Guide: The myth of never washing jeans – this is how you actually do it

Have you heard the myth that you should never wash jeans? There are many stories out there (you can read about the biggest myths here), and one of the most persistent is that the washing machine is the biggest enemy of raw denim jeans. We believe you should wash your jeans before they start to smell, but there are a few things you should know about fades first.

Find the perfect balance

How often you should wash your jeans depends on the look you want to achieve. The washing advice completely depends on how you want your selvedge raw denim to fade. The word "fade" describes the process by which jeans develop patina, wear, and character over time.

Vintage fades - the balanced style

To achieve vintage fades, you need to balance washing often enough with not washing unnecessarily. You want natural wear, but not the deepest contrasts.

• Why: By washing regularly, you remove dirt, body oils, and sand particles that otherwise act like sandpaper on the fibers. This is actually more sustainable, as it prevents the natural cotton fibers from being broken down by bacteria and grime.

• In short: Wear your jeans for about three months without washing so they mold to you. Then, wash them approximately every three months. This way, you maintain the strength of the fabric without the color fading too quickly.

High contrast fades - for hardcore denim heads

This is the classic style in the community that requires stiff, heavy-duty jeans. For this type of fades, washing should be avoided for as long as possible. Some wait up to 180–260 days of wear before the first water contact.

• Risk: Be aware that the longer you wait, the greater the chance of a "blowout" in the crotch or the cuff falling off because the fibers become brittle.

• Tip: You can prolong the time by hanging your jeans out to air on a sunny day. The UV rays from the sun kill many of the bacteria that cause odors.

Minimal fades – for "Corporate Casual"

Do you want to maintain the dark, formal color for as long as possible? Then the trick is to give them a "soak" (a rinse in cold water) before you start wearing them. To retain the color, you should choose jeans of high cotton quality that have been dipped in countless indigo baths, so that the core of the thread is saturated with color. Remember: every wash removes a little indigo, so only wash when necessary, but not too often.

Rebel fades – screw it and show it!

Do you find yourself ignoring the rules a bit? Do you want to give a small middle finger to the conservative denim community? Then just throw your jeans in the washing machine without turning them inside out, with pockets full and on a full spin cycle. The result? Jeans with uneven color loss, "washing machine marbles" (wash streaks) and a crumpled, punky look.

No matter which path you choose: Love your jeans to death... then repair them!