TIPS: How to take care of your jeans?

One of the core principles behind the invention of this denim pant by Célestin Tuffery and other 19th-century tailors was to create a practical, durable, and easy-to-maintain garment . The jean has stood the test of time, remaining a solid and practical everyday clothing item . But to keep your jeans in perfect condition for as long as possible, there are some essential rules to follow.

We often say: “What damages jeans is not wearing them, but washing them ...” Indeed, the less you wash your jeans, the longer they will maintain their beauty. Why is that? The reason lies in the dyeing techniques .

In jeans, half of the threads, known as warp threads, are dyed with indigo (either natural or synthetic) using an ancient dyeing technique that involves multiple indigo baths. During the dyeing process, the blue dye coats the outer layer of the thread, while the core remains white. Over time, the blue fibers wear off slightly, revealing the white core. This is what gives jeans their renowned fading quality . A pair of jeans will develop its unique patina over time.

What about washing? During washing, jeans are tumbled around in the washing machine, causing the fabric to rub against itself or other garments. This process accelerates the wear on the warp threads, which is why jeans that are washed too often will fade faster than others.

In reality, there are two kinds of raw denim . At Atelier TUFFERY , as with many other brands, the term “raw denim” can have two meanings.

Definition 1: A raw denim can refer to a pair of dark jeans sold without any washing or distressing treatments. This type of jean usually undergoes a rinsing process between the manufacturing workshop and your wardrobe. The purpose of this rinsing is to eliminate shrinkage that could occur during its first wash and to remove excess indigo, as well as the fabric's starch (used by weavers to create a more rigid and workable fabric).

Definition 2: Raw denim can also refer to jeans that have never been washed ; we call them "just-off-the-workshop" jeans. This is often the case for high-end selvedge jeans made for connoisseurs. When choosing these jeans, it's best to opt for a comfortable size, as the jeans will shrink slightly after the first wash (the infamous shrink ). This unwashed denim is saturated with indigo, which will develop a beautiful patina over time. Purists often choose to never wash their jeans to maintain the indigo's richness and achieve a unique aging effect.

Have you heard the rumor that jeans enthusiasts never wash their jeans? Well, it’s true! Many denim aficionados avoid washing their jeans, or wash them very infrequently, to preserve the fabric and maintain a naturally aged patina .

What about hygiene? A study by CBC Canada found that jeans worn for 15 months without washing were not significantly dirtier than those worn for just a few days. Clothing gets dirty within the first few hours, but bacterial populations stabilize over time. That said, if you spill mayonnaise on your jeans, it’s bad luck, and they’ll need a wash.

In practice, how does it work? If you want to avoid washing your jeans, it’s best to rotate your jeans . Alternate the jeans you wear daily, and when not in use, hang them up to air out without letting them touch clean laundry.

The freezer alternative: Some denim purists occasionally place their jeans in a plastic bag and put them in the freezer for a few days. Exposing them to negative temperatures is said to sanitize the jeans through the cold. Myth or reality? It’s worth trying—it doesn’t cost much.

An occasional soak? Despite everything we've mentioned, it's still recommended, for the love of denim, to occasionally soak your jeans in water. This washing will remove dust that can damage the fabric over time, and it will also allow the cotton to regain its flexibility.

Rest assured, you can still wash your jeans—they won’t deteriorate overnight. But remember: as little as possible. These purist tips mainly apply to our tailored jeans. For other jeans, it’s much simpler and with no risk.

No, don't worry, washing your jeans in a machine can be perfectly fine. However, you should follow a few simple rules for a happy experience between your washing machine and your jeans:

- Load the washing machine lightly. If the drum is too full, the clothes form a clump and don't move around properly. When the fabric can't move, only the creases rub together, creating permanent white marks that will never go away.

- Wash at low temperatures. The ideal washing temperature is 30°C. Washing at higher temperatures can cause the indigo to fade irreversibly .

- Use a small amount of detergent. Whether for your jeans or for the planet, choose natural detergents, such as Marseille soap, and use them in small quantities.

- Gentle spinning . Heavy spins tend to press the jeans roughly against the washing machine drum. While denim is sturdy, this places unnecessary strain on the fabric.

- Remove your clothes as soon as the cycle is finished . Ideally, shake your jeans a bit by holding them by the waistband before hanging them out to air dry. Leaving them bunched up at the bottom of the machine will make them wrinkled and hard to iron, creating pronounced creases.

- What about the dryer? Let's avoid this torture at all costs! For beautiful raw jeans, the sudden high temperature of the dryer will damage the indigo and the fabric itself. Air-drying them inside out is the best option.

- Ironing and storage . If the jeans were hung up properly, you’ll find that ironing will be quite easy. Always iron them inside out . For jeans with open side seams, like those from Atelier TUFFERY, make sure to flatten the seams first. Then, iron your jeans without letting the iron cross over the leg to avoid creating creases. Steam will help flatten the thick fabric.

Once ironed, the jeans can be turned right side out before storing. However, to be picky, we recommend hanging them on a hanger rather than folding them. And for those who want to go even further, hanging them inside out will prevent light from altering the indigo...

Some guidelines for regular washing without hassle:

1 – Wash your jeans as infrequently as possible.

2 – Always wash, dry, and iron your jeans inside out.

3 – Never overload the washing machine (maximum 2 to 3 pairs per wash).

4 – Wash at a maximum of 30°C with a small amount of detergent.

5 – Avoid high spin cycles (no more than 600 RPM).

6 – No tumble drying. Air dry your jeans, but not in direct sunlight. (Or moonlight).

For high-end jeans, there are some essential rules to follow:

1 – Before washing, soak your jeans in cold water to ensure the core of the fiber is properly wet.

2 – Wash the jeans inside out and alone in the machine for optimal rotation. After the first three washes, the patina will be set, and you can relax a bit by washing them with 2 or 3 other pairs.

3 – Always wash, dry, and iron your jeans inside out.

4 – Wash at a maximum of 30°C with a small amount of detergent. 5 – Avoid high spin cycles (no more than 600 RPM).

6 – No tumble drying. Air dry your jeans, but not in direct sunlight.

For models incorporating silk, it is essential to follow a few rules:

1 – These jeans can be machine washed on a delicate cold cycle.

2 – Ideally, hand wash these jeans with mild shampoo in a basin of lukewarm water.

3 – “Air it out in water.” There’s no need to scrub too much—this exceptional black denim doesn’t get dirty easily, and it’s always recommended not to rub the fabric to prevent uneven fading.

4 – No tumble drying. Air dry the jeans, but not in direct sunlight.

To remove a stain, it’s very simple. Use a block or stick of Marseille soap . Wet the tip of the soap and gently apply it in small circles to the stain. Don’t press too hard! Then, use a damp cloth to gently dab the fabric at the spot of the stain to rinse off the soap. Avoid rubbing with the cloth so as not to damage the fabric. Use as little water as possible if you need to remove the stain quickly, otherwise, it will take longer to dry. Repeat the process several times if the stain has not disappeared.

If indigo bleeding is too troublesome for you, you can use the tried and tested white vinegar and salt technique .

To keep your jeans looking raw without suffering the consequences of excessive indigo bleeding, follow these steps: In a large basin of cold water, soak your jeans with a handful of salt and a glass of white vinegar. Let them soak for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Take out the jeans and then wash them.