Dark jeans are a wardrobe staple, but they can quickly lose their colour and shape after a few washes. A clothing expert has shared a simple hack to keep them looking new
Dark blue and black jeans are must-haves in any wardrobe, but they do tend to fade after a few washes, which can be quite annoying, especially if they’re brand new. The reason behind this fading is that with each wash, the dye gets stripped away.
Hot water, in particular, opens up the fabric fibres, allowing dyes to escape. Harsh detergents, frequent washing, and vigorous spin cycles also contribute to jeans looking faded and worn.
Not only do jeans start to look faded, but they can also lose their structure and fit, making them baggy and ill-fitting. However, according to Leanna Spektor, co-founder and style guru at Brand House Direct — an Australian online retailer specialising in footwear and clothing — there’s a simple solution that most people aren’t aware of.
Ms Spektor revealed: “Most people think fading is just part of owning jeans, but it doesn’t have to be. There’s one trick that changes everything, and it uses something you probably already have in your kitchen cupboard.”
The fashion expert suggested adding a cup of white vinegar to your wash and to only wash them inside out using cold water, reports the Express.
She further explained: “White vinegar is a natural dye fixative. It helps set the colour into the fabric, so the dye doesn’t run out with every wash. Plus, it removes any detergent residue that might be clinging to the fibres.”
Washing jeans inside out safeguards the outer surface from friction and agitation in the washing machine, which means they’re less likely to fade. Using a cold water cycle also ensures the dye remains intact.
White vinegar is mildly acidic, which means it will ensure the dye molecules bond more tightly to the jeans’ fibres.
The clothing expert added: “Think of it like a protective coating. The vinegar creates a barrier that keeps the dye from bleeding out. It’s the same principle textile manufacturers use in factories, just scaled down for home use.”
If you decide to forgo using vinegar after your jeans’ first wash, Ms Spektor still recommends washing jeans as infrequently as possible, washing them inside out, and only using cold water.
When you do launder your jeans, she suggested using a gentle detergent designed for dark colours and avoiding anything with bleach or harsh chemicals.
Fabric softeners are also a big no-no, as they coat the fibres of clothing, making them more prone to pilling. When drying your jeans, avoid using the tumble dryer and ensure you air-dry them.
The heat from a dryer can fade colours and shrink fabric.
Ms Spektor concluded: “Looking after your clothes properly involves making smarter choices with your money and reducing waste. When you learn simple habits like washing jeans correctly, you’re extending the life of every piece in your wardrobe.
“I’ve seen people spend hundreds on premium denim, only to ruin it in the first few washes because they didn’t know any better. The vinegar trick is something I’ve used for years, and it genuinely works. Your jeans will stay darker, hold their shape better, and last far longer.
“At the end of the day, fast fashion has taught us to treat clothes as disposable. But with a few small changes to how you care for your garments, you can keep them looking fresh for years. It saves you money, reduces the environmental impact of constantly buying new clothes, and helps you maintain a polished, put-together look without the effort.”
