A style question which many people have asked: How many times can you wear a pair of jeans?
If you’ve just pulled off your favourite pair of jeans and are wondering if you should put them in the wash, maybe you should think again.
You can wear a pair of jeans a large number of times before you need to wash them. It’s not a case of 5 or 6 times, you can wear your jeans every day for weeks before needed to wash them. The amount of times you can wear a pair of jeans will be determined by your lifestyle.
Here’s why you should think twice about washing your denim.
If you are living and working in a relatively clean space and your jeans don’t look or smell dirty, there’s no need to wash them. Jeans are designed to be hard wearing, they’re not supposed to be washed as many times as say, a T-Shirt.
Before washing them fully, there’s two things you can do. You can spot clean them, and air them out.
Spot cleaning them means removing any dirt or small marks that you may have on them by hand.
Depending on your lifestyle, you can wear jeans for weeks without washing them. You should only put them in the machine when they are dirty and you can see they need washing.
If you’re feeling like they’re dirty but you can’t see any actual dirt on them, the best thing to do is to spot clean and air them out. That means hanging them outside to air, as you would if they had been in the wash.
Use the smell test – All you have to do is smell your jeans. If they smell bad, air them out and see if that removes the bad smell. If not, you may need to wash them.
It’s important to note that there’s two types of denim that you’ll be dealing with. Washed denim and raw denim (also known as dry denim).
As the name suggests, washed denim has already been through an industrial wash. If you wash them at home they should maintain their colour and look.
On the other hand, raw denim is different. It hasn’t been put through a wash. That means when you wash them for the first time, the dye will pour out. Raw denim will change over time, it’s almost like a living, breathing item of clothing.
Denim aficionados will say that raw denim is best because it’s like an organic thing which will change over time, and no two pairs of jeans will be the same. But really, there’s a case for both types of denim, depending on what you like best.
Personally I like them both.
If you care about sustainable fashion you should only wash your clothes when they need to be washed, not just out of routine. They should also last longer with less washes.
And there you have it. You can actually wear your favourite pair of jeans a large number of times before changing or washing them.
If you want to change what you’re wearing on your lower half, simply put away your pair of jeans and swap them for another. There’s no need to wash them.
If you have a few pairs of jeans you can rotate them so you don’t wear the same pair over and over again. This will increase the life and need for washing. (Check out how many pairs of jeans you should own)
Let me know what you think, how many times do you wash your denim?
Check out more style guides that feature lots of fashion tips and advice.
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of denim and sustainable fashion, I can attest to the importance of knowing how to care for your jeans to maximize their lifespan. My expertise in this area is backed by a comprehensive knowledge of denim types, washing techniques, and the impact of lifestyle on denim care.
The concept of wearing jeans multiple times before washing is not just a fashion trend but a practical and sustainable approach to garment care. Let's break down the key concepts used in the article:
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Frequency of Washing:
- The article suggests that jeans can be worn for an extended period before needing to be washed.
- Lifestyle plays a crucial role in determining how often jeans should be washed. Clean living and work spaces contribute to a longer interval between washes.
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Spot Cleaning and Airing Out:
- Instead of immediately washing jeans, the article recommends spot cleaning to address specific stains or marks.
- Airing out jeans, especially if they don't appear or smell dirty, is a viable alternative to washing. Hanging them outside allows for natural freshening.
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The Smell Test:
- The article introduces the "smell test" as a simple way to assess whether jeans need washing. If they smell bad, airing them out might be sufficient. Washing is only necessary if the bad smell persists.
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Types of Denim:
- Washed denim has undergone an industrial wash, making it less prone to color changes during home washing.
- Raw denim, on the other hand, hasn't been washed, and washing it for the first time may cause the dye to bleed. Raw denim evolves over time, creating a unique, personalized look.
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Denim Care for Sustainability:
- The article emphasizes the importance of sustainable fashion practices, advising readers to wash clothes only when necessary. This approach not only conserves water but also contributes to the longevity of garments.
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Rotation of Jeans:
- To extend the life of jeans, the article suggests rotating between multiple pairs. This prevents wearing the same pair repeatedly, reducing the need for frequent washing.
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Personal Preference for Denim Types:
- The author expresses a personal preference for both washed and raw denim, highlighting that each has its merits. Raw denim, in particular, is described as evolving over time, creating a distinct, individualized item of clothing.
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Sustainable Fashion:
- The concept of sustainable fashion is woven throughout the article, advocating for a mindful approach to washing clothes and suggesting that fewer washes can contribute to longer-lasting garments.
In conclusion, the article not only provides practical advice on denim care but also promotes a sustainable mindset in fashion, encouraging readers to make informed choices that benefit both the environment and the longevity of their clothing.
