How to care for jeans

How should you look after your jeans? How do you freshen them up without putting them in the washing machine? We guide you below.

Text: Ebba Lundberg
Photo: Olof Händén

Published 2023-08-19

Caring for jeans is a tricky and often debated dilemma as there are many different pieces of advice and instructions to follow. It is often said that it is fine to wash jeans (if necessary) every ten times they are worn. The less often you wash your jeans, the better the fit and patina will be. If your jeans get a stain, we recommend spot treating it with a wet wipe. Try to avoid wet rags as these can create light stains on your jeans. After washing jeans, it is good to hang them out to air, this way you extend the life of the jeans and protect the environment.

How to wash jeans:

Prepare your jeans

Begin by turning your jeans inside out, to minimise colour loss. Fasten all buttons, fly and empty the pockets.

Follow the washing instructions

Follow the washing instructions for your jeans. Usually they are washed at a maximum of 30 degrees. In order for the jeans to retain their colour, select a gentle wash program with a low spin cycle. As for 'Raw denim' jeans, it is recommended to avoid washing the jeans for as long as possible. For the first wash, dry cleaning is recommended (if this is not prohibited by to the washing instructions), as these are completely untreated from pre-washing and patina. Thus, fit and colour changes are to be expected during the time you use them.. You risk altering the fit and colour by washing them in a washing machine.

Choose the correct laundry detergent

Select a laundry detergent that is both gentle and colour preserving without bleach. Avoid fabric softener as this affects the structure, fit and colour of the jeans.

To Washologi

Drying your jeans

When the jeans are ready to leave the washing machine, spare them from the dryer. The dryer causes the jeans to shrink, and partly gives the jeans a strange, unnatural wear. A gentler and environmentally friendly way to dry your jeans is through drip-drying. Invert the jeans back so that the right side is out. It is fine to iron or steam your jeans.