Even if heat isn’t the problem, though, the way jeans move around inside the washer can be. Consider — your jeans aren’t just plopped in for a little soak. They’re being thrown around, contorted, stretched in different directions. It’s even worse if you overload your washing machine and everything gets all tangled up.
Stretch denim is particularly prone to this. When the fabric is tugged in various directions when it’s damp, some areas remain taut while others pull in. The result? That beautiful warped, wavy effect that ages your jeans by 10 years overnight.
Jeans Absorb Water Unevenly
Denim is heavy by nature, but if you mix it with water, it becomes a wet sponge. The issue is that stretchy jeans don’t evenly absorb water. The uneven swelling is problematic: some areas swell more than others, and that means they can shrink unevenly when they dry. It’s also why jeggings and super-stretchy jeans are more prone to looking funky after they get washed.
Overloading the washer or dryer causes jeans to get stuck in weird placements
I know, I know. At times we just want to do all the laundry in one go. But cramming too much clothing into the washer or dryer is one of the things you can do that’s worst for jeans. If they don’t have space to dry properly, they can dry in twisted, scrunched-up positions. And once those creases are in, good luck getting them out.
How to Stop Jeans from Developing Ripples or Puckering After Laundering
The good news? You don’t have to live the wavy-jeans life. Some easy adjustments to the way you wash and dry them can help.
Wash in Cold Water Only
Heat, of course, is Lycra’s worst enemy, so jeans should always be washed in cold water. This will keep the fibers sturdy and prevent shrinking.
2. Skip the Dryer (Or Use the Lowest Heat Setting)
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