Are you looking for ways to wash jeans without making them shrink? This guide has all the right answers.
First, you have to keep in mind that the main material used in making jeans is cotton. Cotton is prone to shrink, but there are ways to minimize its effects.
Now let’s see how this affects jeans and how to wash them properly.
Why do jeans shrink?
To understand this, I’ll take you through the material your jean is made of and why it causes shrinking.
One of the most common questions I get asked is why do jeans shrink? The simple answer is that jeans shrink because of the way they are made.
To make it clearer, denim is a type of fabric that is woven from cotton yarns that have been dyed with indigo. And indigo is a natural dye that has been used for centuries to color fabric.
The yarns used to make denim are tightly woven together, which makes the fabric very strong and durable.
However, this also means that the fabric is not very flexible. When you wash denim, the fabric will shrink because it is not able to expand and contract like other fabrics.
The best way to avoid shrinkage is to wash your jeans in cold water and hang them to dry. If you must wash them in a machine, always use the gentle cycle and don’t put them in the dryer.
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How to wash jeans without shrinking
If you’re worried about shrinking your jeans, don’t be. There are a few easy ways to wash them without fear.
Soaking
One way is to soak your jeans in cold water for 30 minutes before washing them. This will help the fabric to retain its shape. You can also add a cup of vinegar to the soak for extra protection.
Use delicate cycle
Another way to prevent shrinking is to wash your jeans on a delicate cycle. Be sure to use cold water and avoid overloading the washing machine.
Air dry
And finally, always line-dry your jeans. Heat can cause the fabric to shrink, so it’s best to let them air dry.
With these simple tips, you can keep your jeans looking great and long-lasting.
Do all jeans shrink?
Yes, they do.
However, the ratio depends on the fabric and the quality of the jeans. Lower-quality jeans are more likely to shrink, while higher-quality ones will be less likely to do so. This also applies to pre-shrunk jeans.
Even if your jeans don’t shrink much, washing them in hot water and drying them on high heat can cause them to shrink drastically.
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How to keep new jeans from shrinking or fading
It’s no secret that new jeans can be a bit of a pain to break in.
They’re often stiff and can feel a bit like wearing cardboard. But there are a few things you can do to help soften them up and keep them from shrinking or fading.
- First, soak your jeans in a tub of cold water for about an hour before wearing them. This will help to loosen up the fabric and make them more comfortable.
- Next, when you first put them on, wear them for only a few hours at a time. Gradually increase the amount of time you wear them each day until you’re comfortable wearing them all day long.
- Finally, make sure to wash your jeans in cold water and air dry them whenever possible. Heat can cause new jeans to shrink, so it’s best to avoid it if you can.
Does hand washing make jeans shrink?
Yes, it does.
However, hand washing is considered a gentler way to clean clothes than machine washing, so it is unlikely that hand washing would cause jeans to shrink significantly.
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FAQs
How often should you wash jeans to prevent shrinking?
Between 3-10 wears. This helps to prolong its shelf life.
Do jeans shrink every time you wash them?
Yes, they do. For every wash, a jean breaks down.
Can you unshrink your jeans?
No, you can’t. The most you can do is try to stretch it out.
Conclusion
It is best to wash jeans in cold water on a gentle cycle and to line dry them or lay them flat to dry. If you must use a dryer, tumble them on low heat. Washing your jeans less often will also help prevent shrinkage.
When stored, fold them rather than hang them to help keep their shape. With these tips, you can keep your jeans looking great for much longer.
Thanks for reading.
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