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[Cagey]

I hate to be dismissive but you really are misinformed. Never washing jeans, maybe that's too much, but all the producers of good denim advocate only rinsing them inside-out every so often. I'm wearing a pair of jeans right now that I've had for two years that have been rinsed in the tub maybe 10 times. They've faded to fit me just right, the denim is in great condition, and they've never smelled off to me (and I do check).

Misinformed? About what? You didn't write anything that I disagree with.

I'm sure everything said about washing jeans is correct for maintaining the product and ensuring a longer life and "better" look for the denim.

I placed "better" in quotations because I don't particularly notice a difference, and I'd rather not have my clothing smell like a collection of built up sweat, body odor, dirt, and whatever environments I've been in.

Ancedotal evidence means nothing but that's what this thread tends to be -- I have friends who swear by this, and their jeans smell like someone who has not washed them recently (i.e. nasty) while looking like any other random nice pair of jeans, washed or not.

 

[Iolo]

yea no, shes got the shnoze to end all shnozes, and shes pregnant, which only magnifies smells.

To be fair I know a pregnant woman who would sniff cleaning products to a probably unhealthy degree, because they smelled pure and clean. They also crave dirt; maybe your jeans make your wife hungry?

 

[Jag]

Sorry but not washing your clothes, including jeans regularly is just nasty. You ever sit down to crap at work? At home? Your jeans are probably laying in some junk.

I sit in my own office all day in AC at work and I still wash my jeans after 1 (maybe 2) wearings.

Also always wash your clothes before you wear them for the first time. I watched some news show were they tested clothes they bought off the rack and it had some of the nastiest, NASTIEST crap on them, literally.

 

[Vermillion]

The CEO is saying what consumers of high-end denim are looking to hear: that these jeans are special. The ritual surrounding them reinforces the specialness of the jeans and the fashion consumer.

Personally, I'll remain part of the washed masses.

e: dammit beaten by several posts

I mean, if we're going that route, the CEO always wins.

"Wash your jeans" = Buy more
"Don't wash your jeans" = They're special

 

[AbsolutBro]

What, no underwear?

I don't understand these responses. Unless you are wearing waterproof nylon or something, your underwear is likely made of cotton. Denim is also made of cotton. Cotton is an absorbant material, that's why towels and wash cloths are made out of cotton. Do people really think the cotton used to make their jeans is suddenly not the same absorbant cotton used in other things? Do you really think the way it's woven changes the basic material's properties or something?

 

[GSG Flash]

I'd rather just buy new jeans than not wash them.

 

[ConsumerSquare]

I think it's weird when people wear jeans in the summer. At 75 degrees I switch to more climate-appropriate fabrics.

 

[Chance Hale]

I think it's weird when people wear jeans in the summer. At 75 degrees I switch to more climate-appropriate fabrics.

My legs are too delicate to bear the sun's rays.

 

[Necrovex]

Working in a warehouse doesn't allow me to forego washing my jeans. :-(

 

[IncandescentPrecept]

If your jean is getting dirty after a couple of wears, then there's something wrong with your body.

 

[Alucrid]

what about jean shorts?

 

[To Far Away Times]

It sounds disgusting because it is.

 

[Anustart]

what about jean shorts?

No one should wear jean shorts.

 

[Protag]

what about jean shorts?

No one should own jean shorts, and i feel like cutoffs are only good on lanky dudes

 

[Vermillion]

I think it's weird when people wear jeans in the summer. At 75 degrees I switch to more climate-appropriate fabrics.

People always ask me this - unless it's super hot, my legs simply don't get as uncomfortable as the rest of my body. So I can tolerate jeans for most summers.

 

[Gintamen]

'' Rich CEO, who doesn't do any work that would make his jeans dirty or has a reason to sweat is not washing his jeans. ''

 

[TheExodu5]

I don't wear jeans when doing anything strenuous...I have track pants and shorts for that.

I rotate 2-3 pairs and watch them probably every 15-20 wears or so, but really I could go on much longer if I just freeze or air dried them.

 

[David Incorporated Esq.]

Misinformed? About what? You didn't write anything that I disagree with.

I'm sure everything said about washing jeans is correct for maintaining the product and ensuring a longer life and "better" look for the denim.

