How many pairs of jeans do you own? According to a survey conducted by Consumer Reports, the average woman in the United States owns approximately seven pairs. However, most women only wear four pairs of jeans out of their regular wardrobe.
Whether you are a man, woman, young or old, there’s no denying the fact that jeans are versatile. You can wear them to work outside in the yard, or you can wear them when dining out with friends or family. It’s this level of versatility that makes denim jeans such as popular choice among men and women alike. However, comfort is another reason why so many people wear jeans. Assuming they are made of genuine denim, jeans are soft and super comfortable to wear. But there are ways to make jeans even more soft and comfortable, which we’re going to reveal in today’s blog post.
Choose High-Quality Jeans
Just because two jeans are made of 100% denim doesn’t necessarily mean they are the same quality. Some companies use low-quality denim in an attempt to save money and increase profits. Unfortunately for the consumer, this means he or she is getting the short end of the deal. By choosing high-quality jeans from a reputable and trusted vendor like MakeYourOwnJeans, however, you can rest assured knowing that you are getting the highest quality denim on the market. And high-quality denim is usually softer and more comfortable than its cheaper counterpart.
Wash Them… But Not Too Frequently
You can also make your jeans softer by washing them. Doing so helps by softening the denim fabric, making the jeans more comfortable to wear. With that said, you should use caution to ensure you don’t overdo it. Washing denim jeans too frequently may backfire by causing more harm than good. So, how many times should you wash your jeans to make them soft? It really depends on the type of jeans and quality of denim. However, washing a pair of new jeans 2 to 3 times should make a noticeable difference in their softness and overall comfort.
Avoid Heavy Denim
When shopping for new jeans, you may notice how some of them feature thicker, heavier denim than others. These “thick” jeans are typically preferred for cold weather, as the extra material provides insulation and protection from the cold. As a downside, however, jeans made of thick denim are stiffer than their counterpart. Therefore, it’s recommended that you stick with standard denim jeans if you’re trying to achieve a softer and more comfortable feel.
Avoid Raw Denim Jeans
In addition to heavy denim, you should also avoid choosing jeans made of raw denim. We’ve talked about this before, but it’s worth mentioning again that raw denim jeans are made without going through the pre-wash jeans. Normally, denim is washed before it’s used in the production of jeans or other garments. Raw denim, however, is different in the sense that it is not washed beforehand. This means raw denim jeans are typically stiffer than other jeans. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as some people prefer stiff jeans. Others, though, prefer to wear softer jeans, in which case it’s best to avoid choosing raw denim.
Consider Stretch Jeans
Stretch jeans for women and men are often the perfect choice. If you haven’t tried them yet, consider picking up a pair of stretch jeans. Many people find that stretch jeans are softer and more comfortable. What exactly are stretch jeans? Well, stretch jeans are made of a special type of fabric that features denim as well as an elastic material like spandex or polyester. Just a small amount of elastic material allows the denim to bend and stretch with greater ease (hence the name: stretch jeans). The only downside is that stretch jeans don’t hold up as well in the washing machine. Of course, this shouldn’t be a problem as long as you limit the number of times you wash them.
Add Fabric Softener
There’s a reason why it’s called fabric softener — because it softens fabric. You can find fabric softening products available at most grocery stores and major retail stores. While there are several different types, most are liquid that you add to the washing machine when washing the garment. Go ahead and add your regular laundry detergent, after which you add the fabric softener as instructed. The fabric softener is designed to seep into the fabric, making it smoother, softer and more comfortable. Fabric softener is a cheap and easy way to improve the softness of your jeans. And best of all, it usually requires just a small amount, meaning you can use it to make other clothes softer as well.
Wash with Salt
If you don’t have access to fabric softener for some reason, you can use salt as an alternative. Just pour about 1 cup of salt into the washing machine and wash your jeans on the hot water setting. The salt water works as a natural fabric softener, helping to soften the denim.
Read the Care Label
When was the last time you checked the care label of your jeans? Most people rarely, if ever, read this label. Being that different manufacturers use different techniques and materials to produce their jeans, there are subtle nuances regarding how to best care for them. The only way you’ll know which method is right for your jeans is by checking the care label. You can usually find the care label inside the back of the waistband. If it’s not here, look farther down the leg. Take note of what the manufacturer says in the care label, as this is the best possible way to care for and maintain your jeans.
Rub with a Pumice Stone
While I’ve yet to try this method, some people have reported success by softening their jeans with a pumice stone. Place your jeans on a flat surface and gently rub the pumice stone across the denim.
