Caring for repaired denim is an essential element to maintaining the longevity, comfort, and appearance of your favorite denim items. Whether you’ve invested in designer denim or saved a beloved pair with a custom repair, the care methods you implement can influence the lifespan of your garment.
Understanding Denim Anatomy
Denim is a rugged cotton twill fabric, famously used for jeans and other clothing items. Its durability stems from the diagonal ribbing created by the “weave” in “twill” weaving. Although it’s sturdy, improper care can lead to degradation, fading, and stretching. After repair, your denim needs special attention to maintain the integrity of the fix and extend its wearability.
Correct Cleaning
Denim is typically not designed for regular washing. This advice becomes especially pertinent when dealing with repaired denim. Regular washing can lead to fading, which can be severe around repair areas, leading to an uneven color scheme.
Instead, keep washing to a minimum, preferably every couple of months or when extremely dirty. Always turn your denim inside out before washing to protect the outer surface and its color. Use cold water and a gentle cycle on your washing machine. Consider using a laundry detergent specially made for dark or bright colors, which help prevent color loss in denim.
For spot cleaning, use a soft damp cloth with gentle soap. Rub the area lightly, rinse with cold water, and air dry. This method is useful for managing stains without subjecting the entire garment to the cleaning process.
Air Dry Your Denim
Drying repaired denim requires a gentle touch. High temperatures or rough handling in the tumble dryer can lead to shrinkage or additional strain on the repaired area, causing damage or reopening the repair. The heat can also fade the color more quickly.
Instead, opt for air drying to preserve the state of your denim. Wring out excess water gently without twisting the fabric too much. Hang to dry in a shaded area as direct sunlight can lead to color fading. If quick drying is necessary, lay flat on a dry towel, roll up the towel with the jeans inside it, and squeeze gently. Don’t forget to reshape the jeans before leaving them to dry fully.
Ironing Denim
Use a warm rather than hot iron for pressing denim. Ironing denim, especially repaired areas, shouldn’t involve too much heat. Too much heat can weaken the thread used in repairs or in the worst case, create a burn mark on the cloth. It might be best to iron denim while it’s slightly damp, and always on the inside, not the outside.
Regular Check-ups
Even after repair, don’t ignore your denim. Keeping a regular check on its condition can help you spot potential issues such as a loose thread or the repair coming undone. These can be rectified quickly before they turn into bigger problems. Developing a relationship with a good tailor or seamstress is a helpful fallback option.
Proper Storage
Avoid hanging denim in your closet as it can cause unnecessary strain on the fabric and its shape. For everyday use, you can fold them and stack them in your closet. If you need to store your denim for a longer period, pack them carefully, folding along the seams.
Final Thought: No Wringing or Dry Cleaning
A cardinal rule with denim care is to never wring out your jeans harshly after washing. This can severely distort their shape and put a strain on the repair. Instead, allow excess water to drip off or pat down gently with an absorbent towel.
Additionally, dry cleaning denim is also discouraged. The chemicals can be unnecessarily harsh and deteriorate the fabric and its color.
With mindful care, your repaired denim can look great and last longer. Develop a gentle, attentive care routine and you can continue to enjoy your favorite pieces, regardless of their age or how many times they’ve been repaired. Allowing a garment to live a full life is not only fashionable but also sustainable – a win-win situation all around.
