There’s nothing like a great pair of jeans. They are the finishing piece to so many different outfits, but while denim is a versatile and timeless material, it needs to be cared for properly in order to last. In this denim care guide, we’ll tell you how to clean denim properly to keep it looking fresh and dynamic.
AWDis So Denim is designed with long-term style in mind, with a premium feel and everyday durability. But even the best denim needs the right care. With a few simple wash-and-dry habits, you can extend the life of your favourite AWDis denim and keep it looking its best, wear after wear.
Before We Begin: Common Questions About Washing Denim
Before we delve into our essential tips for cleaning denim garments, let’s answer some of the most common questions people have about this trendy but tricky material. This guide is all about how to wash denim, but why do we need to take such care of it?
Why Do We Need to Be Careful When Washing Denim?
Denim is beloved for its unique texture, feel, and style, and it’s these iconic characteristics that mean it must be washed with care. The classic indigo dye that draws us to denim is bound to its fibres by an oxidation process that only applies to the yarn’s surface. As a result, the wonderful colour doesn’t penetrate beyond the surface layer, leaving it vulnerable to fading from the heat and friction of the washing machine.
A similar process occurs with the rough texture of denim, which provides its durability and rugged aesthetic. While ‘wearing in’ denim clothing is a natural, gradual process of softening it for added comfort, putting it in a warm washing machine can break down its cotton fibres and stiffening agents, resulting in a loss of shape and crisp texture.
Does Denim Shrink in the Wash?
If washed incorrectly, denim garments can certainly shrink. This occurs because the heat of a standard wash causes the fabric to temporarily expand before contracting and shrinking. The higher the temperature, the greater the potential shrinkage.
Denim clothing is likely to shrink most on its first wash, but that doesn’t mean it’s a one-time thing. Shrinking can be a gradual process, so it’s best to wash your garments the AWDis way as soon as possible!
Can I Wash Denim With Other Clothes?
The simple answer: yes! As with other clothing items like t-shirts and hoodies, we recommend washing denim with similar-coloured items to prevent transfers, but the important factor is how you wash your denim clothes!
The First Rule of Denim Care: Wash Less:
It’s clear that we need to take good care of our denim when we wash it, so let’s jump right into the golden rule for washing denim: Less is more.
Despite what you might think, one of the key tricks to keeping denim properly clean is to wash it less frequently. It might sound a bit unusual, but this tip makes a big difference in keeping your jeans and jackets looking fresh for the long haul.
You’d think that more washing means fresher denim, but when it comes to denim, less is more. As we covered earlier, washing too frequently breaks down the denim fibres, with the constant absorption of water and drying causing fading and loss of tight shape.
How Often Should You Wash Denim Jeans and Jackets?
Striking the right balance between underwashing and overwashing can be tricky, but a great principle to follow is the 10-wear rule. After you have worn your jeans or denim jacket ten times, give them a wash. Also, wash when you notice a stain, a dirt mark, or a bit of an odour.
Not every mark calls for a full wash. Spot cleaning is a technique that involves using a damp cloth or soft brush with soap to directly clean the affected area. This technique keeps So Denim products, like our Men’s Leo Straight Jeans, looking spotless without subjecting them to the wear and tear of a full wash cycle.
How to Wash Denim Jackets & Jeans: Our Step-by-Step Method
Determining how to wash denim properly is key to keeping your jeans, jackets, and shirts fresh and clean without succumbing to years of abrasive washing. There are two main ways you can wash denim: in the washing machine and by hand. Both options are viable, and steps can be taken to ensure they are as denim-friendly as possible.
The Machine Wash Method: Convenient but Demanding
Throwing your denim in the washing machine is definitely the easiest option, and let’s be honest, it fits right into busy weekly routines. But that convenience comes at a cost. Frequent machine washing can weaken the fibres and fade the colour, gradually stripping away the structure and sharp look that makes denim a staple in the first place.
Machine washing denim isn’t off the table, though. By following the tips below, you can make this method as denim-friendly as possible, preserving the integrity and colour of your favourite denim pieces.
- Preparation is Key: Before throwing your denim into the drum, take a few quick steps to help minimise wear and keep it looking sharp. Only wash denim with dark colours to prevent dye transfer and retain its colour. Turn your denim inside out, too, to reduce friction wear.
- Choose Cold Water: Cold water puts nowhere near as much strain on denim as hot water. Choosing a cold wash not only prevents fading but also stops your denim from shrinking.
- Select a Gentle Cycle: Adjusting your wash to a more delicate or gentle setting puts far less stress on the denim fibres, helping preserve their integrity.
- Use the Right Detergent: Try washing your denim with a mild, colour-preserving detergent, as this will be less demanding on the material. Avoiding bleach and fabric softeners will also help limit the breakdown of denim fibres.
- Try Adding Vinegar: A cup of white vinegar in your wash can help set the dye in your So Denim products and preserve that iconic, deep indigo colour.
The Hand Wash Method: Time-Consuming but Preserving
It may take longer than a machine wash, but hand washing your denim is the kindest way to keep your favourite clothing clean. But why is this method best practice, and how is it done properly?
Washing denim jackets and jeans by hand is preferred because it is the gentlest method. Without the rough, abrasive spin of the washing machine, hand-washing denim applies cleaning products to the material without straining the fibres, helping preserve its colour and texture. This is especially effective for raw or dark denim.
To properly handwash denim, begin by filling a tub with cold or lukewarm water. Remember: hot water strains denim fibres, so cooler water is best. Add a mild detergent and submerge the denim (folded inside out) in the warm water for a soaking period of 30 to 60 minutes. Gently swish the denim around the tub, drain the water, and rinse with cold water.
The All-Important Final Step: How to Dry Denim
Caring for denim doesn’t stop once it’s clean. How you dry it matters just as much. The wrong drying method can be just as damaging as overwashing, so it’s worth taking a few extra steps to protect the fabric and keep your pieces in top shape.
The first thing to know: never use a tumble dryer! Just like a hot machine wash, the high temperatures of this drying method will likely cause shrinking and fabric damage, doubling the strain on your denim if washed and dried in a machine. If you’ve ever noticed lint accumulating in your dryer filter, this is the material of your denim being broken down and shed.
Instead of tumble drying, allow your denim to air dry. Using an airer or washing line, this method allows your jeans and jackets to dry naturally, demanding nothing of the material in the process.
When air-drying your denim, turn them back right-side out and put them in a well-ventilated area. Remembering the effect that heat has on denim, make sure it is hanging up in a shaded place or out of direct sunlight. This will also help them to dry evenly.
Find the Perfect Denim Outfit Pieces at AWDis
Now that you know how to properly care for denim to keep it fresh for longer, why not browse the products in our incredible So Denim range? At AWDis, our range of denim garments lets you customise the perfect pieces for your needs. Check out our ranges and find the perfect customisable clothes for you. Got questions? Reach out – our team is always here to help!
