There’s nothing more annoying than pulling your favorite jeans from the wash only to find them rippled, puckered, or twisted. If this keeps happening, it’s not random—there’s a reason.
Most modern jeans contain stretch fibers like Lycra or elastane, which are highly sensitive to heat. Hot water and high dryer settings damage these fibers, causing the surrounding cotton to warp unevenly. Once this happens, the ripples are permanent. Overwashing makes the problem worse.
The washing machine itself also plays a role. Jeans are twisted and stretched during the cycle, especially when the washer is overloaded. Wet stretch denim is particularly vulnerable, and uneven tension during drying leads to a wavy appearance.
How to prevent it:
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Wash jeans inside out on a cold, gentle cycle
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Avoid overloading the washer
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Skip the dryer or use low heat
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Wash less often and air-dry when possible
With better washing habits, your jeans will last longer and keep their shape.
