A perfect pair of jeans is something we all cherish. One of the most versatile pieces of clothing to ever exist, jeans are made to last and be durable in all circumstances. So it’s a different type of pain when the pair that once fit you snugly suddenly starts to feel a little tighter. Be it because you washed it wrong or because of frequent wear, it is not a problem that cannot be solved. This blog will help you learn how to stretch jeans and save your favourite jeans from the landfill.
Why do Jeans Shrink?
Before jumping right into the problem, let us first learn why jeans shrink over time. Many times when we don’t fit into our favourite pair of jeans, we blame ourselves for gaining weight. But sometimes there are other reasons why this might be. Improper care of jeans can also lead to them shrinking over time. These are some other reasons your jeans might not fit:
- New Pair of Jeans: When you buy a new pair of jeans and they do not fit well, it can most likely be because of how they were produced. New denim can often have a stiffness to it because they are unwashed and untreated. All you might need to make them fit better is to break them in. Washing and wearing a new pair of jeans can make a lot of difference.
- Improper Washing and Drying: Did you know that washing your jeans wrong can also shrink them in size over time? Never wash your denim in a hot water cycle. Hot water can lead to the contraction of the fibers. This will make it stiffer. Additionally, high heat drying also has a similar effect.
This is why you should wash your jeans properly.
- Long Time Wear: Your body, too, has a similar effect on the jeans. Body heat and sweat can also stretch and contract your favourite pair of jeans. As the jeans cool down for a long period of time after a long period of wear, they can shrink the next time you wear them.
Now that you know the reasons why your jeans might have shrunk, let’s jump right into 10 easy ways to stretch your jeans.
1. Heat and Water It!
The first thing you can do is stretch the jeans physically by hand. All you need is lukewarm water and a spray bottle!
Spray the lukewarm water onto your jeans and then manually stretch the tighter areas. However, remember not to drench your jeans in water. Just gently dampen it. And then pull the tighter areas in the direction you need to stretch them.
However, keep in mind that if not done correctly, it might shrink your jeans. DO NOT use warm water; only use lukewarm water.
2. Just Steam It!
To loosen up the threads of the denim, you can also use a steamer. Focus on areas that need to stretch and then apply the steam from a little distance. This will immediately lead to the denim softening, which you can then stretch according to your needs.
But you still need to remember not to oversteam it as it can damage the threads of the denim and shrink it instead of stretching it.
3. Just Heat It!
Another easy one for you. Ditch the water and use straight heat instead!
This time around, you need your hair dryer or a blow dryer. Use any of these devices on their highest heat setting and focus on the areas that need stretching. It can be the hips or the waist of the jeans. Applying heat to the jeans helps loosen the fibers. However, keep the devices a little away from the denim, or otherwise, you can damage the integrity of the fibers. Then, you can again try stretching it in the direction it needs to stretch.
4. Wash and Condition It!
Like your hair, your jeans also need some gentle care. Applying a generous amount of hair conditioner will help your jeans soften, just like your hair. You can use fabric softener, too, if you have it. Massage the conditioner or the softener well into your jeans. Then try stretching them!
5. Just Water It!
Now onto the most devious one. Just bathe while wearing your tight jeans. Yes, unfortunately, you read that right. Wear your jeans and bathe in warm water (not hot water!). This will help the jeans take the shape of your body.
But let me make this worse for you. You will need to soak in wet, warm jeans for up to 30 minutes for it to change its shape. Then you need to stretch and exercise a little in order to loosen them up a little. If you are willing to do that, then the next step is to just let them air dry (after taking them off, of course).
6. Work It Out!
This method can be used along with the previous one as well as on its own. Exercising while wearing your jeans will help stretch the fabric. Just like we were previously attempting with our hands, this time you only need your legs.
Wear your jeans and go for a walk. Or, better yet, do lunges. Or, run. You get the idea. Working out will not only help you physically stretch the jeans. But the heat generated by your body while working out will help shape the jeans to your body.
7. Bake your Jeans!
This is the oldest trick in the book. Used by people for well over 50 years, this technique has some very loyal followers.
For this trick, you need a spray bottle with lukewarm water and vodka. Spray the mixture onto your jeans and wear them out in the sun until dry. You can also do a little physical activity to stretch out the jeans. You need to let it completely “bake” in the sun, that is, completely dry out on your body.
Remember not to dump the entire solution onto the jeans, just dampen them a little. Do not worry about the vodka smell. The smell will evaporate while in the sun.
Stretch the waist of your Jeans
Sometimes all you need for a perfect fit is a little stretch in the waist. These last few tricks might help a little stretching just the waist of jeans.
8. Waistband Stretcher
A waistband stretcher is a helpful little tool, especially if your jeans are tight around the waist. You can easily find them on any e-commerce platform. You can also search for a “pant extender”.
These little tools can be exchanged for your hands (not literally, of course). Instead of manually stretching out your jeans, use these nifty little tools overnight. Just spray your jeans with lukewarm water and attach the waist to these tools, and then leave them to air dry overnight.
You can also DIY a waistband stretcher using a hanger or chair. Insert the hanger into the waist of your jeans or pull down your jeans over a wooden chair to achieve a similar effect.
9. Button Extenders
This is another easy hack to save the waistband of your favourite jeans. Button extender gives just a little more in order to give your jeans a perfect fit. You can easily cover up the two buttons with a belt or an oversized t-shirt. No one needs to know!
10. To the Tailor !
If none of these work, then you need to go even more old-fashioned. Find your nearest tailor. With years of professional experience, a tailor is your most foolproof plan. But keep in mind that precise professional work needs time. From altering the seams to increasing the waistband size, a good tailor can do it all.
How to Care for Your Jeans
Now that you know what to do in dire circumstances, let us learn what to do to prevent such circumstances. Jeans, just like any other clothes, have specific needs that cater to their fabric. These are some of the steps you can undertake to wear your jeans for a longer period:
For minor spills and spots, it’s best to just focus on the spot rather than fully washing it. Use a toothbrush and some lukewarm water to clean out the spot.
Wash your jeans inside out.
Only wash them in a cold water setting. It will prevent your jeans from unnecessary stretching and shrinking.
Air drying your jeans can also help you save the fabric from shrinking. A dryer can damage the fibers of your jeans.
Never wash your jeans after every wear. A good pair of jeans can last you for up to 2-10 wears. Frequent washing is one of the prime reasons for stiff and brittle jeans.
FAQ
Ans. The waist of jeans can be stretched by using a waistband extender, a pant extender, or a button extender. Additionally, you can also go to a professional tailor for a more permanent fix.
Ans. To stretch jeans overnight, use a spray bottle to spray some lukewarm water onto the jeans and stretch them with your hands. You can also stuff your jeans with pillows, clothes, or a foam roller and leave them overnight. This will help your jeans stretch into shape.
Ans. To stretch jeans without water, you can use tools such as a steamer or a hair dryer. Use either of these devices to focus on the area that you want to stretch, and then use your hand to gently stretch it.
Ans. Jeans’ waist can be stretched quickly through the use of elastic extenders or button extenders. They can be used for a quicker fix rather than a permanent fix.
Ans. Jeans’ waist and thighs can be stretched by using lukewarm water and gently stretching the fabric in your desired direction. For the waist specifically, you can also use a waistband expander.
