Jeans are one of the most versatile items in most wardrobes, pairing easily with shirts, jumpers, hoodies, and just about everything else.
If you invest in a well-made pair, they are designed to last for years, but only if they are cared for in the right way.
According to Levi’s, following a simple rule when it comes to washing can help keep your jeans looking better and fitting properly for much longer.
The company’s CEO, Chip Berg, once drew attention after admitting that he does not wash his jeans in the usual way.
Instead of throwing them into a washing machine on a regular basis, he prefers to clean them only when it is truly necessary.
His approach raised plenty of eyebrows, but there is a practical reason behind it.
Washing jeans too often can weaken the fabric, fade the color, and change the way they fit over time.
By limiting washes, denim is able to age more naturally, which is exactly how it was designed to be worn.
In fact, the brand recommends washing your jeans no more than once every ten wears.
That might sound extreme, but the guidance is based on how denim behaves as a fabric.
Levi’s explains that washing denim too frequently can cause it to lose its shape and stretch out, which leads to sagging and a poor fit.
Instead, you can spot clean any marks using a damp cloth or an old toothbrush with a small amount of mild soap.
This method helps deal with small stains while avoiding unnecessary wear on the fabric.
According to denim specialists, there are three main ways people tend to clean their jeans.
There is:
-
- A washing machine
-
- By hand
-
- Dry cleaners
The Levi’s website explains the best approach clearly: “Dry cleaning is unnecessary, and handwashing is not the most convenient. Washing machines are convenient if you follow a few simple steps.”
Turning them inside out helps reduce fading, while closing the zipper supports the shape during the wash.
The brand also advises using a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water to reduce stress on the fibers.
Using a mild detergent designed for dark colors is especially important for black or deep blue denim.
High heat can break down denim fibers and lead to shrinking or warping.
Instead, experts recommend hanging jeans to dry or laying them flat, as this helps preserve their fit and structure.
On social media, many people agreed with the advice and shared their own thoughts.
One person wrote: “This is actually good advice. Washing jeans less keeps the fabric stronger, prevents fading, and saves a massive amount of water. Denim isn’t meant to be washed like t-shirts,it’s built to age, not shrink and fade every week.”
Not everyone was convinced, though.
One person pushed back on the idea, writing: “I care about my comfort more than about the fabric longevity.”
Whether you follow the advice fully or not, it is clear that jeans are built to be worn more and washed less.
