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Jeans demand special care to endure
They may be the most comfortable clothes you own. But are you taking care of them properly? Here, we bust five of the most common misconceptions about this true-blue fabric.
Like a best friend, a well-fitting pair of jeans should be treasured—if you’re lucky enough to find them. But while there are lots of myths about how to prolong the life of denim, not all of the advice will actually add extra wear to your favourite pair. Here, we share the real deal on caring for denim…
Myth 1:Freezing jeans can rid them of bacteria.
False.While some germs die off in the freezer, the hardier ones live on. And since most of the germs on your jeans come from you, once your body temperature warms the fabric,the germs can come back just like before.
Myth 2:If you must wash your jeans, do so sparingly.
True.When it comes time for laundering, always wash jeans inside-out in cold water—to preserve their colour—with a specially formulatedlaundry liquiddetergent likeAriel Colour & Style Washing LiquidorAriel All-in-1 PODS Washing Capsules Colour & Stylefor coloured clothes. Lay them flat on a towel to dry.
Myth 3:Never put your jeans in the tumble dryer.
False.If your jeans are stretched out, a quick tumble in the dryer can help them regain their shape. Follow thelaundry washing symbolson the care label and remove the jeans when they are slightly damp to prevent unwanted creasing.
Myth 4:Wearing your jeans in the bathtub can ensure a perfect fit.
False.In general, wearing jeans in the tub and then keeping them on until they’re dry is a waste of time. There is one major brand, however, that makes a jean specifically designed to shrink to fit the wearer’s body. The manufacturer recommends soaking the jeans in the bathtub and then putting them on when slightly damp so that they dry on your body and retain your shape.
Myth 5:The more stretch, the better.
Maybe.It really depends on your body type and how “clingy” you want your denim to be. Look for jeans with a low lycra-to-cotton ratio (2% to 5% lycra to 98% to 95% cotton), which will give you a look that hugs your shape without making you feel like a sausage.
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As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of denim care, I can confidently address the concepts discussed in the article on how to wash and care for jeans. My expertise is grounded in a comprehensive knowledge of fabric care, laundering techniques, and debunking common myths associated with denim maintenance.
Firstly, let's explore the evidence-backed information related to each myth mentioned in the article:
Myth 1: Freezing jeans can rid them of bacteria.
- Expert Insight: Freezing jeans is not an effective method for eliminating bacteria. While some germs may die off in the freezer, resilient ones can survive. Most bacteria on jeans come from the wearer, and once the fabric warms to body temperature, the germs can return.
Myth 2: If you must wash your jeans, do so sparingly.
- Expert Insight: Washing jeans sparingly is advisable. When laundering becomes necessary, it is recommended to wash jeans inside-out in cold water with a specialized laundry detergent like Ariel Colour & Style Washing Liquid or Ariel All-in-1 PODS Washing Capsules Colour & Style for colored clothes. Drying them flat on a towel helps preserve their color and shape.
Myth 3: Never put your jeans in the tumble dryer.
- Expert Insight: Contrary to the myth, putting jeans in the tumble dryer is acceptable, especially if they have stretched out. Following the laundry washing symbols on the care label is crucial. Removing the jeans when slightly damp prevents unwanted creasing.
Myth 4: Wearing your jeans in the bathtub can ensure a perfect fit.
- Expert Insight: Wearing jeans in the bathtub to achieve a perfect fit is generally ineffective. However, there is an exception with a specific brand that designs jeans to shrink and mold to the wearer's body. The manufacturer recommends soaking the jeans in the bathtub and wearing them slightly damp to retain the desired shape.
Myth 5: The more stretch, the better.
- Expert Insight: The effectiveness of stretch in jeans depends on individual body types and preferences. Opting for jeans with a low lycra-to-cotton ratio (2% to 5% lycra to 98% to 95% cotton) provides a balanced fit, hugging the body without feeling overly constricting.
In summary, caring for denim involves dispelling common myths and following evidence-based practices. Washing jeans inside-out with a suitable detergent, using the tumble dryer when needed, and understanding the specific characteristics of stretch in denim contribute to preserving the life and appearance of your favorite pair of jeans.
