Saving Your Jean’s Life
Behind all wardrobes there are great pairs of jeans that anchor them. I should actually say “most” because for my uncle Sam, he will wear nothing but corduroy. I’m sure we all have a favorite pair of jeans that fit just right and look great with anything including last years ugly Christmas sweater from “Nanna”. I have a few of them. Unfortunately, it could have been many, but some have died in my possession and I was forced to donate them or throw them out.
The day your jeans die, you’re taking a small financial setback. You have to spend the time finding a new pair and dish out anywhere from $30 to $300 to replace them.
Here are a few tips that will help keep your jeans ALIVE:
Before you purchase the jeans
98% cotton and 2% lycra/spandex
This is not super important but jeans made in this setup are usually more comfortable and do not shrink as much as their 100% cotton counterpart. It will suck to have your favorite pair of jeans shrink on you just because you washed it wrong ONCE.
Buy the right size
Yes, that means you have to try them on before you purchase them. But you always wear a 30×32 or size 6 regular? Sadly, not all jeans are made equal. One brand can be vastly different than another. You should really focus on the waist size here. Your height is static while your waist size can fluctuate.
Choose a lasting style
Your jeans don’t need to be trashed in order to die. If they fall out of favor with the fashion police, then they’re pretty much dead. Here’s an example: Super distressed jeans and jeans with lots of paint or oil stains on them. They were cool for a quick minute, but now, they just look funny.
After the purchase
Get them hemmed
I’m guilty here. I often wear pants that are too long. I keep telling myself to get them hemmed, but I always seem to put it off. Hemming will save you hundreds / thousands in your lifetime if you need it. The surefire way to ruin your jeans is by stepping on them with your heels. If you think hemming looks tacky, get an “original hem”. Note: You should wash your jeans at least once before you get them hemmed.
Read the care label
Take the time to read the care label. Jeans were built to last. If you follow the care label, they will last even longer.
Do not wash them
Your jeans do not have to be washed after every use. Unless you’ve done something that caused you to sweat, you rolled around in crap, go commando, or marked them up somehow, there’s no reason to wash them after you use them. Jeans are best when they’re broken in. I like to wash my jeans after 2-4 usages.
Wash them in cold
If you do have to wash them, cold water all the way, unless the care label says otherwise. Warmer waters will ruin your wash =(
Wash them inside out
This helps with maintaining color. It also protects seams and zippers from snagging on anything.
Do not put them in the dryer
For obvious reasons. Helps keep your wash intact and prevents fading.
Change out of them when you get home
If you’re going to stay home for the rest of the day and are not expecting anyone, take em’ off. There are so many potential accidents waiting to happen at home (cooking spills, dirty shoes as you pick up your kids off the floor, furniture snags, etc).
Cut loose threads immediately
If you see your hems giving way or your seams begin to split, cut off the hanging thread immediately. It will prevent you from stepping on it or having the thread snag as you sit down.
Have any additional tips to saving your jeans? Let’s hear them…
Photo Credit: Susan Kane
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I don’t think jeans get all that dirty during normal use, so I’ve adopted a washing regimen similar to that of Nick from Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist in that, I like to keep the “night” on them and wash them infrequently. I even heard the maker of GAP(or similar company) jeans only washes his jeans once a year.
@David. I’m with you on that.
You know if you was them with a a 1/2 cup to a cup of vinegar it also saves the dye/wash. Just thought I should throw that in there.
Wash*, forgive me and my shi**y typo errors.
I was wondering when you were going to post this…
Everything looks great! except the minor typo “This helps with maintaing color”
Also advice when purchasing jeans…know your brand. For example the denim of Citizen of Humanity jeans are thinner/lighter than True religions. Avoid less wear and tear with more delicate jeans. Try to wear/wash them less frequently.
Somehow I have always known what I was supposed to do in terms of taking care of my jeans. The thing is, I never DO it! Why am I so lazy?!?
@Kim – Thanks for that tip. It’s hard to believe something so smelly can have so many uses. I may have to put together something on the many uses of “vinegar” in the near future.
@Visfor – I need to learn how to use spell check >.< You’re right about knowing your jeans. You definitely need to be careful with those designers.
@JoeD – It’s all about discipline baby!
i usually spray my jeans with antibacterial febreeze and then toss em into the freezer. this helps with odors and any sanitary issues you might have with not washing them for long periods. it doesnt remove stains or anything though, i usually take em into a dry cleaner when i do decide to wash em. hand washing in the tub works well if you dont feel like getting dry cleaned also. HTH
Also…For expecting mothers invest in a bella band to futher utilize those expensive jeans during pregnancy.
http://www.ingridandisabel.com/bellaband.html
I’ll vouch for opting for the denim/spandex mix–it makes the most comfortable jeans in the world. Also, buy name brands at considerable discount at Ross or Marshall’s.
Hey Visfor,
Thank for posting that. I can actually use one of those right now!
@Ethan: That’s new to me. I don’t think i have room in my freezer! I will try that one of these days. I’ll even take a picture and twitpic it.
@Visfor: Very nice. That’s something I would have never thought of.
@Bobby: So comfortable. I’m not sure if there is a Marshall’s in my area, but Ross works for me!
@Mommy247: If you’re expecting, Congrats!
Hi,
I am delighted to come here. It is a great forum
I definitely agree about not washing your jeans after one use. I have friends that do this and they end up spending way more money on wash than they should. A good pair of jeans can last you for years if you treat them right.
Credit Girl´s last blog ..How to Save Money on Your Summer Vacation
Usually my hisband just lay around the house with jeans on but go out with polyester sweat pants. Jeans are cotton.He also wear cotton shirts and all that.But the problem is that when he wear cotton jeans he get rashes all over legs, when he usually just sitting on the sofa he get the rashes. any idea what it could be that causes the leg rashes?Thanks
Thanks for the suggestions. Now that warm weather is here, on the clothesline they go.
I already have then in Skate 2, but I want to get a pair so I can where them, but I can’t seem to find them anywhere.Where can I buy in real life the Ambiguous Wax Denim jeans on Skate 2? Thanks
After a couple washes my jeans get baggy, especially in the butt, thigh area. I purposely buy tighter jeans because I know they’ll end up stretching. I would rather not wash them after only 2 days of wearing them because most of the time they aren’t dirty and this just ruins them by washing them too much. Is there anything I can add to the wash to prevent them from getting baggy? How should I wash them? Cool, warm, hot…for how long? Thanks
Such an useful article this is all the way. Few days back I lost one of my favorite jeans for ever just because of my stupid maid who by mistake poured hot water on it. I am still not over the trauma fully. Jeans is a part and parcel of our daily life. So no matter if we get harmed or not, our regular wear shouldn’t get affected by any means. The suggestions that have been given above, each of them are really effective to give the jeans (specially the most costly and favorite ones) a long life.
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