What To Know
- This guide will walk you through the essential techniques to break in your new denim and make it feel like a second skin you actually want to wear.
- Simply toss a dryer sheet into the washing machine with your jeans, or place a dryer sheet in your jeans pocket before drying.
- You can soak your jeans in a cool water bath for a few hours, wear them for extended periods, or use a denim softener.
New blue jeans are stiff, uncomfortable, and can feel like a second skin you didn’t ask for. But fear not, denim lovers! There are several ways to soften up new blue jeans and make them feel as comfortable as your favorite pair of pajamas. This guide will walk you through the essential techniques to break in your new denim and make it feel like a second skin you actually want to wear.
The Power of Water: Washing and Soaking
The first step to softening up new blue jeans is to wash them. This will help to remove excess dye and starch, making the denim more pliable. Here’s how:
- Turn your jeans inside out: This helps to prevent fading and preserve the color.
- Choose a gentle detergent: Harsh detergents can damage the fabric and make the jeans feel stiff.
- Wash on a cold cycle: Hot water can shrink the jeans and make them feel even stiffer.
- Avoid using fabric softener: Fabric softener can leave a residue on the denim, making it feel stiff and uncomfortable.
After washing, you can soak your jeans in a cool water bath for a few hours. This will help to further soften the denim and remove any remaining starch.
The Denim Stretch: Wearing and Moving
Once your jeans are washed and dried, it’s time to break them in. The best way to do this is simply to wear them! The more you wear your jeans, the more they will stretch and soften. Here are some tips to speed up the process:
- Wear your jeans for extended periods: The more time you spend in your jeans, the more they will conform to your body shape.
- Move around in your jeans: Walk, sit, bend, and stretch in your jeans to help them loosen up.
- Wear them while exercising: Physical activity will help to stretch and soften the denim.
The Heat Treatment: Drying and Ironing
Heat can also help to soften up new blue jeans. Here’s how to use heat to your advantage:
- Dry your jeans on a low setting: High heat can shrink the jeans and make them feel stiff.
- Use a steamer: Steam can help to loosen the fibers in the denim and make it feel softer.
- Iron your jeans on a low setting: Ironing can help to smooth out wrinkles and make the denim feel softer.
The Denim Hack: Using a Dryer Sheet
Dryer sheets are a surprisingly effective way to soften up new blue jeans. Simply toss a dryer sheet into the washing machine with your jeans, or place a dryer sheet in your jeans pocket before drying. The fabric softener in the dryer sheet will help to soften the denim.
The Patience Game: Time and Wear
Finally, remember that patience is key. It takes time to break in new blue jeans. Don’t be discouraged if your jeans don’t feel completely soft after the first few wears. Just keep wearing them, and they will eventually soften up.
Beyond the Basics: Additional Softening Techniques
For those who want to go the extra mile, here are a few additional softening techniques:
- Use a denim softener: Several products are specifically designed to soften denim. These products are available at most department stores and online retailers.
- Try a denim wash: A denim wash is a process that uses enzymes to soften the denim. This is a more expensive option, but it can be very effective.
- Use a fabric softener: While not ideal for preserving the color of your jeans, fabric softener can help to soften the denim.
The Denim Transformation: From Stiff to Soft
By following these tips, you can soften up new blue jeans and make them feel as comfortable as your favorite pair of old jeans. Remember, it takes time and patience to break in new denim, but the results are well worth the effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I soften up new jeans without washing them?
A: While washing is the most effective way to soften new jeans, you can try a few other methods without washing. You can soak your jeans in a cool water bath for a few hours, wear them for extended periods, or use a denim softener.
Q: How do I soften up dark wash jeans?
A: Dark wash jeans are more prone to fading, so it’s essential to wash them on a cold cycle and turn them inside out. You can also use a denim softener or try a denim wash.
Q: How long does it take to soften up new jeans?
A: It depends on the type of denim and how often you wear them, but it generally takes a few weeks to a few months for new jeans to soften up.
Q: Can I soften up new jeans in the dryer?
A: Yes, you can soften up new jeans in the dryer by using a low heat setting. You can also add a dryer sheet to the dryer to help soften the denim.
Q: What if my new jeans are too tight?
A: If your new jeans are too tight, they may not soften up enough to be comfortable. You may need to size up or try a different style of jeans.
