Most of us (me included) don’t read the instructions when we get new stuff. We wash our new jeans and dry them in the dryer. But it’s what happens next that most of us don’t even think about.
Sometimes, you might find out that your new jeans have shrunk and you might be wondering, did they shrink because you put them in the dryer?
In this article, we’ll be talking about shrinking in jeans, how to reduce shrinkage and the best jeans which don’t shrink fast when you buy them
Yes, drying your jeans, especially in the dryer shrinks them. The heat from the machine can cause shrinkage that is not reversible, so it’s best to air-dry your jeans instead.
But if you must use the dryer, turn down the heat and be sure to tumble-dry on low for only 20 to 30 minutes at a time.
How does the shrinking happen?
Jeans shrink when they are exposed to heat and moisture. The most common way to shrink your jeans is by drying them in the dryer.
When you put them on, they will feel a bit tight, but then they will stretch out over time as you wear them.
While this is the most common way of shrinking jeans, there are other ways that your jeans can shrink. If you put your jeans in the washing machine, then run them through a spin cycle, then hang them up to air dry, they may shrink slightly as well.
This is because the spin cycle causes friction between the fabric and the washer drum which causes some of the fibers to break down, which results in less material being available for stretching while wearing them later on down the road.
What are the best ways to dry your Jeans (to reduce shrinkage?)
Tumble drying
Tumble drying is the easiest way to dry jeans. It’s also the fastest and most convenient. However, it can cause shrinkage.
The best way to prevent shrinkage when tumble-drying jeans are to make sure they are completely dry before you put them in the dryer. Many people recommend hanging your jeans outside to air-dry them before putting them into the dryer.
This gives you more control over how much shrinkage occurs during the drying process, which can help you avoid having to buy new pairs of jeans after every wash cycle.
Air-Drying Jeans
The best way to air-dry your jeans is outside on a clothesline or rack. If weather permits, this is a great method for reducing shrinkage and controlling how much time your jeans spend in the washing machine or dryer.
You also won’t have to worry about fading or damage from sunlight exposure if you hang them outside on a sunny day. If the weather doesn’t permit outdoor drying, try hanging them in your bedroom overnight or even in front of a fan for at least two days before washing them again
Use a low heat setting
Another way to dry your jeans is on a low heat setting. This will prevent shrinkage, but it may also cause the denim to fade faster. In most cases, this isn’t really a problem.
A few faded areas here and there are not only fashionable, but they also help identify your jeans as well-loved and worn-in.
Use an extra rinse cycle
If you need to dry your jeans in the washing machine with other items that may be damaged by heat (such as towels), add an extra rinse cycle to remove some of the excess water from the jeans before you hang them up to dry.
If you have an older washer that doesn’t have a “wrinkle care” cycle, try adding a damp towel or other absorbent items into the load with your jeans until they’re finished washing and spinning so that excess moisture will drain out before drying begins.
Hang them outside in the sun
This is probably the best way to dry your jeans if you’re able to do it. Sunlight helps break down any remaining moisture in the fabric and allows them to dry quicker than an indoor drying method would.
It also helps fade away those pesky stains left behind by bleach or detergent residue!
What to do when your Jeans shrink in the dryer?
When your jeans shrink In the dryer, there’s nothing you can do about it. But then, here are some guidelines on how to care for your jeans to avoid shrinkage moving forward
The first thing to do is examine the jeans and see if they have a tag on them
If they do, there should be instructions on how to wash and dry the jeans. If they don’t, or if you can’t find them, here are some general guidelines:
Always wash dark-colored clothing separately from light-colored clothing
This is because dark colors tend to bleed more than light colors, and if you mix them together in the washer, you’ll end up with pink or blue jeans.
Wash your jeans inside out
So that any loose threads will be on the inside of the garment instead of on the outside where they could catch on something and get pulled out during wear.
Let your jeans soak for about 30 minutes before washing them to help remove dirt and grime that might cause bleeding or fade when washing them normally.
Always use cold water
Use cold water for washing black denim jeans so that no color bleeds into other garments in your laundry load.
Wash black denim jeans separately from other garments as well since they can easily stain other items in your laundry load.
Do not use bleach
Never use chlorine bleach when washing black denim jeans since it could cause fading over time due to its dye-stripping properties; stick with oxygen bleach products instead
Jeans that DO NOT Shrink Fast when you buy them
Rest assured, all the jeans listed below have been tested and are trusted not to shrink fast when you buy them
Wrangler Authentics Classic 5-Pocket
The Wrangler Authentics Men’s Classic 5-Pocket is a very comfortable, durable, and affordable pair of jeans.
These jeans are made from 100% cotton and feature a classic five-pocket design with a button fly.
The denim is also washed to give it that worn look, but it does not shrink or fade like other denim brands.
