 |
Your family loves their blue jeans. And who doesn’t? Since the mid-1950s denim jeans have consistently been favorites with the youth culture. But now, because jeans are so durable and comfy, they have become a wardrobe staple for every member of the family with the average North American owning 7 pairs. So how do you choose and care for your most versatile wardrobe staple?
About Denim
Denim is made from tightly woven cotton twill. Lengthwise, yarns are dyed with indigo or blue dye; while horizontal yarns remain white. The tightly woven yarns make the jeans more durable and produce the distinct denim color.
Prewashed vs. Unwashed
There are two general categories of denim blue jeans: prewashed and unwashed denim. Prewashed denim, also known as preshrunk or distressed denim, is achieved through bleaching or several mechanical treatments like stonewashes, sandblasting and scraping. Unwashed denim is stronger and most durable but is also much stiffer.
Prewashed Denim
Nearly all of the jeans sold today are prewashed, or what is now called garment washed. Prewashed jeans are washed and treated in different ways to give them a worn and used look. The treatments give a second-hand look that is comparable to jeans having been worn for many years.
Reducing Fading and Shrinkage
Even if your jeans are prewashed, they can still fade and shrink over time, especially if you do not follow the care label instructions. There are certain precautions that one can take to maintain color* and fit
*Normal, gradual washdown is desirable for more jean wearers.
Caring for Unwashed Denim
Washing Tips from Cotton Inc.
|
1.
|
|
Be sure to read the care label on the garment carefully. The manufacturer is the expert about their clothing and how to care for them.
|
|
2.
|
|
We strongly suggest sorting by color. You don't want lighter garments picking up the dye from darker clothes. This can occur particularly with jeans, as indigo dyes tend to wash out
|
|
3.
|
|
Lastly, to minimize shrinkage or wrinkling, take clothes out of the dryer when just a tad damp and either lay flat or hang to completely dry.
|
Tips for Getting the Right Fit
Because washing your jeans can cause additional shrinkage, it is important to remember some simple things when shopping for jeans. Try to:
Saving Your Favorite Jeans
Ripped jeans made their way into fashion in the 1980's, and are still very popular today. But if you prefer a more polished look, you can salvage your favorite jeans by patching them. Here's how:
Use liquid and powdered substances for a stronger bond than that provided by an iron-on patch.
|
|
