Uncle Francky's advice
Here's Uncle Francky's column, which answers your current questions: how to care for your jeans ? Why are they stiff and how can you soften them? How to keep them clean and give them a patina? Here are his tips on the life of your jeans.
Why are my jeans stiff?
When your jeans are new, their fabric hasn't yet adapted to your body . The proof is that you can fold them into two neatly overlapping pieces. They will be tight and stiff when worn, especially for raw selvedge jeans, which may even make you suffer for a few weeks.
Over time, the fabric will relax to adapt to your shape and movements. This is how your jeans "give" themselves to you ! To prevent your jeans from becoming too big after "giving themselves", consider choosing them that are a little fitted. They will be at their best after a few days, or even a few hours! If they have "given" too much over time, you can reset them by washing them and possibly putting them in the dryer.
When to wash jeans?
The question of washing oscillates between heresy and reality, depending on the point of view. Indeed, washing jeans is not without consequences . Purists will tell you that you should never wash your jeans to take care of them. Indeed, when you buy a great piece of Japanese Selvedge and you want to either keep it raw or give it a patina when worn, purists make this choice. I advise you in all cases to avoid washing your jeans too often. The Raw will lose its raw side which gives it its charm. The Dark Used (dark blue) will continue to fade just like the Mid Blue (light blue), because that is the purpose of indigo.
I would add that, by nature, washing causes a mechanical action when wet which will weaken your jeans, enlarge the beginnings of holes or tears: yes, washing shortens the lifespan of your jeans!
How to clean these jeans?
But it's dirty, you say? Actually, not really: remember to air your jeans after each wear, by turning them inside out and shaking them vigorously out the window. You'll see lots of dust: skin flakes that will fly away. Bacteria feed on it, and that's what makes your jeans smell strong. Let them breathe outside all night, and you'll see that they'll be fine. Some people put their jeans in the freezer to kill these bacteria, and some very specialized brands even provide a freezer bag with their jeans.
Well, if you spilled coffee on it, that's another story... And we'll tell you about it here: How to wash your jeans?
Up to you
We hope this has been informative! If you want to go a little further, you can find our other beauty tips here .
Have you read our first episode on cotton ? Did you enjoy it? We'll let you digest all this technology a little longer before revealing Episode II.
Do you have any other questions about the life of your jeans ? Do you want to discuss other topics? The hem? The belt loops? The cuffs? Send us your questions by email or via Facebook or Instagram . We'll pass them on to our national Uncle Francky 😃!
