How many times should I wear jeans before washing them?

Author: Walter Goyette  |  Last update: Thursday, October 16, 2025

"Denim is a thick fabric (unlike your average T-shirt) so you can get away with more wears between washes. We recommend washing after 10 or so wears—or whenever jeans smell stale or unpleasant.

How often should I wear jeans before washing?

Many people recommend washing jeans after every 5 to 10 wears to maintain their color and shape. However, some suggest washing them less frequently to preserve the fabric and avoid fading. Spot cleaning is also a good option for minor stains. Ultimately, it's about finding a balance that works for you!

Is it okay to wear the same jeans for 2 days?

Of course it is. In fact it's also acceptable to wear the same pair of pants two consecutive days in a row. There is no rule that states a person must wear a completely different outfit every day of the week.

How many wears before washing raw jeans?

Wear your jeans for at least a full week, preferably two to three weeks before the first soak or wash. Air dry them until damp, then put them on and let them dry on your body.

Should I wash jeans as soon as I get them?

Yes, it's generally a good idea to wash black jeans before wearing them for the first time. Washing them can help remove excess dye, which may prevent the color from bleeding onto your skin or other fabrics. It also helps eliminate any chemicals or finishes used during manufacturing.

How many times should you wear your jeans between washes? Expert reveals the magic number!

Is it OK to wear unwashed new jeans?

Wash Away Harsh Chemicals

New, unwashed garments may contain higher levels of these allergenic dyes, and if people wear them before washing, the dyes can seep out of the clothes and irritate the skin. Dyes are not the only chemical that can cause a reaction.

How many washes until jeans stop bleeding?

You can get past the major bleeding stage faster by washing and drying the denim 3-4 times before wearing. The hotter the water, the more the dye will come off—using a little detergent will also help.

How many times to wear Levi's before washing?

Washing denim too frequently can cause them to lose their shape and fit. Wash them once every 10 wears at most to keep them fitting correctly and minimize sagging. Use a damp cloth or old toothbrush with mild soap to remove small stains between washes instead of a full cycle.

Do jeans fade after washing?

All denim fades, but it's much more visible on raw denim jeans compared to pre-washed jeans, which essentially already has been faded.

Which Levi's are raw denim?

Levi's 501's are the only raw jeans you can buy featuring the brand's patented shrink-to-fit process. Murphy tells Vogue, “501's can be purchased in their true raw form and then shrunk on the body for a better fit—some customers do this in the bathtub.”

How long do jeans last if you wear them everyday?

The average lifespan of jeans is about two to five years. For the most part, the lifespan of jeans depends on how often you wear them and what you do while wearing them. If you wear your jeans every day and move a lot in them, they will probably last about two years.

Can you repeat wearing jeans?

You Can Wear Your Jeans 10 Times Before They Need To Be Washed And More Surprising Facts About Doing Your Laundry. If you reflexively throw your clothes in the hamper after every wear, it may be time to rethink your laundry habits.

Can I wear jeans over second skin?

Try not to wear tight-fitting clothes over your fresh tattoo during the healing process. The second skin is breathable and can be showered in, but do not bath or swim with it on.

How many times can I wear a bra before washing?

You should wash most bras after about four wears, or more frequently if you have a particularly sweaty day. As for sports bras, you should wash them, or at least rinse them with warm water, after every workout.

How many pairs of jeans should I own?

Considering these factors, a reasonable range could be around 3 to 6 pairs of jeans in your wardrobe. This would provide you with enough variety for different occasions, styles, and seasons without overwhelming your closet.

Can jeans go in the dryer?

Hang your jeans up to air dry or use a no heat cycle

Exposing your jeans to direct heat in the dryer can shrink, fade or yellow denim, and it can also cause damage to stretch denim fabrics that contain spandex or Lycra.

Why turn jeans inside out before washing?

First, always make sure to turn your jeans inside out. This simple (but usually neglected) step protects the outer color from fading and minimizes direct contact with chemicals and detergents. This step is especially important for dark-wash and black jeans that are more prone to color loss or transfer.

Why do black jeans get white lines?

White stains on black clothing can often be caused by residual soap scum, limescale or other minerals. Usually you simply wash these away again by rewashing the garment for a while.

How long can jeans go without washing?

Ultimately, how long you can go without washing your jeans depends on how much you sweat, how many times you wear them, what you do in them, where you live, and of course, how bad the odor gets. A good rule of thumb is to wash your jeans after every 3-10 wears, or when they start to smell.

Are you supposed to wash jeans after every wear?

The answer is every 5-6 weeks if worn regularly (obviously only if the jeans are not visibly dirty or stained). The real denim heads (aka denim experts) would recommend you never to wash your jeans to prolong their life. This might seem extreme, but it's a strategy that can benefit both your jeans and the environment.

How often do you buy new jeans?

The average lifespan for a pair of jeans, according to the International Fabric Institute Fair Claims Guide, is 2-3 years. But there are a few factors that can either make jeans fall short of that standard or outlast it by years. How long a pair of jeans lasts depends on three variables: Quality.

How long do jeans take to air dry?

Air drying jeans can take anywhere from a couple of hours outdoors in the sun to a full day or more indoors during cold or humid weather. If you're in a pinch and need to speed the process along, run your jeans through the dryer on low heat until they're nearly dry, but not overheated.

How long should jeans last?

The type of activities you engage in while wearing jeans matters. If you use them for manual labor or intense physical activities, they'll naturally wear out faster than jeans used for casual wear. On average, a well-maintained pair of jeans can last anywhere from 2 to 10 years or even longer.

Does cold water make jeans bleed?

Wash clothes in cold water to keep fabric fibers closed and trap dye molecules inside. Use color-catcher sheets to absorb loose dyes before they stain other clothes. Add 1/2 cup of white vinegar or 1 tablespoon of salt to the wash to help set colors and reduce bleeding.

How to wash black jeans first time?

When you first get your jeans, get proactive and seal the wash in before your first wear. Turn your jeans inside-out, then soak them in cold water with one cup of white vinegar and one tablespoon of salt. This tip works on your favorite colored denim too!

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