What if you’ve been washing your jeans wrong all your life?
Shocking as it may seem, the age-old habit of throwing denim in the washing machine can actually do more harm than good. And what if we told you that some experts believe you don’t even need to wash your jeans after every wear—or at all?
Yes, this controversial claim has sparked countless debates in the world of fashion and laundry, leaving many of us questioning our routines. Before you run to your laundromat to rethink your habits, let’s explore what Chip Bergh, CEO of Levi’s and other denim authorities, has to say about caring for your favorite jeans.
Jeans are a staple of many people’s wardrobes, but they come with a long-standing debate: How do you wash jeans? Does this mean you should wash your jeans? Even laundry experts don’t seem to agree on this topic. So Levi’s CEO Chip Bergh tried to set the record straight with his own denim washing habits—or lack thereof. In a 2014 interview, he showed up in jeans that hadn’t been washed in over a year. People took it to mean that they should never wash their own pairs. But in a recent interview, Bergh clarified that this is not entirely true.
Levi’s CEO advises on proper denim care.
Jeans are a wardrobe essential for many, but they come with a constant debate: How should you wash them — or should you wash them at all? It seems even laundry specialists can’t agree. Levi’s CEO Chip Bergh tried to clarify this debate by sharing his personal approach to denim care.
In 2014, Bergh revealed that he had been wearing jeans that had not been washed in over a year. Many assumed this meant you should never wash your jeans. However, in a recent interview, Bergh clarified his position.
How the CEO of Levi’s suggests washing your jeans
“I never said don’t wash your jeans,” Bergh explained. “True denim enthusiasts, those who really love their jeans, will tell you to avoid washing them in the washing machine. That’s what I follow – I never put denim in the washing machine.”
Denim experts often warn that washing in a washing machine can damage jeans by fading their color, changing their shap,,e and wearing away the fabric. Instead, Bergh prefers to clean his jeans when necessary. If they get very dirty, he chooses an unconventional procedure: he washes them in the shower with soap.
“If I spill something like curry on my jeans, I clean it up on the spot. But if they get really dirty or sweaty, I jump in the shower in them and lather up with soap and rinse them off,” Bergh said.
They believe that hand washing not only extends the life of jeans but is also more environmentally friendly. According to Bergh, “The denim industry uses a significant amount of water. Half of that comes from growing cotton, and the other half comes from people who wash their jeans frequently.”
As an alternative, she suggests freezing your jeans once a month to keep them fresh.
Opinions of other denim experts
Other denim specialists support the idea of minimal washing. Benjamin Talley Smith, a denim atelier, recommends washing jeans as infrequently as possible to preserve their original color and texture. In particular, dark denim fades quickly, while lighter denim is less prone to fading.
When jeans need to be washed, Smith suggests cold water and air drying to minimize damage. Drying in the dryer at a low temperature is also an option. But he rejects Bergh’s freezing method, stating that it doesn’t actually clean the jeans—it just masks odors.
Patric Richardson, host of The Laundry Guy, has a slightly different take. He recommends washing your jeans after every 9-10 wears, as they are likely to have accumulated stains or sweat by then. For washing, he recommends a short cycle with warm water, which activates the detergent while minimizing wear and tear caused by over-tumbling.
Both Smith and Richardson agree with Bergh’s approach to cleaning stains, suggesting an unusual way to keep jeans fresh between washes: vodka. Richardson explains, “Sprinkling your jeans with vodka removes odors and acts as an antibacterial agent.”
Is washing jeans rarely hygienic?
Dr. Stephen Thomas, director of Global Health at SUNY Upstate Medical University, believes it’s not necessary to wash jeans after every wear. “Washing after three wears is a reasonable guideline as long as they’re not visibly dirty or smelly,” Thomas said. Infrequent washing is fine for regular wear, but jeans that show dirt or odor should be cleaned immediately.
Official Levi’s advice
Interestingly, Levi’s own website offers slightly different recommendations. He recommends washing the jeans in the washing machine, but only after turning them inside out and zipping them. Use cold water on a gentle cycle to maintain their shape and color and choose a mild detergent – especially for dark jeans.
To prevent fading, Levi’s experts recommend hanging your jeans to dry instead of drying them. While spot cleaning and occasional washing are recommended, they recommend a full wash after every 10 wears to keep the jeans in good condition.
Ultimately, deciding how to wash your jeans comes down to personal preference, how often you wear them, and how dirty they get. Whether you follow Bergh’s douche method, Richardson’s Vodka, or Levi’s official guidelines, the key is to strike a balance between cleanliness, preservation and sustainability.
In the ongoing debate about how to care for jeans, one thing is clear: there is no one-size-fits-all solution. While Levi’s CEO Chip Bergh advocates avoiding washing machines and spot-cleaning jeans to preserve their longevity and reduce environmental impact, other experts offer different advice. Some suggest washing your jeans at least – after 9 or 10 wears – in cold or warm water and using short cycles to minimize damage. Others even suggest unconventional methods like spraying vodka to keep it fresh.
Ultimately, the best approach depends on your lifestyle, the type of denim, and your personal preferences. Whether you follow the Bergh shower technique, the freezer myth or Levi’s official machine wash guidelines, the key is to strike a balance between cleanliness, sustainability and extending the life of your jeans. The responsible care of denim saves not only the fabric, but also the planet.
Resources
“Levi’s CEO says he washes his jeans by wearing them in the shower – never in the washing machine.” Business Insider. Kylie Kirschner. October 10, 2023
“How often should you wash your jeans? We asked the experts.” Today. Jillian Ortiz. July 1, 2022
“How to wash and dry jeans.” Lions. January 2023.