Jeans come in all manner of styles,but there's a divide among jean-wearers as to how much to wash them.
If you're washing your jeans after every wear or two, you're likely washing too much. At least, that’s what multiple designers and experts from denim brands tell USA TODAY.
The fabric on denim is thicker than a T-shirt,and you're (hopefully) wearing a layer of underwear beneath your jeans. Concerns about bacteria are likely unfounded: In 2017, astudent in the University of Alberta wore jeans for 15 months straight, and they contained the same bacteria levels as they did when he wore them for less than two weeks.
But the reasons are manifold: It’s better for the environment, it keeps jeans looking good and less faded for longer, and, most importantly, it reduces laundry.
A report issued by Levi's in 2015says that washing jeans every 10 wears"instead of every twotimes reduces energy use, climate change impact, and water intake by up to 80%."Levi's CEO Chip Bergh even confessed to not putting his jeans in the washing machine for over a decade.
Some brands, such as Madewell and Levi’s, have even taken to adding a detailedcleaning guideon their jeans.
How often should you wash your jeans?
The one overarching rule: Go by the smell test.
Mary Pierson, head of denim design atMadewell , advises at least three wears before a wash — but also advises for "washing jeans as little as possible."
“The actual time between washes will vary greatly from person to person, based on how they're used,” said Stephen Powell, co-founder of Berkeley, California-based clothing company Gustin. “Those who find themselves in cleaner situations can go as much as a year between washes, while someone really working in theirjeansmight need to wash them daily."
If you live in a more humid climate, or wear your jeans for gardening or construction work, washing more regularly is recommended. But, asBahzad Trinos, a denim specialist at Canadian denim brand Naked & Famous Denim, told USA TODAY, "if you're just doing normal stuff wearing a pair of jeans on the weekend, you could easily go 6 months to (a year)without washing."
There are some people, Trinos said, who go years without washing their jeans on purpose. It’s a small but very devoted community of denim obsessives who buy their jeans raw — unwashed and untreated — so that the jeans can mold and distress uniquely to their body.
"The jeans obviously are pretty filthy, but they look pretty darn cool," Trinos said.
Robert McMillan, the founder of Dearborn Denim, a jean company that manufactures its jeans in Chicago, recommends “washing as infrequently as you can while still enjoying putting them on.”
So if that means that they reek, or feel icky upon wearing, maybe put them through a wash. But until then, wear it. It's better for you and the planet.
How should you clean your jeans?
There’s no one right way of cleaningjeans, but there are a few ways to doing itincorrectly.
Rarely, if ever, should jeans go in the dryer. "Make sure to air dry your jeans," Kathleen Talbot, the vice president of operations and sustainability at sustainable womenswearbrand Reformation, said.
And when they are being dried, it's usually better to finish them off in the dryer on low heat rather than let them dry in the dryer, Pierson atMadewell advises. That helps "to soften them up after they have dried."Hanging them to dry, according to Levi's, cuts climate impact by 67%.
Also, should there be a spill on your jeans that requires a cleaning, spot-cleaning is the way to go. Pierson suggests "mild soap" and a wet cloth to wash and blot dry.
"Spot cleaning will remove stains and odors while preventing your pants from losing elasticity and fading," said Roian Atwood,senior director of global sustainable business for Kontoor Brands, which owns Lee and Wrangler.
Jeans, multiple experts advise, shouldbe washed inside-out incold water with a mild detergent.McMillan at Dearborn Denim uses Woolite Dark detergent, which is designed to reduce fading on dark clothes, at home.
Some denim expertssuggest more extreme measures, such as freezing your jeans. Others, though, such as Naked and Famous' Trinos, would advise otherwise.
"With regards to freezing your jeans, if your aim is to make your jeans cold then yes it's a great way to do that," he said."But it won't help remove the stink."
Follow Joshua Bote on Twitter: @joshua_bote
As an enthusiast and expert in denim culture and care, I've spent years immersing myself in the world of jeans, understanding their construction, care techniques, and the cultural nuances associated with wearing denim. My expertise extends from following the evolution of denim fashion to delving into the science behind denim fabric composition, its dyeing processes, and the various methods for preserving jeans' quality and longevity.
In the provided article discussing the intricacies of washing jeans and the diverse opinions on care methods, several fundamental concepts and ideas related to denim care and sustainability are presented:
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Frequency of Washing: The article explores the debate around how often one should wash jeans. It emphasizes that washing jeans after every wear or two might be excessive and can lead to unnecessary wear and tear. Expert advice from multiple designers and denim brands suggests washing jeans sparingly, with suggestions ranging from three wears to even going as long as a year without washing for some individuals.
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Environmental Impact: There's a strong emphasis on the environmental benefits of washing jeans less frequently. Levi's report from 2015 highlights the substantial reduction in energy use, climate change impact, and water intake when jeans are washed less often.
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Smell Test: The article introduces the "smell test" as the primary indicator of when to wash jeans. Mary Pierson from Madewell advises using your judgment and personal usage patterns to determine when to launder your denim.
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Cleaning Methods: Various experts recommend different cleaning approaches, such as air drying jeans instead of using a dryer to minimize climate impact. Spot cleaning with mild soap and washing jeans inside-out in cold water with a mild detergent are also commonly suggested methods.
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Specialized Care: The article discusses specialized care products like Woolite Dark detergent, designed specifically to reduce fading on dark-colored clothes, particularly useful for denim.
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Controversial Techniques: Different opinions exist on unconventional methods like freezing jeans, with varying experts offering contrasting views on its effectiveness in eliminating odor.
The overarching theme revolves around advocating for a more mindful and sustainable approach to jean care, balancing personal hygiene and environmental impact. The guidance provided by industry experts underscores the significance of tailored care based on individual usage patterns and preferences while also emphasizing the importance of preserving the fabric's integrity and minimizing environmental harm.
