Denim isn’t necessarily the softest and most comfortable textile on the planet. Although it’s made of cotton, it’s a heavier, more durable fabric when compared to traditional 100% cotton materials. Because of this, denim jeans can feel somewhat rough. The good news is that you can often make your denim jeans softer and more comfortable. So, if you’re tired of wearing stiff or otherwise uncomfortable jeans, consider the following tips.
Get the Right Fit
You can’t expect your denim jeans to feel soft and comfortable if they don’t fit. This is particularly true if your jeans are too small for your body. Even if you’re able to squeeze in them, they’ll restrict your range of motion while creating an uncomfortable fit in the process. This is why it’s important that you choose jeans in the right size. While you may get lucky and find the right size jeans at your local retail or department store, this doesn’t always work. Here at MakeYourOwnJeans, however, we offer custom sizing on all denim jeans at no additional charge. You tell us your measurements, and we’ll use those measurements to create a custom pair of denim jeans designed specifically for you.
Choose Stretch Denim
Stretch denim jeans are naturally softer and more supple than traditional denim jeans. As you may already know, stretch denim is characterized by the use of an elastic material like polyester or spandex in addition to the standard denim. Just a small amount of elastic material improves the elasticity of the denim, allowing it to bend and stretch without breaking. As a side benefit, stretch denim offers a superior level of softness and comfort. The only real downside is that it’s more susceptible to damage when washed and dried. You can protect your stretch jeans from such damage, however, by limiting the number of times that you wash and dry them.
Choose the Right Cut
Of course, it’s also a good idea to choose the right cut when shopping for a pair of denim jeans. Certain cuts are easier to break in than others. A pair of low-rise, boot-cut jeans, for example, are more difficult to break in than a pair of mid-rise, straight-leg jeans. Ideally, you should choose a cut that sits around the middle of your waist and doesn’t drag on the ground.
Cut Back on Laundry Detergent
There’s nothing wrong with washing your denim jeans with laundry detergent. On the contrary, this is recommended if your jeans are stained or otherwise visibility dirty. However, it’s a good idea to follow the “less is more” rule when washing denim jeans. Rather than using a full scoop of laundry detergent, use a small amount. Attempting to wash your denim jeans with an excessive amount of laundry detergent will result in some of that detergent soaking into the denim and, subsequently, making it stiff. By using less detergent, you’ll protect your denim jeans from this phenomenon while creating a softer and more comfortable fit in the process.
Wear Them
There’s no better way to break in a pair of denim jeans than by wearing them. The more you wear a pair of jeans, the softer they’ll become. Whether you’re lounging around the house, running errands or going to work, you should wear your jeans. As you wear them, you’ll probably discover that they become softer.
Choose Washed Denim
Something else to consider when shopping for denim jeans is whether they are made of washed or dry denim. The former is recommended if you’re looking to create a superior level of softness and comfort. The term “washed denim” simply means the jeans have been washed during the manufacturing process. In comparison, dry or raw denim haven’t been washed. Because of these nuances, washed denim tends to offer a softer and more comfortable fit, making it the recommended choice.
Wash With Salt
No, that’s not a typo. Washing your denim jeans with salt can make them softer. Just add 1 tablespoon of salt to your washing machine with the jeans. The salt helps to relax and loosen up the otherwise stiff denim fibers, allowing for an exceptional level of softness. Furthermore, it’s a safe and all-natural product, providing you with peace of mind knowing that you aren’t exposing your jeans to harsh or harmful chemicals. You don’t have to add salt every time you wash your jeans. Rather, try adding it once every other time.
Wash With Vinegar
Alternatively, you can also wash your denim jeans with vinegar to make them softer. Some people may turn their head at the thought of washing jeans — or any article of clothing — with vinegar, believing it will make them smell funky. After all, vinegar has somewhat of a pungent, strong odor. In reality, though, washing jeans with vinegar will actually make them smell nice and fresh. Once the vinegar odor subsides, your jeans will smell like new. Just add 1 cup of white distilled vinegar to the washing machine, place your jeans inside and wash on a normal load (without detergent).
Line Dry
We’ve talked about this before on our blog, but it’s worth mentioning again that line drying your jeans can make them softer. Traditional clothes driers are rough, aggressive and can damage the denim fibers of jeans. By line drying your jeans, you’ll protect them from such damage.
Fabric Softener
Of course, another idea to make your jeans softer is to use fabric softener. There are literally dozens of different fabric softener products available for sale. Normally, these products are added to the washing machine — like vinegar and salt — to soften the fabric. If you’re struggling to create soft jeans, try experimenting with a few different fabric softeners to see what works best. With a little trial and error, you should be able to find a product that works well for your jeans. And using it just a few times on your jeans can make a world of difference in their softness and overall comfort level.
