Why I’ll Never Buy a Brand-New Pair of Jeans Again (2024)

FAQs

How many wears should a pair of jeans last? ›

"Denim is a thick fabric (unlike your average T-shirt) so you can get away with more wears between washes. We recommend washing after 10 or so wears—or whenever jeans smell stale or unpleasant.

The average lifespan for a pair of jeans, according to the International Fabric Institute Fair Claims Guide, is 2-3 years. But there are a few factors that can either make jeans fall short of that standard or outlast it by years. How long a pair of jeans lasts depends on three variables: Quality.

If jeans aren't sweaty, dirty or stained, they don't have to be washed often, Rossi said. “I personally don't wash my jeans,” he added. Mohammed recommended washing jeans monthly but acknowledged it depends on your lifestyle and environment.

But why do quality jeans seem to get better with age? Well, according to Jill Guenza, the VP of Women's Design at Levi's, it's got to do with the unique characteristics of denim fabric. “The weight and weave of denim fabric has a molding effect, conforming to the particular contours of your body,” Guenza said.

Considering these factors, a reasonable range could be around 3 to 6 pairs of jeans in your wardrobe. This would provide you with enough variety for different occasions, styles, and seasons without overwhelming your closet.

The more you launder your jeans, the more you break down the fibers, causing the denim to get thinner and more likely to break. Jeans do not need to be washed after every wear, and should never be placed in the dryer.

The average lifespan of jeans is about two to five years. For the most part, the lifespan of jeans depends on how often you wear them and what you do while wearing them. If you wear your jeans every day and move a lot in them, they will probably last about two years.

They no longer fit, or no longer make you happy. “I have two methods for the best time to part ways with clothes,” says celebrity wardrobe stylist, Pilar Scratch. “When the clothes no longer fit and no longer make you happy. If I look at a garment and I'm not excited; I get rid of it.”

Denim can and should be washed when needed in a washing machine. If your jeans are not heavily soiled, they can usually be worn more than once between washings to help maintain their color and reduce normal wear and tear.

Ultimately, how long you can go without washing your jeans depends on how much you sweat, how many times you wear them, what you do in them, where you live, and of course, how bad the odor gets. A good rule of thumb is to wash your jeans after every 3-10 wears, or when they start to smell.

How often should you wash t-shirts? ›

Key Takeaways. Wash undergarments, socks, and T – shirts after every wear to prevent bacteria growth and maintain personal hygiene. Jeans can be worn up to three times before needing a wash; washing too frequently may lead to premature wear and tear.

Clothes like jeans, sweaters and jackets can be worn multiple times before they need to be washed again. Still, it's important to know how often you should wash your clothes to help ensure they look their best. Also, keep in mind that any stained or soiled clothes should be washed as soon as possible.

Being Levi's flagship product, the style is widely available and relatively inexpensive. It's a durable pant that should last for years, developing unique fading over time, and crafting its own personality. The 501 Original Fit is a no-nonsense jean that is flattering on various body types.

On expensive jeans, greater attention will be paid to the overall design. Patterns will be cut to ensure a comfortable, sculpted, and movable fit, and jeans will be assembled with a greater emphasis on quality control.

To see if a pair of jeans has what it takes, gently stretch it at the seams to check for durability. If you see or hear threads pulling apart, that's a telltale sign of poor construction that will likely lead to rips during everyday wear—leading you to either have to get the jeans repaired or purchase a new pair.

A good rule of thumb is to wash your jeans after every 3-10 wears, or when they start to smell. If you're regularly active in your jeans (think: manual work, anything where you work up a sweat), wash them every 3 wears, but if you're working at a desk, you can probably go through multiple wears without washing.

Cosco recommends washing jeans every four to six wears to preserve their color and shape. However, she says it's important to consider personal preference. If you prefer a more relaxed fit and a faded appearance, you can increase the washing cycle to around every two to three wears.

These guidelines revolve around the concept of 'hem breaks. ' Hem breaks refer to the slight crease that forms when the hem of your jeans meets your shoe. A single break at the front of the shoe is typically considered the perfect length, providing a balanced look without appearing too long or too short.