Jean Care
Denim rewards a gentle, less-is-more approach to care that keeps the colour and fade looking their best. This hub covers the essentials of washing, drying and preserving jeans, whatever the wash. Browse men's jeans (/collections/mens-jeans-denim).
Washing
Wash Less Often
Space out washes to protect colour and fit.
How to do it
Wash jeans only when they need it, often every few wears, and air them between times to keep them fresh.
Why it matters
Frequent washing fades colour and loosens fit. Browse men's jeans (/collections/mens-jeans-denim).
Wash Inside Out
Turn jeans inside out on a cool wash.
How to do it
Turn jeans inside out and wash at 30 degrees on a gentle cycle with a colour-safe detergent to protect the surface.
Why it matters
It preserves the indigo and the fades.
Cold Wash
Keep the water cool to limit fading.
How to do it
Use a cold or 30-degree wash to reduce fading and shrinkage, and skip the fabric softener on raw denim.
Why it matters
Heat sets shrinkage and washes out colour.
Spot Clean
Treat small marks without a full wash.
How to do it
Sponge small marks with a damp cloth and mild soap so you can skip a full wash and keep the fades intact.
Why it matters
It extends the life of the wash. Browse men's jeans (/collections/mens-jeans-denim).
Drying
Air Dry
Dry jeans naturally, never in a hot dryer.
How to do it
Hang jeans by the waistband or dry flat away from direct heat; avoid the tumble dryer, which shrinks and weakens denim.
Why it matters
It protects the fit and the fabric.
Reshape While Damp
Smooth and straighten before drying.
How to do it
Smooth the seams, straighten the legs and pat the waistband into shape while the jeans are still damp.
Why it matters
It keeps jeans neat and cuts creasing.
Preserving and repair
Break In Raw Denim
Wear raw denim in before the first wash.
How to do it
Wear raw denim regularly for the first months before washing, so fades form at your natural stress points.
Why it matters
It creates a personal, characterful fade. Browse men's jeans (/collections/mens-jeans-denim).
Repair Early
Mend small wear before it spreads.
How to do it
Patch or darn thinning spots at the crotch and hem as soon as they appear, before they open into holes.
Why it matters
An early repair adds years of wear.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I wash jeans?
Wash jeans as little as the situation allows, often only every several wears, and air them out between times to keep them fresh. Washing less protects the colour, the fades and the fit. Raw denim enthusiasts wait even longer, sometimes months, to let the fades develop before the first wash.
How do I stop jeans from fading?
Turn jeans inside out and wash them on a cold or 30-degree gentle cycle with a colour-safe detergent, and wash them as infrequently as you can. Always air dry rather than tumble dry, since heat is what sets both fading and shrinkage most aggressively.
Can you put jeans in the tumble dryer?
It is best not to. Tumble drying on heat shrinks cotton denim, sets in hard creases and wears the fabric faster. Hang jeans to air dry by the waistband, reshaping the legs while they are still damp, and they will keep their fit and last far longer.