I placed "better" in quotations because I don't particularly notice a difference, and I'd rather not have my clothing smell like a collection of built up sweat, body odor, dirt, and whatever environments I've been in.

Ancedotal evidence means nothing but that's what this thread tends to be -- I have friends who swear by this, and their jeans smell like someone who has not washed them recently (i.e. nasty) while looking like any other random nice pair of jeans, washed or not.

Misinformed about the smell of them. A lot of people have this bizarre misconception about how jeans smell after not being washed. They just...don't. If they're never washed they will eventually smell bad, so that's why you rinse them out.

It's a little frustrating seeing everyone go on about how disgusting it is while having no idea how not disgusting it actually is. They're simply conditioned to think it's disgusting.

It's the same thing with people thinking that you have to shampoo your hair all the time because it's gross not to, without understanding that a) rinsing is more than enough for cleaning and b) shampoo is terrible for the health of your hair.

 

[Gintamen]

Also always wash your clothes before you wear them for the first time. I watched some news show were they tested clothes they bought off the rack and it had some of the nastiest, NASTIEST crap on them, literally.

I'm sad that this may not be common knowledge.

 

[dem]

I wash them every 2 weeks probably...

In the summer you're gonna smell like swamp ass if you don't wash your clothes...


We all have been around people who smell like swamp ass

 

[Mechanized]

I wash my jeans about once a week. Depends how often they're in the rotation. Not washing them is disgusting.

 

[samus i am]

I only wash my jeans if they look dirty. If they don't look dirty they won't get washed. I just don't know how you can go over a year without spilling something on your jeans that requires a washing machine to clean.

 

[kinoki]

I have about 11 pair of jeans. Most have been washed one time, a few haven't been washed at all. The newest pair are about 4 months old. I agree. Don't wash jeans. Own several pairs and don't keep them stuffed in a drawer. Let them hang free and air out.

 

[David Incorporated Esq.]

I only wash my jeans if they look dirty. If they don't look dirty they won't get washed. I just don't know how you can go over a year without spilling something on your jeans that requires a washing machine to clean.

Spot washing and rinsing, like what everyone's said.

 

[Cagey]

Misinformed about the smell of them. A lot of people have this bizarre misconception about how jeans smell after not being washed. They just...don't. If they're never washed they will eventually smell bad, so that's why you rinse them out.

It's a little frustrating seeing everyone go on about how disgusting it is while having no idea how not disgusting it actually is. They're simply conditioned to think it's disgusting.

It's the same thing with people thinking that you have to shampoo your hair all the time because it's gross not to, without understanding that a) rinsing is more than enough for cleaning and b) shampoo is terrible for the health of your hair.

Misinformed about the smell? Bizarre misconception? You're way off the mark.

People use their noses and smell clothing. When clothes smell bad, it's obvious. I wash my jeans whenever they begin to noticeably smell bad to me, which is generally after 5 or so wears.

Why can't you accept the simplest solution: that people think worn + unwashed jeans smell bad because they, in fact, smell bad? Perhaps your unwashed jeans smell like ass and you, being the creator of said stank, don't notice. Perhaps you're blessed with a body that barely produces sweat. Who knows.

 

[Gintamen]

I have about 11 pair of jeans. Most have been washed one time, a few haven't been washed at all. The newest pair are about 4 months old. I agree. Don't wash jeans. Own several pairs and don't keep them stuffed in a drawer. Let them hang free and air out.

Not everyone has the money or room or job to keep eleven pairs, clean at all times.

They're simply conditioned to think it's disgusting.

It's the same thing with people thinking that you have to shampoo your hair all the time because it's gross not to, without understanding that a) rinsing is more than enough for cleaning and b) shampoo is terrible for the health of your hair.

How about no?

Of course it's bad if you wash it every single day or multiple times a day. That's why you only wash them twice a week or so. And what about people who have complicated hair like me?! You have no shred of an idea how stressful it is to tame them without shampoo.

 

[daveo42]

I have two solid pairs of jeans I wear and wash them every 1-2 months barring regular dirty or grime. I only ever wear them on weekends anyway and they never seem to pick up any funk. I'd probably avoid going much more than a few months though.

