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THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO WASHING AND CARING FOR YOUR JEANS

Learn how to wash jeans the right way without shrinking, fading, or wrecking them. Keep your American-made Origin denim looking and fitting like new.

 

Jeans are an investment. Especially when they’re built from the ground up in America. At Origin, we craft denim to outlast trends and outwork anything you throw at it. But even the toughest pair deserves care. This guide breaks down how to wash, dry, and preserve your jeans without losing fit, color, or character.

What we'll cover:

  • Wash only when needed.
  • Use cold water and mild detergent.
  • Skip the dryer. Hang dry instead.
  • Myth busting strange methods.
  • Treat your denim like the American-made gear it is.

DO YOU REALLY NEED TO WASH YOUR JEANS?

You’ve probably heard everything. Some say never wash them. Others say freeze them to kill bacteria. The truth is simple. You should wash them, just not often. Washing too frequently wears down fibers and fades indigo. But waiting too long traps oil and dirt that slowly break the cotton.

Origin's wash recommendations:

  • Everyday jeans: every 8–12 wears.
  • Work jeans: when they’re visibly dirty or start to smell like the job site.
  • Raw denim: less often, about every few months.
  • Always - keep your jeans clean without stripping away what makes them yours.

HOW TO WASH JEANS THE RIGHT WAY (STEP BY STEP)

1. Turn Them Inside Out

This protects the indigo. It also preserves the fades you’ve earned through wear.

2. Use Cold Water

Cold water prevents shrinkage and fading. Hot water destroys shape and color.

3. Use Mild Detergent Only

Stick with gentle detergent. No bleach. No fabric softener. These break down fibers and dull the denim’s texture.

4. Wash With Like Colors

It’s fine to wash jeans with other clothes, but only darks. Denim can bleed dye, especially early on.

5. Hang Dry (Never Machine Dry)

Air dry flat or by the waistband. Never use the dryer. Heat breaks down fibers and kills the stretch.
 

Pro tip: Reshape while damp to maintain fit.

HOW TO WASH SPECIALTY JEANS

How to Wash Black Jeans (Without Fading)

Use cold water and detergent for dark fabrics. Turn inside out and dry in the shade.

 

How to Wash New Jeans (For the First Time)

Do one light cold wash before wearing. It removes factory starch and helps set the dye.

 

How to Wash 100% Cotton Jeans

Our Heritage Cotton Jeans are pure American cotton. They may shrink slightly with heat. Always wash cold and hang dry.

WILL JEANS SHRINK OR STRETCH?

Shrinkage

Jeans shrink when exposed to heat. Hot water and dryers cause it. Always wash cold and hang dry to prevent it.

 

Stretching

After a few wears, jeans loosen up. That’s normal. It’s the fabric adapting to your body. Your jeans are learning your shape.

FIXING PROBLEMS: SHRINKING, STRETCHING, AND STAINS

How to Shrink Jeans

If you want a tighter fit, soak them in warm water for 20 minutes. Then air dry flat. Skip the dryer. It can shrink unevenly and stress seams.

 

How to Stretch Jeans

Need more room? Spray with lukewarm water and wear while damp. Move around. The cotton will relax as it dries.

 

How to Get Grass Stains Out of Jeans

Use a mix of vinegar and baking soda or an enzyme-based cleaner. Spot clean first. Don’t overwash.

LONG-TERM DENIM CARE BEYOND WASHING

  • Spot clean when possible. A damp cloth and mild detergent handle most messes. Focus on the stain, not the whole pair. Every wash removes a little life from the fabric.
  • Store folded, not hung. Heavy denim can stretch out under its own weight. Folding keeps the shape and prevents sagging.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals. Bleach, softeners, and heavy detergents break down cotton fibers. Stick to mild, natural cleaners when you can.
  • Keep them dry. Damp denim breeds mildew and weakens seams. If they get wet, air dry completely before storing.
  • Rotate your pairs. Giving your jeans a rest between wears helps the fibers recover and last longer.
  • Respect the fabric. Good denim tells your story. The better you treat it, the longer it’ll last.
  • Less friction. Longer life. Built by Freedom™.

WHY ORIGIN® JEANS DESERVE THE BEST CARE

Every pair of Origin jeans starts with American-grown cotton and ends with Maine-made craftsmanship. When you care for them, you protect more than denim. You protect American skill and pride.

 

From the Heritage Cotton Jean to Delta Flex Denim, each pair is built to break in, not break down.
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A Piece of American History You Can Wear

Wash sparingly. Wash cold. Hang dry. Respect the fabric.
Origin denim is built to last. Treat it right and it only gets better with time.

Built by Freedom™.