How often do you wash your jeans is a question that I am asked ALL the time.
The answer is: it depends on the jeans. As a general answer, my wide leg and flared jeans I almost never wash them, and in most cases HAVE NEVER washed them. This is because I love the leg shape to stay factory finish sharp, and I don't want the denim to soften wish washing, as washing will invariably bleed the denim of indigo, soften the woven structure of the denim, and make them overall floppier. In my flares, I don't want that, but that is just me. Even if the are white, I still don't wash them, unless I get something really hideous on them and in that case yes of course I'll wash them.
For jumpsuits such as our Dusty that I wear much more casually I wash it every 3-4 wears, and the same with a skinny or more relaxed pair of jeans.
Now for the washing. I always wash denim with denim, and like colours together. Black denim together, blue denim together, and so on. I wash in cold water or at least a cool wash, and on a short cycle, like 20 minutes, that is sufficient. I then hang them to dry naturally, ideally outside but if it is inside just in a space with enough air flow. Not over a radiator, and not in the dryer. Drying at high temperatures will always shorten the life of your clothes and I love my jeans to last for years, as they should.
I also always iron my jeans, because I like a nicely finished look. You don't have to though, just a firm fold will also do a reasonable job, and once they are on the warmth of your body will also help to smooth out any wrinkles.
In terms of detergent, I use Persil, and we use a fabric softener in our house too, Comfort is generally the one!
My biggest tips are:
- wear your jeans as often as you can before washing them, if at all
- keep the wash cycle short and cool
- dry naturally
Take care of your jeans and they will take care of you for many years to come.