Coated jeans are a stylish and trendy wardrobe staple, offering a sleek, shiny finish that mimics leather or waxed denim. Whether you’ve purchased faux leather-coated jeans or denim jeans with a unique sheen, knowing how to wash them properly is essential to maintaining their appearance. Washing coated jeans without damaging the coating or fabric requires a few extra precautions.
This guide provides helpful tips, step-by-step instructions, and answers to some common concerns, such as whether it’s safe to machine wash coated jeans.
What Are Coated Jeans?
Coated jeans are denim with a special wax-like finish that gives them a sleek and polished look. This coating adds a stylish edge, transforming ordinary jeans into something more sophisticated. With their subtle shine, they often mimic the appearance of a faux leather jacket or leather-look pants, making them a perfect choice for a chic, modern outfit.
Why is Proper Care Important for Coated Jeans?
Coated jeans are designed to provide a striking, glossy look. The coating, whether wax, polyurethane, or a similar material, is what gives these jeans their unique texture. However, improper washing can lead to fading, cracking, or peeling of the coating, which can ruin the aesthetic of your jeans. To maintain the glossy finish and prolong their lifespan, it’s crucial to wash them carefully.
Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Coated Jeans
Here’s a step-by-step guide on cleaning your jeans in a washing machine:
- Set your washing machine to the gentle or delicate cycle to protect your coated jeans. Washing in this setting minimizes wear and tear, helping your jeans maintain their original color and design.
- Always use a mild, environmentally friendly detergent like Woolite to protect the fabric.
- Avoid using bleach or harsh detergents, as they can damage the coating and fade the color.
- Using a mild fabric softener makes the denim feel more comfortable while keeping the fabric intact.
- Fill the washing machine with cold water to preserve their color and fit. Cold water helps maintain the integrity of darker denim, preventing color fading and dullness.
- Lukewarm water is an acceptable alternative for washing, as it’s gentle on the fabric. However, avoid hot water at all costs. Hot water can cause significant color loss, especially in darker jeans, and may also shrink the fabric, altering the fit.
- Using cold or lukewarm water ensures your jeans stay vibrant, well-fitted, and look as good as new.
- Turn Your Jeans Inside Out: After washing, always turn your jeans inside out to minimize damage to the fabric and color. Washing can be abrasive as clothes rub against one another, and zippers, buttons, or snaps may scratch or fade the material. Turning them inside out helps preserve their vibrant appearance and prevents excessive wear.
- Check the Care Label: Read the care label on your jeans for specific washing instructions. Some jeans require unique care, such as washing separately during the first wash to prevent dye transfer. Others may recommend infrequent washing to maintain their quality.
- Put your jeans in the washing machine with only other jeans or clothing of similar dark colors. Indigo dye in jeans often bleeds during washing, especially with darker denim, which can stain lighter clothing.
Washing jeans too frequently can cause them to lose their vibrant color or prematurely fade. To avoid transferring dye, it’s safer to wash your jeans separately or with similar shades.
- Line Dry: Always line-dry your jeans to preserve their color, fit, and fabric quality. Avoid using a dryer, as over-drying can cause shrinkage and fade the fabric over time.
If you need to dry your jeans quickly, use the dryer on a delicate cycle with low heat. Remove the jeans while still slightly damp, then let them finish drying on a rack or line. This helps maintain their shape and minimizes fabric stress.
Before hanging your jeans, gently stretch the seams to prevent shrinkage as they dry. This ensures the jeans retain their original fit and structure.
When air drying, fold your jeans once at knee level and hang them on a clothes hanger or rack. Avoid excessive folding, as it can create wrinkles or unwanted creases in the fabric.
2. Caring for Your Jeans Without a Machine
Washing your jeans by hand can help preserve their color, structure, and overall lifespan.
- Fill a sink or tub with cold or lukewarm water and mix in a gentle detergent that protects colors.
- Turn your jeans inside out, lay them flat in the water, and avoid bunching or wrinkling them.
- Let them soak for 45 minutes, then rinse thoroughly under clean water.
- Hang your jeans up to air dry to keep their shape intact.
- Wash your jeans only when necessary, as frequent washing can cause unnecessary wear and fading. Industry experts like the CEO of Levi Strauss and Tommy Hilfiger recommend washing jeans only a few times a year.
Related: How Denim Dyeing Affects Fading: Key Causes and Care Tips
- Casual wear doesn’t usually make jeans dirty enough to require washing after every use. Raw denim, which hasn’t been pre-washed, molds to your body and develops unique fading patterns with time. In contrast, pre-washed or faded jeans from manufacturers can be washed more frequently.
- Depending on usage, wash your jeans every two to six months. Jeans worn for outdoor work will need more frequent cleaning than those worn occasionally for style.
- For small stains, spot-clean your jeans with water and a soft cloth instead of machine washing. Be cautious when using soap on raw denim, as it can cause uneven fading.
- If jeans start to smell, try airing them out on a line or clothing rack for at least 24 hours. For stubborn odors, use a deodorizing fabric spray. Alternatively, freezing your jeans can kill bacteria responsible for odor.
- Place your jeans in a breathable bag and freeze them overnight, then let them warm to room temperature before wearing them.
- Wash your jeans when necessary. Look for signs like sagging in the seat, stretched knees, or a loose waist, which indicate it’s time for a wash.
Washing Tips for Coated Jeans with a Shiny Finish
Wash-coated jeans with a shiny finish need extra attention. To preserve the gloss, avoid using high-heat drying methods like tumble drying. Instead, air-dry the jeans in a well-ventilated area, away from heat sources.
If your shiny-coated jeans start to lose their luster, consider applying a specialized coating treatment. This will help restore the gloss and keep the Miss Me jeans looking fresh.
Conclusion
Washing coated jeans requires careful attention, but by following the right steps, you can keep them looking stylish and new for years. Whether you choose to hand wash or use a washing machine, make sure to use cold water, mild detergent, and the gentlest cycle possible. Always air-dry your jeans to preserve the coating’s finish and avoid heat damage. For stylish outfit ideas on how to wear a black denim jacket and a silk skirt, or a denim skirt, it can be paired seamlessly with a variety of pieces. With the proper care, coated jeans can continue to be a durable, fashionable item in your wardrobe.
How can I remove stains from coated jeans?
For minor stains, spot clean with a damp cloth instead of machine washing. Avoid using harsh soap, as it can cause fading, especially on raw denim.
How do I care for coated jeans without a washing machine?
You can wash coated jeans by hand in a sink or tub with cold or lukewarm water. Use a mild detergent, let them soak for 45 minutes, rinse, and hang them to dry.