How to properly care for jeans to make them last longer?
At Oraije, we select our denim fabrics and develop each fit to accompany you through daily life. Proper care then helps to preserve the shape, color, and comfort of each style for longer.
Contrary to popular belief, a pair of jeans does not need to be washed after every wear. When well cared for, it retains the strength of its fabric, the depth of its color, and the quality of its drape for longer.
The most common mistakes that damage jeans
Washing them too often
Out of habit, we often throw our jeans in the machine when they don't really need it. The risk is that with every wash, the denim fibers stretch slightly, the pigments fade gradually, and the fabric slowly loses its structure.
Unless there is a stain or intensive use, it is better to space out washes. This habit doesn't just protect your denim: it is also a way to limit water and energy consumption associated with clothing care.
Choosing a temperature that is too high
Washing at high temperatures can also weaken cotton fibers and accelerate denim fading. In most cases, a 30°C delicate cycle is usually sufficient to clean jeans effectively while respecting the fabric.
Turning your jeans inside out before washing also helps to preserve their color longer, especially on raw or dark denim.
Systematically using the tumble dryer
To the question "does the tumble dryer damage jeans?", our answer is definitive: the heat tends to weaken the fibers, cause slight shrinkage, and alter the elasticity of denim, especially if it contains elastane.
Even though it is very convenient for daily life, the tumble dryer remains one of the main enemies of denim jeans. For this reason, we recommend that you prefer natural air-drying, which helps to preserve the original shape of your trousers for longer.
The right steps to preserve your jeans
Treating a stain before machine washing
Treating a stain before washing prevents it from setting further into the fibers. For a grease stain, we recommend applying a little slightly dampened Marseille soap directly to the stain, without rubbing the fabric.
You can then dab with a damp cloth to remove the soap, then repeat if necessary. This method limits full washes and helps preserve the quality of the denim longer.
Washing your jeans with care
Advice from Jessica, Oraije Collection Director:
"A pair of jeans does not need to be washed every time it's worn. However, a few simple steps—turning them inside out before washing, avoiding the tumble dryer, and preferring air-drying—really help to preserve their drape and color for longer. These are reflexes that we also apply during the development of our models."
To take care of your jeans, we also recommend that you:
- Close the button and zip before machine washing;
- Wash at 30°C on a delicate cycle;
- Avoid fabric softener;
- Limit the spin speed to a maximum of 600 rpm.
Drying jeans naturally
After washing, simply shake the jeans slightly to restore their shape, then let them dry flat or on a hanger.
It is best to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, which can lighten certain shades, especially raw denim. For the same reasons, we advise against drying your jeans on a radiator.
The Oraije tip: a few hours in the open air are often enough to get rid of damp odors without needing a full wash.
Storing your jeans correctly, a frequently overlooked step
Folded neatly or hung by the waistband, a pair of jeans more easily maintains its shape and natural drape. This simple action also limits wrinkles and avoids unnecessary creasing of the fabric.
FAQ making your jeans last: questions we are often asked
• Should new jeans be washed?
It all depends on the quality of the denim and its manufacturing conditions. At Oraije, we select denim fabrics that are treated before the manufacturing process.
The first washes are important to preserve the color and hold of a pair of jeans for a long time. Whatever the brand of your denim, we recommend that you wash it separately before wearing it, especially if it is dark.
• How often should you wash jeans?
There is no universal rule: it all depends on your lifestyle, the season, and how often you wear them. In practice, a few signs indicate it is time to machine or hand wash them:
- the fabric is starting to lose its freshness;
- a stain has appeared;
- the jeans have stretched slightly after several wears.
• Can you put jeans in the freezer?
Cold limits the development of bacteria responsible for bad odors, but it does not replace a wash when the jeans are stained or genuinely dirty. This trick can, however, occasionally refresh denim that hasn't been worn much.
• Do stretch jeans shrink in the wash?
Very slightly. But after a few hours of wear, a pair of stretch jeans usually returns to its initial shape. At Oraije, we perform several test washes to check the retention of the fabric, colors, and finishes over time.
• Can you wash jeans with the rest of your laundry?
Yes, provided you turn them inside out and wash them on a delicate cycle with similar colors, especially during the first few washes.
• Does thicker denim last longer?
Not necessarily. The quality of the fabric, the weave, and the finishes play a role at least as important as its weight.
Taking care of your jeans isn't about trying to keep them looking new at any cost. It's about preserving the fit, the hold, and the comfort that made you want to wear them from the very first day.
At Oraije, we design denim trousers that stand the test of time. Are you looking for the style that will stay with you for years? Discover our guide to choosing the denim fit adapted to your body type.
"The most beautiful jeans don't remain frozen in time: they live with you, develop a natural patina, and accompany you season after season."
