Laundry isn’t a class you take in high school, and if it weren’t for my textile science classes in college, I would never have had formal laundry classes either! It’s no wonder that I encounter a lot of customers who don’t know basic care and keeping of their jeans. Seems simple, but did you take a laundry class? Yea, didn’t think so!

There are two things you need to check before you start washing your jeans.

First, are they a dark wash? If so, consider doing a vinegar wash on your jeans. Sounds crazy, I know, but hear me out, a vinegar rinse will set the color and prevent color transfer:

1. Fill a bucket or tub with cold water, and a cup of white vinegar. Turn your jeans inside out and submerge them.
2. Let soak for an hour or so, and then toss them in the washing machine.
3. Run on a cool cycle and hang dry.

Secondly, you need to know the fiber content of your jeans. Most of these days, jeans are around 98% cotton, 2% spandex, with some variation in exact percentages. This means there is a man made plastic-like fiber woven into your jeans. Don’t wash these jeans on a high heat, and FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THINGS HOLY, don’t put them in the dryer. EVER. The dryer will actually cause those fibers to MELT, and then you get that weird ripple in your jeans. You know the one!

Another thing that I get asked a lot at work is how much jeans are expected to SHRINK with the first wash. This generally doesn’t happen any more. Most denim comes into stores pre-washed, and with a stretch component. What this means is your jeans are actually going to GROW. If there’s a spandex element to your jeans, and they’re perfectly comfortable, maybe a little loose in the fitting room, SIZE DOWN! Are they feeling a little more snug then you’re used to? Great. Those are going to stretch to the perfect size with your body heat within the first 2 wears. If it feels like you’re cutting off circulation, don’t force it!

If you already have a pair at home that has stretched a little past your liking, there’s no perfect fix, but a little hack I like to share. Put those bad boys in a plastic bag and stick them in the freezer. The fibers stretched because of your body heat, right? So the cold will constrict them again. Put them in overnight, then take them out and let them hang to get to room temps again the next day. They won’t shrink entirely, but they will be noticeably tighter.

Got any other laundry hacks to share? Drop a comment below and let me know what you’re doing to take care of your denim! Learn something you didn’t know before? Hit that share button- odds are others could learn something too!

Fave plus size denim quick list:

1. This NYDJ pair are currently on sale for 50% off! Their fit is tried and true, but runs large, size down.
2. This boyfriend cut from Kut from the Kloth is so chic and perfect with a cozy sweater or a t-shirt.
3. This lightly distressed peach lift jean from Eloquii has been getting rave reviews lately, I’ll probably be adding it to my own cart tbh
4. This no nonsense dark wash skinny jean from Torrid is a staple for every wardrobe (and it’s on sale right now!!)
5. Love these Slink jeans leopard striped skinnies for a fashion-girl moment
6. A classic high rise black skinny by Madewell (yes! Madewell makes plus sizes!)
7. This fresh white pair from Good American will be perfect for summer BBQs
8. These Wit & Wisdom dot print jeans are perfect for a casual date night (or just one on the couch!)