I have a confession: I am not super frugal when it comes to jeans. I really like the way certain jeans fit, and since I wear them pretty much everyday, I can totally justify the purchase. Over the years I’ve learned a couple of tricks on how to get your jeans to last longer.
Because the thing is, after you spend a lot of money on jeans, you want them to last…like really last. Getting the most mileage out of my jeans? Heck yeah, I’m all for that.
How to Make Your Jeans Last Longer
First, I know this sounds gross, but the less you wash them, the better. One of the big-wigs for Levi Strauss recommends only washing your jeans twice a year. I’m not sure I can get on board with that, but I do try to wash my jeans only when they absolutely need it. I spot clean them the rest of the time.
When it is finally time to toss ‘em in the washer, I always turn them inside out. It helps prevent unnecessary fading. Though, I’ll admit, a couple of mine have faded to the point of perfection after years of wear.
Also, it’s best for the fabric to wash your jeans on cold, and then to reshape them and allow them to air dry. The dryer can be really hard on the fibers of the fabric.
If you buy a really dark wash jean, make sure to set the color with vinegar before you wear them for the first time. Just fill up a sink {or the washer} and add a cup of distilled white vinegar. Allow the jeans to marinate in vinegar and water for about an hour.
They will bleed a bit still, but it will significantly lessen how much color they lose in subsequent washings.
That’s basically it—an ounce of prevention for a pound of cure. Do you have any other tips to get the most out of a great pair of jeans? Do tell!
~Mavis
Barbara says
Would love to know what brand of jeans you buy. I hate that so many of the brands on the market now have spandex in them. They might fit well for about an hour, but then they stretch out and fall down my hips and I am constantly pulling them back up. I end up donating them because I can’t stand the aggravation. I have two pair that I have had for many years that have no spandex that I wear exclusively but, unfortunately, that brand has started adding spandex.
Mavis Butterfield says
I wear Kut from the Kloth “Felicia” baby boot but jeans. I LOVE them!
ParisPastry says
I was looking for a good pair of bootcut and looked for those and they appear to be a discontinued model!
Katelyn says
Kut also makes a bootcut called Natalie that I like a lot. Check that model out.
Ashley Bananas says
ParisPastry, check Poshmark!
Barbara says
Thank you. Paris Pastry is right. Felicia style must be discontinued. And no Nordstrom near me either to try on any of the other styles. If I was a size 2 I could buy a pair from Poshmark for $20! Haven’t been a size 2 in forever! Oh well, maybe the next time I visit my daughter and grandchildren, we can hit up Nordstrom. The search continues……
Nanci Fitschen says
I find that with spandex I can wear a smaller size. Maybe that would help.
Barbara says
Interesting. Hadn’t thought about that. Thanks for the info. Will try on smaller size next time I am shopping.
Jayne says
I love the spandex and have the opposite experience. Without spandex, the cotton in the denim stretches way out and I’m constantly yanking the jeans back up. Non-spandex jeans from Lands’ End, LLBean, Lee — awful, they’re snug when you put them on and baggy an hour later for me. With it, the jeans pretty much keep the same fit the whole time — just a minimal amount of stretching. OTOH, my current favorite jeans are Amanda by Gloria Vanderbilt, purchased for less than $20/pair. These jeans that cost $100 and more per pair? Crazy — I couldn’t bring myself to spend that kind of money on jeans.
Lana says
At 63 I can’t wear jeans anymore. They hurt me.
Karen says
Try Kim Gravel jeans from qvc…then only jeans, shorts, capris I will wear….just love them….they stretch but never do not go back in shape…….perfect!!!!
Katelyn says
Always zip your jeans, too! Zipper teeth can really chew clothes up when they’re rolling around in the washer.
Linda says
I read that washing new jeans with old plus vinegar lets some of the new color adhere to the older faded jeans. I know that hanging and airing helps a bit with freshness. Because of my back, I have not worn jeans in over 35 years. Plus, a knee injury makes my knee demands soft and stretchy material.
Vy says
I heard that if you put your jeans in the freezer overnight it kills all the germs without having to wash them. I haven’t tried it though!
FeralCat says
So I thought I was the only weirdo left who wore bootcut jeans – I’ve been wearing Levi’s classic bootcut jeans for the past couple of years. On sale they are usually less than $50, and they fit me really well. I wash after two wearings, and then hang-dry. My jeans are usually in the wash once or twice a week, and I will easily get two years out of them. That is good enough for me. I don’t get much fading either with the Levi’s.
Ashley Bananas says
It’s interesting to know what style jeans you wear. I like a boot or slight flare. I’m trying not to buy anything new for myself clothing wise. I’ve been freecycling with friends or buying one or two things at a yard sale or an online sales group, think shoes for $5-10 and other items for $1 or less. If I did buy the Kut Kloth it looks like there’s a lot on Posh mark in the $20 range.