 

[Skinpop]

So basically, as long as you don't actually use them you don't need to worry about washing them. Makes sense!

How is not using them at home and avoiding mud/dirt + sweat never to use them?

 

[Halcyon]

It's the same thing with people thinking that you have to shampoo your hair all the time because it's gross not to, without understanding that a) rinsing is more than enough for cleaning and b) shampoo is terrible for the health of your hair.

I rarely shampoo my hair. It screws mine up.

 

[Gintamen]

How is not using them at home and avoiding mud/dirt + sweat never to use them?

That's wearing them, not using them.

As long as you don't get into contact with dirt or produce sweat, there shouldn't be a problem. As everyone who's promoting the washing did admit to already.

 

[AbsolutBro]

How is not using them at home and avoiding mud/dirt + sweat never to use them?

I wasn't really serious, but

You said:

I wrote a few point on the last page: hang/air them for half a day after each use, never use them at home, don't use them if you know you'll get sweaty or dirty.

1. Never use them at home. So... not wearing them.
2. Don't use them if you'll get sweaty or dirty. I'm assuming that means places like clubs are out? Certainly not anywhere you need to do physical labor.
3. If you're wearing them to an office job, do you really think you aren't depositing grime and regular skin/body hair waste on them?

I guess I just don't understand why there is a big difference between jeans and say, a shirt. Both are made of cotton, both cover parts of your body that may or may not have an undergarment. One presumably gets washed on a regular basis, the other doesn't. I find that odd.

 

[Skinpop]

I wasn't really serious, but

You said:


1. Never use them at home. So... not wearing them.
2. Don't use them if you'll get sweaty or dirty. I'm assuming that means places like clubs are out? Certainly not anywhere you need to do physical labor.
3. If you're wearing them to an office job, do you really think you aren't depositing grime and regular skin/body hair waste on them?

I guess I just don't understand why there is a big difference between jeans and say, a shirt. Both are made of cotton, both cover parts of your body that may or may not have an undergarment. One presumably gets washed on a regular basis, the other doesn't. I find that odd.

1. Well, I'd obviously wear them before leaving. At home I only use specific "home clothes", like jersey pants, sweaters, tracksuits. It's much more comfortable and extends the life of jeans, knits, shirts or whatever you wear outside.
2. Depends, I'm not a fan of clubs but when I go there I rarely dance anyway. If you are heavily into dancing at the club, getting sweaty and rubbing against sweaty people I'd consider using some cheap jeans(that I can wash) and leave the expensive nice ones at home.
3. Sure you are, but its not a big deal. Air them half a day after use, soak in water if they start to smell. That's all the care you need. Not sterilizing clothes doesn't mean its dirty or unhygienic.

It works not to wash, it's not a big deal.

 

[Random Painted HIghway]

Someone needs to invest in an iron.


Also, this article confuses the people who wear jeans functionally from those who wear jeans as a fashion statement. I'm guessing that point has been made already in this thread.

 

[David Incorporated Esq.]

Why can't you accept the simplest solution: that people think worn + unwashed jeans smell bad because they, in fact, smell bad? Perhaps your unwashed jeans smell like ass and you, being the creator of said stank, don't notice. Perhaps you're blessed with a body that barely produces sweat. Who knows.

Because the majority of people who actually care for their denim properly don't end up having smelly denim, and the people saying it's disgusting look like they're shooting from the hip or just have it in their heads that it should be disgusting.

I'm not saying they won't ever smell bad, but 5 wears is a hell of a lot less than I get before rinsing. It's also important to point out that rinsing in cold water is all that's needed, no detergent necessary.

That's why I mentioned shampooing hair. I remember a while back there was a thread on why you shouldn't wash your hair or use harsh body soap because it's damaging for your hair/skin. The reaction was pretty vitriolic, that anyone following that concept would end up a smelly dirtbag. Only later on, after people actually tried it, did the consensus in the thread change to "my hair looks and feels better, my skin isn't near as dry and nobody thinks I smell bad upon asking." So what I see here is the same thing I saw there, and if people actually tried caring for their denim properly you'd see the consensus shift.

But instead we're getting "YUCK GROSS".

Someone needs to invest in an iron.

Get out!

 

[conman]

Didn't realize this was a debate. Don't wash your jeans (unless you puke all over them). Spot clean, air dry.

