Is It a Good Idea to Wash Denim Jeans Inside Out?

September 25, 2024

Denim lovers are full of opinions when it comes to the best way to care for their favorite jeans. And with good reason – nobody wants their perfect pair to fade, shrink, or wear out too quickly. Some people swear by hand washing their denim jeans after every wear. Other people advise you to stretch them out for a week (or even longer!) before throwing them in the wash.

But one thing's for sure – how you wash them matters just as much as when. That brings up another question: Is it a good idea to wash your jeans inside out? In this post, we look at why this technique works (or doesn’t), how it affects the longevity of your jeans, and whether it’s worth the extra step in your laundry routine.

Ready to find out? Let’s get into it!

Expert Tips for Washing Your Jeans the Correct Way

Washing your jeans doesn’t have to be a guessing game. There’s a method to making sure your denim comes out of every wash looking fresh without sacrificing quality. From choosing the correct cycle to drying them properly, these tips will help you master the art of jean care, particularly if you're not very confident at this yet.

Always Turn Your Jeans Inside Out: Turning your jeans inside out before washing is one of the simplest, yet most effective, ways to protect the fabric and preserve color. This prevents friction on the outer surface, which is where most fading occurs.
Choose Cold Water for Every Wash: Cold water is gentler on denim, helping to retain color and avoid shrinkage. Hot water can break down the fibers, especially in stretchy denim, leaving your jeans feeling stiff or ill-fitting after a wash.

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Use a Gentle Cycle: Denim may seem tough, but it benefits from a gentler wash. Use the delicate or gentle cycle on your washing machine to minimize agitation, which can lead to wear and tear over time.
Don’t Overload the Washing Machine: Overloading the washer can cause friction between clothes, which wears down fabric faster. Give your jeans enough space in the washing machine to move freely and wash evenly.
Pick a Mild Detergent: Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach-based detergents. Opt for a detergent designed for dark fabrics or something gentle on fibers. This helps maintain the denim’s strength and color.
Avoid Fabric Softeners: While fabric softeners might make your jeans feel softer, they can coat the fibers and affect their breathability and durability. It’s best to skip the softener when washing denim.
Air Dry Your Jeans: High heat can shrink jeans and cause fabric breakdown. If you must use a dryer, select the lowest heat setting and remove them while they’re still slightly damp to prevent over-drying.
Spot Clean When Possible: If your jeans only have a small stain or a bit of dirt, spot cleaning can save you a full wash cycle. Use a damp cloth and a little detergent to gently clean the area without having to wash the entire garment.

Why Washing Inside Out Matters for Different Denim Jeans

Turning your jeans inside out before washing might seem like an extra step, but it’s a step that can do wonders for the fabric. This simple trick doesn’t just protect the outer surface from wear and tear, it also extends the life of your denim by shielding it from the roughness of the machine's agitation. Let’s break down the fabric-saving benefits of this simple laundry hack.

It Reduces Friction: When jeans are washed with the outer side facing in, the smooth surface of the fabric faces less direct contact with the harsh motion of the washing machine. This minimizes friction, which is a major culprit behind fabric wear and tear.
It Prevents Surface Abrasions: The outer side of your jeans is where most of the fabric wear happens. By turning your jeans inside out, the rough interior takes the brunt of the washing, leaving the outside surface smoother and less prone to develop those pesky threadbare patches.
It Minimizes Pilling: Pilling occurs when small fibers break off and form tiny balls on the fabric's surface. By washing jeans inside out, you shield the outer fibers from direct agitation, thus preventing pilling and keeping your jeans looking smoother and newer.
It Protects Delicate Details: If your jeans have any delicate stitching, embroidery, or distressing, washing them inside out provides an extra layer of protection. This simple step ensures intricate details aren’t exposed to the rough forces of the wash cycle, helping them last longer.
It Retains Fabric Strength: Over time, washing can weaken denim fibers, especially in areas like the knees, pockets, and hems. Inside-out washing helps reduce the strain on these high-stress areas, allowing the fabric to retain its strength and durability for much longer.

The Fabric Saving Power of Inside-out Washing

Washing your jeans inside out might seem like a general rule, but it becomes even more important when you consider the unique needs of different denim types. From raw and selvedge to stretch and distressed styles, each type of denim has its own quirks when it comes to washing.

Depending on the type of jeans you wear, this simple trick matters a lot.

Raw Denim

Raw denim fans know that preserving the dark, untouched look is key. Washing raw denim inside out helps keep intact the natural fade patterns while minimizing dye loss. This way, you don’t strip away that coveted indigo, and you get a more authentic fade that looks better with each wear.

Selvedge Denim

Known for its durability and unique craftsmanship, selvedge denim benefits greatly from inside-out washing. Since this type of denim is often more expensive and handmade, inside-out washing protects the fabric from friction, helping to maintain its signature rigid structure and preventing premature wear on those iconic selvedge seams.

Stretch Denim

Stretch jeans, with their added elasticity, are more susceptible to fabric breakdown. Washing them inside out reduces the wear on those stretchy fibers, helping your jeans retain their shape and preventing them from getting baggy over time. It’s all about keeping that perfect fit.

Distressed Denim

With rips, tears, and frayed edges, distressed jeans need a bit of extra TLC. Washing these jeans inside out minimizes the risk of further tearing or damaging the distressed areas. You’ll protect those unique features while also reducing the likelihood of threads catching or fraying too much.

Vintage or Faded Denim

If you love the look of worn-in, vintage denim, washing inside out helps maintain that aged aesthetic without over fading. The fabric saving benefits of washing inside out are especially important for older or lighter-wash jeans, as it prevents the thinning fabric from deteriorating further.

Want Your Denim Jeans to Last? Have them Expertly Cleaned at Major Cleaners!

Ensure your favorite jeans stay vibrant and long lasting with Major Cleaners’s professional wash and fold laundry service. We know how to care for your denim and other clothing like no one else!

Take advantage of our free pickup and delivery service for both laundry and dry cleaning—with no delivery fees, no minimums, and no contracts! Plus, if you’re in a rush, we offer same-day service. Drop off your cleaning before 9 a.m. from Monday to Friday, and we’ll have it ready by 4 p.m. at no extra charge.

Call our customer service hotline at 864-288-9880 to schedule a laundry pickup or visit us at any of our retail stores!

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