Thursday, May 20, 2010

Care instructions for denim jeans

A comprehensive guide on jeans care

How should I care for my jeans?

To best care for your jeans, it is important to follow the care instructions found on the manufacturer’s wash tag inside each pair of jeans, since every jean may have slightly different wash and care instructions. It is also advisable to wash your jeans inside out to best protect against fading and general damage to special details. Be mindful when washing new denim with other apparel items because some dyes used in certain types of denim can transfer to other clothing. Some fabrics require dry cleaning only and should not be placed in a washing machine or dryer. Carefully caring for your jeans will ensure your jeans will fit perfectly.

Will my jeans shrink?

It is not uncommon for your jeans to shrink any where from a ¼ to a ½ an inch if you put your jeans in the dryer after washing. The jeans will usually stretch out a bit with wear and then shrink back once washed. If your jeans require hemming, we do recommend washing your jeans according to the wash and care instructions, before bringing them to a tailor

Why should I ask to have the original hem re-attached?

Not only is it aesthetically more pleasing, but also the majority of designer jeans have extra abrasions on the hem for a more vintage look that gets lost from a standard hemming job. It is also makes it less apparent that the jeans have been taken up.

I’ve purchased jeans that are a little long and need to be hemmed. What is the best way to go about doing this?

Almost any tailor can shorten your jeans to fit you perfectly to wear with heels or flats. Make sure to specify that you want the original hem put back on once the jeans are shortened. This will ensure that you do not lose the authentic look and styling of the jeans’ hem once they have been shortened.

Wash your jeans according to the wash and care instructions, before you take your jeans to be hemmed, since the length may shrink a bit.

My jeans feel too tight. What should I do?

Denim will usually stretch, so always putting your jeans on and wearing them for a bit before you make your final assessment on how your jeans fit. Sit, stand, walk, etc. and they should begin to stretch. If your jeans feel like they have stretched a little too much you can try placing them in the dryer in order to help shrink them back to their original shape. Remember to consider the wash and care instructions from the manufacturer.

Will my new jeans bleed?

The more unprocessed the denim, the more likely it is to bleed, so in terms of being a sign of quality, bleed is good. Some cottons lose their dyes when you wash them, especially fabrics with vivid colors. The dyes can stain other fabrics in your wash load. The first time you launder your jeans, wash them alone to prevent dye from bleeding onto other clothes.

Why should I ask to have the original hem re-attached?

Not only is it aesthetically more pleasing, but also the majority of designer jeans have extra abrasions on the hem for a more vintage look that gets lost from a standard hemming job. It is also makes it less apparent that the jeans have been taken up.

Why are some jeans so expensive?

There are so many components and factors that go into making a pair of jeans, –such as different manufacturing processes and treatments that contribute to the quality and look of the fabric. For example, the fibers used to create denim may be made by regular spinning cotton and some fibers are made with a special spindle called a ring spun, which spins the cotton unevenly and gives the finished fabric more character and depth, making it a more expensive and more authentic procedure.

This is followed by the cost of cutting the fabric, sewing all the pieces together, and adding the trimming (buttons, zippers, rivets, embroidery, pockets, belt loops, etc.). Even within these trimmings there are some companies that use nickel rivets and buttons, which are the cheapest. Finally, there is the washing, which is usually the lion's share of the cost. There are so many different forms and techniques of washing denim that sometimes the washing costs more than the fabric, cut and sew together!

The more details jeans have, the more expensive they are. So every little detail adds extra cost to the manufacturing and, inevitably, the quality of the product.

What should the proper length of my jeans be?

The recommended length for a perfect fitting pair of jeans varies depending on the style of the jean and your style preferences. The proper length will also depend on the shoes you wear with each pair of jean, but in general your pant’s hem should rest comfortably on the top of your shoes. To help us determine the appropriate length for you, please measure the inseam of a pair of jeans that you already like the length of.

No comments:

Post a Comment