A good pair of jeans can last for years. Of course, this is something that most people know already. Chances are YOU own a pair of jeans that have lasted for several years. Whether they are for work or leisure, jeans are the perfect garment for all occasions. They are strong, versatile and comfortable — a unique combination that’s not found in other styles and types of pants.
But if you plan on buying black, indigo or other dark-colored jeans, you’ll need to use caution when washing them. Washing dark-colored jeans the wrong way may cause their color to fade and bleed, making them look dull. The good news is that faded color doesn’t affect their strength or quality. The bad news, however, is that it can still affect their appearance. So if you’re looking to preserve the color and integrity of your dark jeans, keep reading for some helpful tips on how to wash and care for them.
Read the Care Label!
Before we begin, it’s important to note that you should always read the care label on your jeans. Regardless of where you purchased them, the care label reveals specific instructions on how to clean and care for your jeans. You have to remember that different jeans contain different materials and craftsmanship. So while one style may require a specific washing technique, perhaps a different style requires a different washing technique. The only way you’ll know, however, is by reading the care label. You can locate the care label by looking inside the waistband on the back of your jeans. This is where most manufacturers include the care label.
Don’t Wash them Every Day
There’s no rule stating that you must wash your jeans every day. Some people are stuck in the mindset that jeans, as well as every other garment, must be washed after each wear. In reality, though, daily washing only wears down the denim fabric while subsequently shortening the lifespan of your jeans. Many fashion icons have come out to advise against daily jean washing. Levi Strauss is one such icon who recently said that he rarely washes his jeans unless they are visibly dirty. Fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger also expressed similar sentiment, revealing that he only washes his jeans on occasion. So, don’t turn your head at the thought of wearing the same pair of jeans for multiple days without washing them. It’s actually perfectly fine, assuming they aren’t dirty.
Turn them Inside Out
Another highly effective — and simple — way to preserve the color of your dark jeans is to turn them inside out when washing them. By turning your jeans inside out, it protects the exterior from fading. Of course, this is the most important part of the jeans, as the exterior is what everyone sees. Washing your jeans inside out may still cause the interior to fade, but being that no one ever sees the inside of your jeans it really doesn’t matter. So, try to get into the habit of turning your jeans inside out before washing them. It only takes a minute, but doing so will preserve the color of your jeans while helping to prolong their lifespan.
Wash with Cold Water
The temperature of the water in which you wash jeans will affect their color. Hot and warm water, for instance, is more likely to cause jeans to fade and bleed color. This is particularly true for dark-colored jeans, as dark colors are more susceptible to this phenomenon. On the other hand, cold water has the opposite effect by protecting fabric colors from fading and bleeding, making it the recommended setting when washing dark-colored jeans. Set your washing machine to the coldest setting possible, using this setting each and every time you wash your dark-colored jeans. The only time when warm or hot water should be used is when your jeans are visibly dirty or stained. Warm water offers greater cleaning power, but it comes at a cost — increased color fading and bleeding.
Wash by Themselves… or With Similar Colors
I know this probably sounds like common sense, but it’s still worth mentioning that you should only wash dark-colored jeans either by themselves or with similar dark colors. If you read the care label on your jeans (and you should), you’ll probably notice this recommendation. Washing your jeans either by themselves or with similar colors protects them from fading. This is because colors have a tendency to bleed. So if you happen to wash a pair of black jeans with a white t-shirt, you may discover your t-shirt is a little darker afterwards. Consequently, washing a pair of light blue jeans with a black t-shirt may cause your jeans to look darker. The bottom line is that you should only wash dark jeans by themselves or with clothes of similar dark colors.
Wash with Your Vinegar
No, that’s not a typo. You can preserve the color of dark jeans by washing them with vinegar. You should still use regular laundry detergent, but add one cup of white distilled vinegar to the washing machine as well. The vinegar acts as a barrier of protection, preventing your jeans from fading or bleeding. Keep in mind that vinegar has somewhat of a pungent odor — and that’s OK. After your jeans have washed and dried, the odor should dissipate, leaving your jeans smelling nice and fresh.
Use the Right Detergent
Last but not least, you can further preserve the color of dark jeans by washing them with the right detergent. There are some detergent products on the market that are made specifically for dark colors. You can expect to pay a little more for these “special” detergents, but it’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind knowing that your jeans are protected from fading and bleeding. Simply follow the instructions on the detergent, using the recommended amount, and it will preserve the color of your dark jeans.
