Caring for Your Jeans

Sarah had always loved her jeans. Whether it was that perfectly worn-in pair she’d been wearing for years or a new, trendy style from Hope & Stetson, jeans were an essential part of her wardrobe. She loved how they could take her from a casual day at the park with her kids to a night out with her friends, just by switching her shoes and accessories. But lately, she had been noticing something—her favorite jeans were starting to show signs of wear, and she didn’t want to lose them. That’s when she decided to dive deeper into caring for her jeans to ensure they lasted longer.

Visiting her favorite boutique, Hope & Stetson, Sarah learned some essential jean care tips that made all the difference. Here’s what she found out, and what you can do to keep your favorite denim in great condition for years to come.

How Often Should You Wash Your Jeans 

Sarah had always thought washing her jeans after every wear was the way to keep them clean. But when she walked into Hope & Stetson, the sales associate told her something surprising—denim doesn't need to be washed that often. Over-washing can wear down the fibers, fade the color, and cause your jeans to lose their shape. In fact, the less you wash your jeans, the better.

The 10-Wear Rule

For most types of denim, washing every 10 wears or so is ideal. Unless your jeans get visibly dirty or start to smell, you can simply hang them to air out between wears. This will help preserve the dye and the fabric, keeping your denim long-lasting and looking great.

Spot Clean When You Can

If you spill something on your jeans or notice a small stain, try spot-cleaning with a damp cloth and mild soap instead of throwing them in the wash. This trick helps preserve the fabric and keeps your jeans looking fresh without unnecessary wear.

How to Properly Wash Your Jeans

After hearing how infrequent washing should be, Sarah was curious about the best way to wash her jeans when the time did come. She wanted to make sure she wasn’t damaging them in the process.

Cold Water is Your Friend 

When washing your jeans, always use cold water. Hot water can cause shrinking, fading, and even stretch out the fibers, which means your jeans may not fit as perfectly afterward. Cold water helps retain the color and integrity of your denim.

Turn Them Inside Out 

One tip Sarah learned at Hope & Stetson was to always turn her jeans inside out before washing them. This simple step protects the outer fabric from friction during the wash cycle, which helps reduce fading and wear.

Avoid the Dryer

Sarah used to toss her jeans in the dryer without a second thought. But the associate at Hope & Stetson explained that heat is the enemy of denim. Instead of using a dryer, hang your jeans to air dry. If you must use a dryer, make sure it’s on the lowest heat setting and remove them while they’re still slightly damp to avoid shrinking.

Preserving the Shape and Fit of Your Jeans

We’ve all had that moment when a favorite pair of jeans just doesn’t fit the same anymore. Sarah knew the struggle all too well, but luckily, she found some great advice to keep her jeans in perfect shape.

Wear Your Jeans to Mold Your Shape 

One of the best things about high-quality denim, like the jeans you find at Hope & Stetson, is that they mold to your body over time. Avoid washing them too frequently to allow them to maintain the unique shape they’ve developed. Your jeans will feel like they were tailored just for you!

Stretch Denim Care

If you love stretch denim, like Sarah, you need to give it a little extra care. Stretch denim often contains elastane, which helps it keep its shape. Overwashing or exposing it to high heat can cause the stretch to break down. Always follow a gentle wash routine and avoid high-heat drying to ensure your stretch denim lasts as long as possible.

Storing Your Jeans for Longevity 

When Sarah wasn’t wearing her jeans, she wanted to store them in a way that wouldn’t damage them. She learned that how you store your denim is just as important as how you wash it.

Fold, Don't Hang 

Though it may be tempting to hang your jeans to save space, folding them is a better option for maintaining their shape and avoiding stress on the fabric. If you do need to hang them, use hangers with clips that support the waistband.

Keep Them in a Cool, Dry Place 

Storing your jeans in a cool, dry place helps preserve the fibers and prevents them from getting musty. Avoid places with high humidity or direct sunlight, which can fade the color and weaken the material over time.

Why Caring for Your Jeans Matters 

Sarah left Hope & Stetson feeling empowered. She had learned so much about caring for her jeans and was confident her favorite pairs would last for years. But beyond just keeping them in good shape, Sarah realized that caring for your jeans is a way to practice sustainability and slow down fast fashion trends.

By investing in high-quality denim and following a thoughtful care routine, you’re not just saving your jeans, you’re contributing to a more sustainable future. Long-lasting denim means fewer jeans ending up in landfills and a smaller footprint on the environment.

Love Your Jeans, Love the Planet 

Sarah’s journey with her favorite jeans continues, and thanks to the helpful tips from Hope & Stetson, she knows they’ll be with her for a long time. From washing less frequently to storing them properly, these easy jean care tips are a game-changer. So next time you look at your beloved denim, remember that a little extra care can go a long way toward keeping them—and our planet—looking good.