Work jeans are a different matter.

 

[Maninthemirror]

My wife disagrees with you CEO

 

[Mammoth Jones]

That's disgusting. No thanks.

Aaaand we're done.

I'd rather buy a new pair of jeans once in a while than never wash my clothes.

The farts alone that I rip in jeans would leave me stinking looooong after I cut the cheese.

 

[Dark Octave]

Nothing like smelling like sweaty dick and cologne all year

LOL! Snot out the nose on that one, god damn.

Back in my high school days I went grungy like that (I was kind of a skater). I had two girls put their heads in my lap on two different occasions and they both had the exact same reaction of smelling that stale ass dirt jeans and prombptly lifted back up without saying a word.

I started washing my shit after the second time, because I knew it was real then.

 

[Raiden]

Yeah no thanks. I actually like the feel of fresly washed clothes on my skin. Also my Levis start to smell after a couple of wears. They're actually my only pants that get that worn smell on them. So fuck that.

 

[inm8num2]

I spot wash and rinse as necessary. I'll throw jeans into the washing machine maybe as needed, but not every time I do laundry.

 

[genjiZERO]

I'll go about a month or so before washing my jeans.

 

[Fox Mulder]

I'll be the caveman that washes jeans the rest of my life.

I don't buy $800 jeans, so I don't really see the point of prolonging the life or whatever. I'll maybe wear them twice before washing.

 

[Pics_nao]

I usually wash my jeans after wearing them about 3 or 4 times. That or when I'm sweaty as hell.

 

[Jacobi]

I wash them when they stink and so should you.

 

[Exile20]

The smell makes every pair of jeans unique.

 

[Jonm1010]

LOL! Snot out the nose on that one, god damn.

Back in my high school days I went grungy like that (I was kind of a skater). I had two girls put their heads in my lap on two different occasions and they both had the exact same reaction of smelling that stale ass dirt jeans and prombptly lifted back up without saying a word.

I started washing my shit after the second time, because I knew it was real then.

Yeah no thanks. I actually like the feel of fresly washed clothes on my skin. Also my Levis start to smell after a couple of wears. They're actually my only pants that get that worn smell on them. So fuck that.

But do you all understand that most people that practice not washing their jeans on every wear are likely not using them daily? Not using them while doing things like skateboarding that will invite lots of sweat and dirt? Often take very good care of them(air them out and hang them up when they get home, spot clean, don't wear them consecutive days, rinse if they do feel they got used heavier then normal)?

I think people are picturing a bunch of guys that run around all day doing various activities and lounge in their jeans at night and do this for weeks straight in the same pair of jeans like their in middle school or something.

Whereas the reality is most people put their jeans on at 900am after a fresh shower. Drive to work or to low stress environments. 99% of which have air conditioning. Do minimal if any physical labor. They aren't ripping huge farts are doing other disgusting things in their jeans. Then they go home around 500pm and change out of their jeans. Hang the jeans up, spot clean and then leave them for a few days before wearing them again.



Frankly if your the type of person who isn't using a decent pair of jeans for physical activities or manual labor and you have to wash your jeans after one or two wears you probably need to be looking at your overall hygiene before looking to the jeans being the problem.

 

[David Incorporated Esq.]

Whereas the reality is most people put their jeans on at 900am. Drive to work or to low stress environments. 99% of which have air conditioning. Do minimal if any physical labor and then go home around 500pm and change out of their jeans. Hang the jeans up, spot clean and then leave them for a few days before wearing them again.

Yerp. I have some jeans that I wear only for working at home and in the garage that get washed fairly frequently, mostly so I don't get filth on every chair I sit in. My office/job-site jeans just don't get dirty or sweaty.

 

[djSyndrome]

Wait, the CEO of a company is advocating extending the life of their products by limiting wear? Well no shit sherlock.

When customers hold onto a product longer they buy replacements less frequently, eroding sales.

Spoiler

Sherlock

 

[TheMan]

i wash my jeans after every few wears because they feel more comfortable that way. for those who wash every few months, you smell much worse than you think you do, you're just used to it. learn some hygiene.

 

[Futureman]

Levi's CEO: I pretty much live in a dumpster