How to properly care for your jeans

Denim is a durable material that’s long been associated with manual labour and masculinity. Over the years, this famous textile has become a fashionable material worn by both men and women alike. Today, most people have at least one pair of jeans in their wardrobe. Whether your favourite pair are dark, light, faded, loose, tight, stiff or ripped, there are a few things you need to do to keep them in good condition. Fortunately, the team at Ernest has put together a list of tried-and-true tips for caring for your jeans.

Washing

The more often you wash your jeans, the faster they’ll fade. Therefore, unless your jeans are really dirty, get into the habit of simply freshening them up between washes. You can do this by putting them in the dryer for a few minutes with a fabric softener or dryer balls. You can also hang them in the bathroom while you’re in the shower. The steam will naturally remove wrinkles and odours. Additionally, you can air them out for a few minutes on your balcony or clothesline. However, avoid leaving them out in the direct sun.

Studies have shown that it’s perfectly hygienic to only clean your jeans every few months. In fact, researchers found that a pair of jeans that hadn’t been washed for 15 months contained as much bacteria as a pair that was washed every two weeks. In short, if your jeans are made of stiff, raw denim, they don’t need to be washed very often.

Remember you can remove small stains with a gentle stain remover or cool water. Here’s an overview of how to hand wash and machine wash your jeans.

By hand

Hand washing is the best way to preserve the appearance of your jeans. Simply follow these steps: Fill your bathtub or a large container with cold water, add a small amount of laundry detergent, turn your jeans inside out and submerge them in the water. Gently agitate them to distribute the soap and produce suds. Allow your jeans to soak for 45 to 60 minutes and then rinse with clean water.

In the machine

Before throwing your jeans in the washing machine, make sure to empty the pockets and turn the garment inside out. Wash your jeans in cold water on the delicate cycle. If your jeans are black or indigo, use a detergent that’s specially designed for dark fabrics. Doing so will ensure your jeans look and feel great for years to come.

Restore the colour

Despite your best efforts, dark jeans will fade over time. However, there are a few things you can do to help restore the colour. Here are the methods we recommend.

• As soon as you purchase a new pair of jeans, soak them overnight in salty water
• When washing your jeans, add a spoonful of salt and a cup of white vinegar to the cleaning solution

To restore the colour of your dark jeans, you can simply wash them with other dark clothing like a pair of jeans from a reputable menswear store like Ernest.

Drying

Experts agree that a combination of air drying and machine drying works best for jeans. Put your jeans in the dryer for 10 minutes and then hang them on a hanger to air dry completely. Keep in mind that dyed fabrics should be kept out of direct sunlight to prevent them from fading.

The freezing technique

Have you ever heard of washing your jeans in the freezer? It’s a real thing. Freezing your jeans in a tightly sealed plastic bag produces excellent results. In fact, freezing kills bacteria, eliminates odours, prevents fading and helps the garment retain its shape. For best results, you should leave your jeans in the freezer for 24 to 48 hours.

That's it! Now you know all the secrets to washing, drying, freshening, colour correcting and eliminating odours from your favourite jeans. When it comes to storing your jeans, simply hang them in your closet to ensure they retain their shape.

High-quality men’s jeans at Ernest

At Ernest, we have an impressive selection of chic, classic and casual jeans in a variety of styles and trendy colours. We have jeans from top brands like Mavi, Lois, 34 Heritage, Meyers and Black Bull. Shop for the jeans of your dreams in-store or online.

Do you need a sweater, casual shirt or blazer to pair with your favourite jeans? You'll find everything you need at Ernest. Our stylists can also show you shoes and belts to match your outfit. Don’t hesitate to ask them for advice. At Ernest, we want you to help you look your best and find high-quality pieces that make you feel stylish and confident.