Photos by Michelle Dorman Photography
Blouse: Loft (solid verison)| Denim: Banana Republic | Necklace: J.Crew (similar) | Bracelet: J.Crew | Rings: Gorjana (similar here & here)| Earrings: Nordstrom Rack (similar) | Flats: Sam Edelman (in gold)| Purse: Michael Michael Kors (similar) | Lipstick: Wet n Wild Purty Persimmon
This summer I picked up this awesome pair of distressed denim. I tend to go through my jeans quickly,so I thought it was time to do some research on how to prolong the lifespan of my jeans.
Hand Wash Only
I hate when I wash my favorite pair of jeans and the color fades. To avoid fading, fill your sink or tub with cold water and turn the denim inside out. Add a half of a teaspoon of mild detergent and let them soak for an hour. Rinse in cold water. If you must use a washer machine, wash denim on the hand-wash/delicate setting, keeping the denim inside out. Both techniques will preserve the dye of the denim. For a new pair of jeans, add two teaspoons of salt and a cup of white vinegar to set the dye on the first wash. Continue this routine every time you wash your denim to maintain the color. Don’t worry about your jeans smelling like vinegar, the smell will dissipate after drying.
Hang Dry or Lay Flat
Hang your denim to dry or lay them flat. If you are drying them outside, avoid direct sunlight (you don’t want them to fade). When you air dry your jeans the fabric will become stiff, but they will break in after a few hours of wear. If you want to soften your jeans, throw them in the dryer for a few minutes (air dry only) but otherwise avoid the dryer. Heat will shrink your denim and the unnecessary tumbling will cause wear and tear.
Wash Jeans Less Frequently
The awesome thing about denim is you can go a long time between washes. The longer you wait the better. Less washing = less wear and tear on your jeans. If you want to freshen them up in-between washes, hang them in the bathroom and let them get a good steam when you take a shower.
What lengths are you willing to go through to keep your favorite pair of denim going? Any other tips?
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You look beautiful!!
You’re so sweet. Thank you!
Wish I’d known this sooner. Sigh.
Thank you for the tips Asa!
Lol! Welcome lovely.
LOL — you lost me at hand wash jeans!
It’s not for everyone. 😉
Man, after reading this I realize I take such poor care of my jeans. I do wash them inside out, but I never hand wash them and certainly not in the tub. I’ve gotta start a new routine with any new denim.
xx Yasmin
http://banglesandbungalows.com
Don’t stress, I wasn’t doing any better. This post is my first steps into improvement. 🙂
Love this post. It so true right now I only have 4 pairs of jeans so like you i need to know how to make it last. Thanks for the advice and tips.
Hugs & Love
Joy
http://www.jseivad.com
Thanks so much! I appreciate you stopping by and commenting. Glad you enjoyed the post.
Good tips! I hate handwashing with a fiery passion, but I’m totally on board with your advice about not washing jeans frequently 😉 Though all my denim is from Old Navy so I don’t feel too guilty that it doesn’t last that long.
PS Loving that lipstick shade! Yay red!
xo Mil
https://southbynorthwestblog.wordpress.com/
Lol! You crack me up. I haven’t ever hand washed my jeans either, but since I bought this pair I want to give it a try.
I’m loving this bright lip shade too. Thanks for noticing! :*
I am quite lazy when it comes to washing so hand-washing is not something I do often. But will definitely keep your tips in mind if I happen to buy very expensive jeans that need more care!
Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.com
I’m the same when it comes to denim, but want to try hand-washing to cut back on how quickly I wear through them. Glad you found this post helpful.
Asa, great post on how to take care of denim and may I just say that I’ve been loving your pics lately? You killing it!!!
xoxo, Vanessa
http://www.WhatWouldVWear.net
Aww, thanks Vanessa! You are the sweestest. Thank you! :*
These are some great tips.I have never handwashed my jeans before lol.However I do turn them inside out before washing on a gentle cycle,and then hang to dry.I.love the beautiful blouse you are wearing with your denims.
Glad you enjoyed the post and found it helpful.
Thanks so much!
Wow! Great tip for washing my denims ♥ have to try it! And you look so stunning, this blouse is gorgeous!
xoxo
Glad you enjoyed the tips. Thanks for the kind words and compliments! You’re the best.
I love those jeans! It’s been awhile since I went to BR. I worked there FOREVER, so it always feels a little like home to me 🙂
Lindsay! So excited to see you here. What a treat. I appreciate the kind words. So fun that you used to work at Banana, they have really stepped it up since hiring there new creative director. So many cute things.