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Denim is a huge trend this summer and more is more, with multiple denim items in single outfits, and all kinds of washes seen on the runways and on the streets. The look is layered but simple, and great denim pieces are the clear stars of the show. As summer arrives and you stock up on denim fashion items, it’s a good idea to learn about clothing care for denim pieces to keep them looking just as their creators intended, to make them your own, and to allow them to last for many seasons to come.

Is all denim the same?

Denim fanatics would answer with a decisive ‘no’. The denim that’s sold in most chain stores isn’t of the same quality as the raw denim that’s sold in specialty denim shops. Raw denim is untreated with chemicals, and should gain creases and marks that give it character and an interesting look over time – but it shouldn’t have its look changed by harsh washing. Raw denim requires special care to develop its look to its full potential. If you do take good care of it, you’ll be rewarded with a piece that’s uniquely yours and lasts season after season.

Ice cool

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The simple rule for washing when it comes to denim care is this – do it as little as you can. Washing denim damages its fibres, and you’ll find that it becomes thin and worn quicker if you wash it often. If you’ve invested in a quality denim product it’ll be tough, but that doesn’t mean you have to treat it roughly. Air denim between wearing to keep it fresh and sponge off marks rather than throwing it in the washing machine. A good trick to kill the bacteria that causes clothes to smell bad is to put the item in the freezer for a few hours – it really works.

Washed out

Eventually, the time will come when you need to wash your denim. Some newer washing machines have come to rescue of denim lovers with settings that take special care of denim, but if you don’t have one of these yet, just use a gentle setting and wash inside-out. Don’t use a fabric softeners, as these can damage clothing fibres, and whatever you do, don’t tumble-dry the denim. Remember, for the sake of your other clothes, that the dye in denim runs easily and so it shouldn’t be washed along with other items.

Taken to the cleaners?

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If this all sounds a little complicated, dry-cleaning denim can begin to sound like a tempting option. Remember, though, that although dry-cleaners are experts on clothing care in general, they may not give the special care that high-end denim products need. For inexpensive denim that you don’t plan to keep for a long period of time, there’s nothing wrong with dry-cleaning, but for the special pieces you plan to enjoy for a lifetime, consider taking extra time and special care – it’ll pay off.

Tags: washing machine