LESS IS DEFINITELY MORE
Sounds odd, but see how long you can go without throwing your jeans into the machine (over-washing can change the fit and colour). Instead, keep things tidy with a spot clean and air out after wear.
WASH, NOT WASH OUT
Really dirtied up your denim? Just make sure you do this.
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Zip up, button up and turn those jeans inside out. This’ll help to prevent fading.
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Don’t overload the washing machine. This can cause unwanted creases.
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Washing a new pair? Wash alone. New denim can often bleed in water and transfer colour to other clothes.
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It’s called TLC for a reason. Use the hand wash setting and a gentle detergent.
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Stick to 30° to avoid any shrinking or fading.
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Tumble drying can change the look and feel of denim, so air dry your pair where possible. Turn your jeans inside out to avoid damp pockets, too.
MORE STROKES OF JEAN-IUS
We do love a good pun. And a good denim tip.
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Adjusting your jeans? Don't pull by the belt loops. Hold the waistband of your pair to avoid straining (and with time, ripping).
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If rips or tears do occur, mend those jeans. Alternatively, lean into it and experiment with an edgier denim look.
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When storing, hang by the waistband or keep folded in a drawer. Avoid hangers (this’ll cause creasing and stretching).
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If creased, steam your jeans rather than ironing them. Direct heat isn’t great for denim.
IS THIS… GOODBYE?
We hope it never comes to this. But, in case it’s ever time to bid farewell to your favourite pair, here’s how we’d do it.
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Give your jeans a new lease of life with Thrift+. Send off your pre-loved bits in one of their bags and they’ll take care of recycling or reselling them. If they sell, you’ll even get credits to donate to charity or to spend on some new clothes. Less faff, less waste, more good stuff.
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Share the pre-love locally (gift your jeans to a friend).
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Get crafty and turn your jeans into something else. Sewing Bee, here you come.