Denim jeans are among the world’s most popular style of pants, worn by both men and women alike. Dating all the way back to the nineteenth-century California Gold Rush, they were originally designed specifically for the rugged outdoor wilderness. While many outdoorsmen and women still wear them today, denim jeans have since become a staple fashion item. Whether you live on the east coast, west coast, or somewhere in the middle, jeans are probably a common fashion item.
Of course, one of the many reasons why denim jeans are so popular is because they are available in many different colors, designs and styles. In the past, there was only a few basic styles of jeans. However, companies have since ventured into the realm of the unknown by producing and selling countless variations of jeans. You can choose between stretch and non stretch jeans, different cuts, sizes, materials and designs. This unmatched level of versatility allows fashion-forward men and women to differentiate themselves from the crowd, creating a truly unique look. But what if you want your jeans in a slightly lighter color?
Buy ‘Em Light
You can always buy your denim jeans in a lighter tone. This is probably the easiest solution, as it doesn’t involve any modifying or otherwise altering your existing jeans. Just find a reputable denim vendor, such as MakeYourOwnJeans, and search for a pair of light-wash jeans in your respective size. Keep in mind, however, that not all denim vendors sell light-wash jeans. Light-wash isn’t as popular as dark wash, meaning you may have trouble finding a pair, especially in your preferred size. If you shop here at MakeYourOwnJeans, though, you can find the perfect pair of light-wash jeans in the perfect size. Simply specify your size during checkout and we’ll customize your light-wash jeans so they fit just right. This takes the burden of crossing your fingers and hoping you find the right size off your shoulders, allowing you to focus your time and energy elsewhere, such as shopping for shoes and/or accessories.
Don’t Wash with Dark Colors
But what if you want to make an existing pair of jeans lighter? Not everyone has the resources to buy new jeans — and that’s okay. With a little bit of work, you can lighten the jeans you already own. If you plan on doing this, though, you should use caution to avoid washing your jeans with dark colors, especially in hot water. As most people already know, mixing light and dark clothes together in the washing machine may cause the colors to bleed. Washing a white shirt with a pair of black sweatpants, for instance, may cause your shirt to look a little darker once it’s finished. Well, this same phenomenon occurs when washing jeans and dark clothes together. So if you’re trying to make your jeans look a little lighter, it’s recommended that you avoid washing them with dark colors. Rather, you should either wash them separately in their own load, or wash them with white and similar light-colored clothes. Following this otherwise simple rule will go a long ways in protecting the color of your jeans.
Wash them in Hot Water
While not the most effective way to lighten jeans, this method can certainly help you achieve a lighter tone, all without exposing your jeans to harsh chemicals. For this reason, it’s recommended that you try to wash your jeans in hot water before using any other methods. Take your jeans, make sure they aren’t inside out, and place them in the washing machine using the hottest water setting possible. The general idea is to allow the hot water to fade your jeans, turning them into a slightly lighter tone. Keep in mind, however, that wet jeans look darker than dry jeans. So once you pull them from the washing machine, you should allow them ample time to dry before re-washing them. If your jeans are still too dark for your liking after drying, wash them once more in hot water, and again if needed.
Lighten them with Bleach
If you’ve tried washing your jeans in hot water to not avail, you can lighten them using bleach. This is done by adding 1/2 cup of bleach to your washing machine load, placing the jeans inside and allowing them to soak for about 20 minutes. Next, go ahead and drain the water from your washing machine. When you are finished, re-wash your jeans using cold water (no bleach this time). You may then dry your jeans and check the color. Hopefully, they’ll come out nice and light. It’s important to make sure the bleach is thoroughly mixed into the water before adding your jeans. If pure, undiluted bleach reaches your jeans, it’s likely to cause permanent damage rather than a lighter tone. This problem is easily avoided, however, as long as you dilute your bleach in water before placing the jeans inside.
The Salt Method
An alternative, and arguably safer, way to lighten denim jeans involves the use of salt — yes, the same salt used to season food. Simply turn your washing machine on and allow it to fill with cold water. Next, add 2 cups of salt and submerge your jeans. Make sure your jeans are completely submerged and allow them to soak for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. You may then remove your jeans from the washing machine and dry them as normal. The salt should act as an abrasive substance, helping to lighten your jeans. You can even rub medium-grit sandpaper across the surface to create a more distressed appearance.
These are just a few of the most effective ways to lighten a pair of denim jeans. When shopping for jeans, consider the tone and whether or not it’s appropriate for your needs. Dark jeans tend to produce a more formal appearance, whereas lighter tones have the opposite effect by producing a more casual look. Keep this in mind and choose the wash that’s best suited for your needs. Hopefully, this will give you a better idea on how to lighten your jeans.