The fabric is also very soft, which makes these jeans extremely comfortable to wear all day long!
The fit of these jeans is slim through the thigh and seat, but they have room in the hip area for comfort while sitting.
The rise is also high enough so that most people won’t have any problems with it riding down when bending over.
The waistband sits low on the hips and has belt loops so you can attach your favorite belt for added support needed.
They are also guaranteed not to shrink fast if you follow the proper care guidelines
Levi’s 501 Original Fit Jeans
Levi’s Men’s 501 Original Fit Jeans are classic American jeans that have been worn by generations of people, from cowboys to rock stars.
These jeans are made from a 14 oz. denim that has a rugged look and feel. The Levi’s Men’s 501 Original Fit Jeans also feature five-pocket styling with two back pockets on each side that are reinforced with rivets for added durability and strength.
They also feature belt loops to make it easier to wear belts with your jeans if desired, button fly closure, and their signature red tab at the waistband.
The Levi’s Men’s 501 Original Fit Jeans are available in sizes ranging from 28 to 36 and in various different washes, including dark indigo, stonewashed, deep indigo, and black.
These jeans come in many different styles as well, including regular fit jeans and super skinny fit jeans.
I like Levi’s Men’s 501 Original Fit Jeans because they are very affordable, fashionable, and comfortable. They are also very durable, but they can be damaged if you don’t take care of them correctly.
I like that they come in so many different colors. The only drawback to these jeans is that they fade easily when washed in hot water with bleach or other strong detergents.
Levi’s 505 Regular Fit Jeans
Levi’s Men’s 505 Regular Fit Jeans in Dark Stonewash is a classic style that has been around for decades.
These jeans are made from 100% cotton, which makes them soft and comfortable to wear. The denim is dark stonewash, which means it has been faded to give it a worn-in look.
The jeans have a regular fit through the seat and thigh and a straight leg that tapers down to the ankle opening. They also have straight pockets on the front with single-button closures.
These pants come in a variety of sizes ranging from 28-42 with lengths from 30 (short) to 36 (long).
There are also several different colors available including dark stonewash, light stonewash, washed black, medium blue, and dark blue.
The Levi’s Men’s 505 Regular Fit Jeans come in an original fit that is roomy throughout the seat and thigh area without being baggy or saggy at all.
The crotch sits slightly below your natural waistline so they are very comfortable to wear all day long without any sagging or pulling down, which can sometimes happen when wearing other brands of jeans with this type of fit design feature built into their design specifications
In addition to being worn in, these jeans feature whiskers at the hips and thighs for added authenticity.
These jeans also feature belt loops on both sides and back pockets with signature arcuate stitching at the coin pocket and back yoke for a classic look.
They’ve also proven not to shrink quickly when bought
Red Kap Classic Work Jean
The Red Kap Men’s Classic Work Jean is a classic 5-pocket jean that is cut to fit over boots, has back darts for improved fit, and has a relaxed waistband with belt loops.
The knee area has an ultra-flexible fabric that allows for all-day comfort, yet also improves durability.
These jeans are made with 100% cotton denim and feature double stitching throughout. The straight leg design makes them perfect for any job in the construction field.
This jean features a relaxed fit through the hip and thigh. The jean has a traditional straight leg opening and is available in several colors.
The Red Kap Men’s Classic Work Jean is made of durable 100% cotton twill, which provides a comfortable fit for all-day wear. This classic work jean features a reinforced seat, knee, and thigh for durability and comfort.
The waistband features an adjustable button closure to secure the fit around your waist. This adjustable waistband also features belt loops on either side of the closure to accommodate additional hardware if desired.
The back pockets are also reinforced so they don’t tear out when you sit down or bend over, which is great if you’re moving heavy loads around all day long! They also don’t shrink fast when you buy them
Levi’s Western Fit Cowboy Jeans
The Levi’s Men’s Western Fit Cowboy Jeans are classic, straight-leg jeans with a relaxed fit through the seat and thighs.
The fit is enhanced by a 2% stretch cotton blend fabric that offers plenty of comfort without being too relaxed or baggy.
These jeans also have a zipper fly with button closure, classic five-pocket styling, and belt loops for added durability.
The waistband is made of red twill and features Levi’s logo embroidered in white on the left hip.
Levi’s Men’s Western Fit Cowboy Jeans are made from an authentic 12.5 oz. denim that has been washed to give it a classic look and feel.
This is the third Levi’s jeans on this list. This shows that Levi’s jeans are very durable and are made not to shrink fast.
Conclusion
We’ve talked about how and why your jeans shrink while drying. We also looked at some jeans brands which don’t shrink fast when you buy them.
I hope this article helps in your next jeans wash on how not to let your jeans shrink. And also helps in your next jean shopping.
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