How to Soften Jeans: 14 Steps
Introduction
There’s nothing like a pair of perfectly fitting jeans; however, sometimes they can feel a little stiff and uncomfortable when brand new. Thankfully, there are several techniques that can help soften your jeans, making them comfortable and ready for daily wear.
Step 1: Wash Your Jeans
Before you do anything else, give your new jeans a good wash. This helps to remove any starch or other stiffening agents applied during the manufacturing process.
Step 2: Soak in Vinegar
Fill a bathtub, sink or basin with cold water and add one cup of white vinegar. Soak your jeans for about 30 minutes before continuing with the washing process. The vinegar will help soften the material.
Step 3: Use Fabric Softener
When washing your jeans, use fabric softener to further soften the fabric. Be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle.
Step 4: Wash with Tennis Balls
Add two or three tennis balls to your washing machine when washing your jeans. They’ll help agitate the material and soften it naturally.
Step 5: Turn Them Inside Out
To protect the color of your jeans and reduce friction during washing, turn them inside out before running them through the washer.
Step 6: Air Dry Your Jeans
After washing, hang your jeans up to air dry instead of using a dryer. This gentle drying method can help prolong the life of your jeans and prevent further stiffness.
Step 7: Dry with a Towel
To speed up drying time without resorting to high heat in the dryer, gently roll your jeans up in a towel, pressing down to absorb excess moisture before hanging them up.
Step 8: Roll Them Up
Rolling up your freshly washed jeans can help stretch and soften the fibers in the denim.
Step 9: Break Them In with Movement
Once your jeans are dried, wear them around the house. Regular movement will help soften and stretch the material.
Step 10: Sleep in Your Jeans
Sleeping in your jeans will not only help soften them but also conform them to your body for a better fit over time.
Step 11: Use a Pumice Stone
Gently rub a pumice stone on the surface of your jeans; this will create friction and help to soften the denim fibers.
Step 12: Mist with Water & Tumble Dry
Mist your jeans with water and toss them in the dryer with the heat setting on low. The heat and tumbling action can help soften the fabric further.
Step 13: Wear Damp Jeans
After misting, you can also wear your damp jeans, which will cause them to conform to your body’s movement, helping them soften more quickly.
Step 14: Be Patient
Finally, remember that all jeans will soften over time as long as they’re well cared for. Wear and wash your jeans regularly for ultimate comfort.
Conclusion
With some time and effort, you can effectively soften your jeans, making them more comfortable for daily wear. These 14 steps provide various methods that can be used alone or combined to achieve maximum softness in your denim.