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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