If you've found the perfect pair of jeans but they still feel stiff and uncomfortable, or if your favorite jeans aren't as soft as they used to be, don't rush to give them up, there are ways to make them softer and more comfortable.
The following tricks can be used to soften your favorite pants, so experiment with a less expensive pair of jeans before trying these techniques on your more expensive jeans.
1.Turn jeans inside out before washing
This is important if you want to avoid a pair of dark wash jeans from fading, or if you don't like the bumpy look. Since washing can distort the color and appearance of your jeans, turning them over will reduce this. Of course, if you prefer a worn, distressed look, you can skip this step entirely.
2.Add Fabric Softener
Add liquid fabric softener to the water (you can find fabric softener products at most grocery and big box retailers), measure out 1/2 to 1 capful of fabric softener, and pour it into the water. Use your hands or a coat hanger to stir the water to mix the softener into the water.
Do not add any detergent when washing your jeans for the first time. Only add fabric softener. For front-load washers, you may want to put softener in the detergent compartment to add water during the wash. In the last rinse cycle of the wash, add vinegar instead of fabric softener. Best of all, it's usually only needed in small quantities, which means you can use it to make other clothes softer, too.
3.Put Jeans in the Dryer
Before moving on to the next step in the softening process, you will need to dry your jeans. Dry your jeans on a low heat setting. High temperatures can put additional and unnecessary stress on the material of your jeans, so stick to low settings. Sometimes it's the drying process that's done too quickly that can cause jeans to get rough. The dryer can also cause jeans to shrink. Be careful with the timing though. The longer you keep your jeans in the dryer, the more likely they are to become stiff and inflexible.
4.Steam Your Jeans
While the steam comes from boiling water, this method doesn't require water in liquid form to touch the jeans. It also does not involve direct heating. The steam is hot, so you should keep an eye on your fingers, but it gets cooler the farther it is from the source. You can use a steamer or steam iron for this option.
5.Wear Your Jeans
Of course, wearing jeans as a way to soften them takes time, which will help continue to break down the fabric, making them feel worn and softer against your skin. Check the fiber content and quality of your jeans before trying to wear them to soften them.
6.Sand Your Jeans
Another solution is to sand the jeans. Again, check the quality of the denim first. You want to soften your jeans, not grind holes in them. To do this, unbutton the jeans, then, while the jeans are still inside, use a small piece of fine-grit sandpaper and lightly scratch the inside surface of the denim. Starting at the top of the jeans, move the sandpaper square in a horizontal motion to scrape the fabric. Scrape slowly along the fabric, then work your way down to the hem.