Good news for those of you who hate laundry day. The first golden rule when it comes to washing your denim is to wash less. Why? Frequent washing can break down those coveted denim fibres, leaving your jeans looking and feeling worn out faster. Keep washing to a minimum and you’ll do a better job at preserving the colour and fit.

When it’s time to wash your denim, you’ve got options. The most obvious one is to chuck them in the washing machine, but if you’ve got time on your hands, hand washing is an option too. While it may seem tedious, it’s gentler on your denim and will help preserve its integrity. The downside is this may not remove deeper stains.

If you opt for the machine, remember to choose a delicate or gentle cycle and mild detergent for washing. Temperature is also key – make sure you ditch the hot water and wash on cold. You’ll also want to turn them inside out. These are just some extra measures to protect those precious denim fibres and prevent your denim from fading or shrinking.

Tip: Wash new jeans separately for the first wash to prevent dye bleeding onto other clothes!

White jeans getting a bit dingy or black jeans fading? Yeah, we've all been there and it's a pain. Here's the thing, not all denim is created equal. Knowing how to wash them based on their colour can be the difference between keeping them looking sharp for ages or saying goodbye prematurely. Here's how to keep your jeans looking their best, whatever the shade.

For dark and black jeans
Wash them separately (or with other dark clothes). Using a detergent specially formulated for dark fabrics is also a smart move. To keep the colour locked in, wash them inside out on a gentle cycle using cold water. You can even try adding a sprinkle of salt in the wash to help set the dye.

For white and light jeans
It goes without saying but you’ll want to wash these separately from darker items to prevent any dye transfer. Opt for cold water and a gentle detergent to maintain their brightness. Adding a splash of distilled vinegar can help keep whites looking crisp too.

If you're thinking about bleach, don't.
It might seem tempting for tough stains, but it can weaken the fabric, cause yellowing, and leave splotches – not the fresh look you're going for.

Skip the tumble dryer
We get it - throwing your jeans in the dryer is a huge timesaver. But that high heat is the #1 enemy for your denim. So, no more scalding washes or nuclear dryer settings. Easy does it. It's a straightforward way to drastically increase their lifespan, maintaining that fresh look and feel.

Air is your friend
For optimal care, air-drying is the way to go. Hang your jeans up or lay flat to dry but make sure to avoid putting them in direct sunlight, as this can cause fading. Instead, choose a well-ventilated area indoors or a shady spot outside. Give them plenty of time to dry.

If you need to use a dryer, select a low or no heat cycle. And if you find your jeans have stretched out or become baggy in all the wrong places, a quick tumble in the dryer can help them regain their shape.
 

At Jacamo, we’re committed to sustainability, which is why we incorporate recycled materials like Repreve® polyester into some of our own-brand jeans. It’s all part of doing our bit for a greener future, without compromising on quality or style. When you invest in denim that’s built to last, you’re automatically making a more environmentally-conscious choice. We’re also proud to be part of the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), which means a portion of our cotton comes from sources that prioritize sustainability for the environment and the farmers who grow it. So, the next time you slip into your favourite pair of denim, remember that you’re not just loving your jeans but also showing love for the planet.