ironed?

Denim jeans are fairly uncomplicated, so in most cases it is enough to smooth them out and let them air dry. If you want to iron them, do so inside out and at a low temperature - without steam.

Between washes: how to keep your jeans fresh

Airing instead of washing

So that you can wear your pants several times without having to wash them all the time, hang your jeans up in the fresh air after wearing them. Odors usually evaporate on their own - especially if you hang them outside overnight. Only if it rains should you air your clothes indoors.

Freeze denim?

A popular tip is to freeze your jeans to remove odors. This has not been scientifically proven, but it can help with slight odors - the important thing is to put the jeans in an airtight bag beforehand.

Jean care for special models

Raw denim

As the name suggests, raw denim is processed in an unwashed and untreated state. This makes this type of denim particularly sensitive to water. Wear raw denim unwashed for as long as possible so that an individual patina forms. If necessary, clean the clothing by hand or on a gentle cycle.

Stretch jeans

The higher the elastane content, the more delicate the jeans. Particularly important: no tumble dryer and no fabric softener. Air drying is mandatory to maintain the shape.

Denim thrives on character - and the right care

Good jeans don't get worse over time, they get better - as long as they are treated correctly. Color changes, slight fading or creases are part of the natural aging process of denim and are what give it its special look. With a little care, your jeans will not only stay wearable for longer, but will also gain personality - for a unique style.

Now you know the right care - but you're still missing the perfect jeans? Browse through our curated denim collection on BrandsLoft.ch and find your new favorites. Still not sure which jeans look best on you? Then our jeans fit guide for Women and Men will certainly help you.