It’s your wardrobe favorite. The one you take everywhere, from your Saturday morning coffee shop to your Friday night bistro. But then, after a wash, disaster strikes: it comes out all wrinkled, with waves on the thighs or near the seams. What happened to it? Is it ruined? Rest assured: this problem is as common as it is easy to avoid. We’ll explain everything, and above all, how to restore its former glory.
Culprit #1: Uneven Shrinkage
Denim is often cotton… and cotton doesn’t do well with heat! When machine- washing or in the dryer , the fibers can shrink, but not always evenly. As a result, some areas, like thick seams or hips, shrink more than others, creating that frustrating wavy effect. If you wash in hot water or dry at a high temperature, the fabric can warp slightly , a bit like a poorly ironed tablecloth. Not very attractive , we agree.
Manufacturing also plays its part
Yes, not all jeans are sewn with the same care. During manufacturing, some pieces may be assembled under tension. This isn’t visible to the naked eye, but the first time they’re washed, this tension is released and creates distortions. Affordable jeans or those sewn quickly are more at risk, but even high-end brands aren’t immune if the denim is very stretchy or the seams are a bit uneven.
