How to Care for Your Denim Shorts
A quality pair of denim shorts can last for years—even decades—with proper care. Unfortunately, many people unknowingly damage their denim through well-intentioned but incorrect washing and storage practices. The good news is that caring for denim is simpler than most people think, and the right approach can actually enhance your shorts' appearance over time.
This guide covers everything you need to know about maintaining your denim shorts, from daily wear considerations to long-term storage solutions. Follow these practices to keep your favourite pair looking great season after season.
The Case for Washing Less
One of the most important care principles might seem counterintuitive: wash your denim shorts less frequently. Unlike cotton t-shirts or synthetic fabrics, denim actually benefits from reduced washing. Each wash cycle stresses the fabric fibres, breaks down indigo dye, and can cause shrinkage.
Denim industry experts, including the CEO of Levi's, have famously suggested never washing jeans at all—or at least very rarely. While that extreme approach isn't practical for everyone, the underlying principle is sound. Unless your shorts are visibly soiled or genuinely odorous, consider wearing them five to ten times between washes.
Between washes, you can freshen denim by hanging it in fresh air, placing it in a sealed bag in the freezer overnight (this kills odour-causing bacteria), or lightly spritzing with a mixture of water and white vinegar.
When and How to Wash
When washing does become necessary, the approach matters significantly. Follow these steps to minimise damage while effectively cleaning your denim shorts.
Pre-Wash Preparation
Before washing, empty all pockets and close any buttons or zips. Turn the shorts inside out—this protects the outer surface from abrasion against other items and the washing machine drum, preserving colour and finish.
Water Temperature
Always use cold water. Hot water accelerates indigo dye release, causes more shrinkage, and stresses fabric fibres. Cold water cleans effectively while being gentler on the denim.
Detergent Selection
Choose a mild, dye-free detergent without optical brighteners. Harsh detergents strip colour more quickly and can damage cotton fibres. Specialty denim detergents exist but aren't essential—any gentle, fragrance-free option works well. Use less detergent than you might for other garments.
Machine Settings
Select a gentle or delicate cycle with minimal agitation. If your machine offers a denim-specific setting, use it. Avoid spin cycles faster than 800 RPM, as excessive spinning stresses seams and can cause unwanted creasing.
The golden rule of denim washing: cold water, inside out, gentle cycle, mild detergent, and minimal frequency. Following these principles protects your investment and helps your shorts develop beautiful, personalised wear patterns.
Drying Your Denim Shorts
How you dry your denim shorts matters as much as how you wash them. The tumble dryer, while convenient, is your denim's enemy. High heat causes significant shrinkage, weakens fibres, and accelerates colour fading.
Air Drying
The best approach is air drying. After washing, gently reshape your shorts and hang them to dry away from direct sunlight. Direct sun exposure can cause uneven fading, particularly on darker denim. A shaded outdoor area or well-ventilated indoor space works best.
Hang from the waistband using a sturdy hanger or clips, allowing air to circulate freely. Avoid hanging from the belt loops, which can stretch under the weight of wet denim.
If You Must Use a Dryer
If air drying isn't practical, use the lowest heat setting possible and remove the shorts while they're still slightly damp. This minimises shrinkage and prevents the stiff, overdried texture that fully tumble-dried denim often develops. Never use high heat settings.
Dealing with Stains
Stains happen, and prompt treatment prevents permanent damage. Here's how to handle common stain types:
- Food and drink spills: Blot immediately with cold water and a clean cloth. Avoid rubbing, which can spread the stain and push it deeper into fibres.
- Oil and grease: Apply a small amount of dish soap directly to the stain, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with cold water before washing.
- Mud and dirt: Let it dry completely, then brush off excess before washing. Trying to clean wet mud often spreads it further.
- Grass stains: Pre-treat with a paste of baking soda and water, let sit for 30 minutes, then wash normally.
Never use chlorine bleach on denim. It damages cotton fibres irreparably and causes uneven, harsh discolouration. If you need to brighten whites, use oxygen-based alternatives sparingly.
Storage Best Practices
Proper storage between wears and seasons helps maintain your shorts' shape and condition.
Daily Storage
Between wears, fold your denim shorts neatly or hang them from the waistband. Avoid leaving them crumpled on the floor, which can create permanent creases and wear marks in areas you don't want them.
Seasonal Storage
When storing denim shorts for an extended period—during cooler months, for example—ensure they're clean and completely dry. Store folded in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid plastic bags, which can trap moisture and promote mildew. Cotton or canvas storage bags are preferable.
Consider placing cedar blocks or lavender sachets nearby to deter moths and keep things fresh without artificial fragrances.
Repairs and Alterations
Don't discard denim shorts at the first sign of wear. Small holes, loose buttons, and minor tears are easily repairable, often adding character to your shorts rather than detracting from their appearance.
Local tailors can reinforce weakened areas, replace hardware, and even adjust fit. For those interested in learning, hand-stitching repairs using denim-weight thread is a satisfying skill that extends the life of your favourite pairs.
Visible mending—intentionally using contrasting thread or patches—has become fashionable, turning repairs into design features rather than flaws to hide.
Building a Lasting Relationship
Quality denim shorts, properly cared for, develop a unique character that reflects your life. The subtle fading patterns, the softened fabric, the personalised fit that develops over time—these qualities can't be replicated by distressed finishes applied in factories.
By following these care guidelines, you're not just maintaining a garment; you're allowing it to evolve into something uniquely yours. That's the magic of denim, and it's worth the small effort proper care requires.