Why shouldn't you wash Levi's?

Author: Kari Kuhn  |  Last update: Saturday, March 1, 2025

"True denim heads, people that really love their denim, will tell you to never put your denim into a washing machine. So that's what I do." Denim lovers often say washing jeans will impact their shape and color, while keeping them unwashed will improve their appearance through creases and exposure to the elements.

Why shouldn't you wash Levi jeans?

As a general rule, we recommend washing your denim sparingly. Over-washing can ruin the unique characteristics of your jeans, such as the creases and fades that naturally develop with wear. A good rule of thumb is to wash your jeans after about 10 wears, unless they are visibly dirty or start to smell.

Did Levi's CEO say not to wash jeans?

While speaking at a conference in 2014, Bergh said jeans don't need to be washed, Mashable reports. But earlier this month, Bergh clarified that he didn't mean you should never wash your jeans. Instead, he explained to CNBC that he never puts true denim jeans in a washing machine.

Do Levi's get tighter after washing?

Most of our jeans have been preshrunk, so they shouldn't really shrink that much, if at all. We recommend you purchase the size that fits you best before washing. Because they don't really shrink, they should still fit you fine after washing.

Should you wash Levi's after buying?

Honestly, do whatever you want to do/whatever makes you comfortable. Whether you wash or soak or wear them straight after buying them really doesn't make any difference in the long run. If you want to wash after buying, do it. Your long term maintenance is much more important than a single wash, or lack thereof.

Levi's CEO Says Don't Wash Your Denim

Is it okay to wear new jeans without washing them first?

Although they may look crisp and fresh, microbes or strong chemicals are often on newly bought garments and clothing donated to charity shops and thrift stores. By thoroughly washing your new clothes, you can greatly reduce exposure to chemicals, bacteria, fungi and parasites.

How should you wash Levi's?

Make sure the zipper is closed to maintain the shape. Set the water temperature to cold to prevent the fabric from shrinking and the color from fading. Choose a gentle or delicate cycle to avoid unnecessary stress. Use a gentle detergent for darker colors, especially for dark blue or black washes.

How many times can you wear Levi's before washing?

Denim was invented over 150 years ago — and the question of how and when to wash the garments has been around for almost just as long. Though many people choose to never wash their jeans, Levi's design director Paul O'Neill personally shared that he washes them every “30 to 50 wears.”

Why are Levi's jeans so thin now?

Why did they do this? For the same reason food companies keep shrinking the amount of product in their packaging. For one, the thin fabric costs less. Then thinner fabric is easier and quicker to sew.

Why are my jeans so tight after I wash them?

Hot water and high heat drying can cause the fibers in denim to contract, leading to a tighter fit. Over time, repeated washing cycles can further stiffen the fabric, making it less flexible and more prone to shrinkage.

Why is the Levi's logo cut off?

Then there's signature cutoff “R,” which is derived from the fact that the registered trademark is cut off on that same red tag. What is great about this logo is that you can remove many if not all of these individual components and still have a recognizable brand mark.

How often should you wash hoodies?

Wash your hoodie every five or six wears to maintain its softness and preserve the cozy texture. This helps reduce fiber shedding and keeps the fabric in good condition. Can I use vinegar as a fabric softener for my hoodies? Yes, you can use white vinegar as a natural fabric softener for your hoodies.

Why put jeans on inside out?

Turn your jeans inside out when washing them to help protect the fibers on the outside of the jeans from friction and direct exposure from detergent, which helps prevent fading. However, it's not rare for jeans to bleed dye, especially if they're new.

How often should you wash your bra?

“As often as every two to three days of wear,” says Arias. This is for hygiene purposes but also because the elastic components stretch when you wear your bra, and washing it restores the shape.” The one exception to this rule is your sports bras. These should be washed after every use, says Pfister.

Why do my Levi's smell weird?

Where The New Jean Smell Comes From. The funny smell that some new clothes give off seems like a small annoyance, but you may be alarmed by the root cause of that scent: Formaldehyde. That's right, the chemical that's causing the strange odour on your pants is the same one used for embalming.

What happens if you never wash your jeans?

While infrequent washing helps preserve the color and shape, never washing your jeans can lead to a buildup of dirt, oils, and bacteria, which can affect both the fabric and your skin.

What does 501 mean in Levi's?

c1890 The rivet patent goes into the public domain, so that Levi Strauss & Co. is not longer the exclusive manufacturer of riveted clothing. Lot numbers are first assigned to the products being manufactured. 501® is used to designate the famous copper-riveted waist overalls. We don't know why this number was chosen.

Do Levi's get better with age?

The patented durable rivets and five-pocket styling keep it timeless, while our signature button fly adds some authentic old-school flair. Oh, and did we mention this fit really does get better with age? (We have 150 years to prove it.

Are Levi Strauss and Levi's the same?

Levi Strauss & Co. is one of the world's largest brand-name apparel companies and a global leader in denim. The company designs and markets jeans, casual wear and related accessories for men, women and children under the Levi's®, Dockers®, Levi Strauss Signature™ and Beyond Yoga® brands.

Do Levis get tighter after washing?

A: Normally Levi's 501 shrink to fit jeans you purchase in the exact size you wear. So you take them home turn them inside-out wash them in warm water & dry them completely. They should shrink down to the size you wear.

What is the best detergent for jeans?

A detergent like Tide plus a Touch of Downy helps improve the quality of your jeans by trimming down stray fibers, and protects them from discoloration, pilling, and fading. Make sure to only wash your jeans with other deep-colored clothing.

Who is the owner of Levi's?

His estate was worth about $30 million (equivalent to $855 million in 2023). Levi's nephew Sigmund Stern's only child, Elise Fanny Stern, married Walter A. Haas, the son of Abraham Haas, whose descendants are the current owners of Levi Strauss & Co.

Can Levi's go in the dryer?

Skip the dryer altogether to avoid clothing breaking down. Hang dry your denim or lay them flat. This method preserves the fit and helps you avoid possible shrinkage or fabric warping. Pro tip: turn your denim inside out and hang them in a shady space away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and avoid soggy pockets.

Can you use tide pods on jeans?

Besides the above tips doing laundry with high quality detergent is a vital part of keeping your jeans and other clothes in their best shape. I picked up some Tide Pods when I was out shopping last week, and they've made the chore of doing laundry 100% easier than ever.

Should you air dry jeans?

The best way to reduce additional shrinkage is to air dry your jeans after washing.

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