Premium denim garments, such as jeans and jackets, are typically made from high-quality fabric, dyes and other materials. These garments don't come cheap, so when you buy one, you want your investment to last. Without proper care, a denim item might fade, shrink or stretch. By laundering your denim the right way, your garment will stay in like-new condition for many years.
Step 1
Launder your denim only as often as necessary. Unless your garment gets very dirty, you don't need to wash it. By washing the item less, you'll extend its life.
Step 2
Turn denim inside-out before laundering it. This helps protect the fabric from wear and fading.
Step 3
Wash denim in cold water on the normal cycle to prevent shrinkage and color bleeding. Any bleach-free detergent will safely clean denim. Use a detergent that's formulated for dark-colored clothing if you have black or dark-blue denim.
Step 4
Add a capful of liquid fabric softener to the laundry when washing rough or starchy jeans.
Step 5
Hand wash denim if you prefer not to use the washing machine. Fill a tub halfway with lukewarm water, then add 2 tablespoons of mild liquid soap. Immerse the garment in the water and allow it to soak for 20 minutes.
Step 6
Hang the denim garment up to dry or lay it down flat on a towel. Do not put denim in the dryer; the heat can make the fabric shrink.
- When you buy a new pair of jeans, launder them before your first wear.
- Avoid dry cleaning premium denim. Dry cleaning can cause denim to fade or shrink.
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