Fashion Fix: Denim

Wednesday, January 18, 2012


Does your denim fade fast? Shrinkage giving you the blues? Confused about care?
At a reader request (I'm listening people!) today we're talking blue jeans, baby!

Caring for Denim:
  • Wash infrequently. Unless you're wearing the same pair daily or in dirty situations (I'm not even sure what that would be...) denim doesn't requires a wash with each wear.  Put it off as looong as possible to retain color, shape and fabric quality. Unless you're going for the perfectly 'broken in' pair.
  • Turn jeans inside out before washing. It prevents additional bleeding and helps even out any fading that might occur.
  • Wash in cold water using a mild detergent. (See below for recommendations) Never, ever, eeeever wash in warm/hot, unless of course, you need some shrinkage or are up for fading. 
  • Always air dry. The hot air from the dryer will shrink and fade your favorite blues.
  • As for storage, folding or hanging makes no difference. I prefer folding as the thick fabric doesn't wrinkle much and they just seem so heavy on hangers. 
  • Steam or iron as needed. Denim has as high cotton content (more on the awesomeness of cotton) and can take the heat (hee hee) when it comes to removing wrinkles.

Tips:
  • Old jeans looking tired? Try washing them with a new pair to freshen them up! 
  • On the flip side of the aforementioned tip, don't wash dark and light denim together.
  • Use a color enhancing detergent or one formulated for darks like Cheer brightClean or Woolite Dark
  • To regain the crisp, newly laundered look in between washings, lightly mist with water and pop in the dryer for a few minutes.

Extra Credit:

When your favorite blues have bit the denim dust, don't give up yet. Take inspiration from a few of these ideas, bust out the scissors and studs, and get to work!

Need more ideas? Here's a whole blog dedicated to Denim Therapy!
Do you have a question for Fashion Fix? I'm accepting 'issues'! :)

Fashion Fix is a new series dedicated to helping you care for your favorite pieces or solve your fashion dilemma's.  In case you missed it, check out last week's post on Sweaters!

11 comments:

  1. i take such good care of my jeans... febreeze is a great thing instead of the water spray...

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  2. You're right - I completely forgot about Febreeze! Though it supposedly won't harm fabrics, I usually prefer water just in case. It's a great option to get you through until the next wash though!

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  3. Such good advice! I learned one secret tip from a denim manufacturer: add a dash of salt to help preserve color! Who knew?

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  4. I don"t pay near enough attention when washing my clothes. I lose a lot of things to the dryer when my Husband does laundry.

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  5. Love these tips! I am religious about washing my denim inside out and air drying...it really does help! x

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  6. Love this post Ash - thanks! I never wash mine inside out...dually noted!!

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  7. Thanks for these tips, Ashleigh! I try not to wash my jeans often because I don't like how stiff they get or how they can fade!

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  8. great words of advice ~ thanks Ashleigh! :)

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  9. Great tips!


    Minted Magazine


    mintedmag.com

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  10. i heard you don't have to wash your jeans, just freeze them...like in the freezer for 10 days. I don't think i could do it!

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