How to keep your jeans in top condition

A well-fitting pair of jeans is an essential in every man’s wardrobe. Whether you’re going for a casual weekend look or wearing a clean denim under a blazer, great-looking jeans make all the difference. But how do you keep your jeans in top condition? At Suitable, we know that the right washing routine is key to extending the life of your jeans.

By Pascal·01-06-2026·Calculate reading time
How to keep your jeans in top condition
A great pair of jeans deserves the right care. Discover how often to wash your jeans and which routine helps preserve the colour and fit for as long as possible.

How often should you wash a pair of jeans?

You need to wash a pair of jeans less often than you might think. In general, it's enough to wash your jeans after wearing them 4 or 5 times. If you wear them intensively or a stain appears, you can of course clean them sooner. Denim is by nature a strong fabric that smells or attracts dirt less quickly than other materials. By not washing too often, your jeans retain their original colour, fit and character – exactly as it should be with a good pair of men's jeans.

Do you need to wash jeans before wearing them?

A new pair of jeans doesn't need to be washed straight away. Many jeans have a special finish or 'coating' that provides the deep colour and stylish character of the fabric. Washing can fade that finish. Only when the trousers feel dusty or have a slight factory smell is a first wash advisable. In that case, always follow the wash label in the trousers for the right instructions.

Wash your jeans in 8 steps

  1. Turn your jeans inside out
    This is one of the most important steps to protect the colour of your jeans. This keeps the outside protected and prevents colour fading.
  2. Check the pockets
    Empty pockets prevent damage to the fabric and the washing machine.
  3. Choose the right wash programme
    Use a delicate or cold programme with a low spin speed. This prevents wear.
  4. Wash your jeans with similar colours
    Denim can bleed. Therefore wash your jeans with dark clothing to prevent stains.
  5. Use mild detergent
    Avoid washing powder, as it can cause white streaks
  6. Wash at 30-40°C
    A low temperature protects the fibres and prevents shrinking.
  7. Avoid the dryer
    The heat of the dryer makes jeans stiffer and less elastic. Preferably hang the trousers to dry in the air.
  8. Dry your jeans in the right way
    Iron inside out at a low temperature to remove creases without damaging the fabric.

Frequently Asked Questions About Washing Jeans

  • Why does my pair of jeans smell after washing?
    A musty smell often arises when the trousers don't dry properly. Make sure the jeans dry completely and check that the washing machine is clean. A short washing-machine-cleaner cycle helps to remove bacteria.
  • Which wash programme is best for jeans?
    The best wash programme for your jeans is often a 'delicate' or 'cold' programme, especially if you don't want to wash the jeans too often. A shorter programme with a low spin speed helps to protect the fabric and keep the jeans looking nice for longer.
  • Which drying programme is best for jeans?
    The best drying method for jeans is often 'natural drying' by letting them air-dry. Using the dryer can heat your jeans up quickly. If you do want to put your trousers in the dryer, choose a low-heat programme to prevent damage.
  • Why do my jeans become stiff after washing?
    A pair of jeans can become stiff after washing due to the loss of natural oils and the shrinking of the fabric. This often happens when you wash the trousers at too high a temperature or leave them in the dryer for too long. To prevent this, you can use a detergent specially made for denim or only wash the trousers at low temperatures.

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