Keeping Men's Cinch Jeans Fresh: How to Maintain Your Favorite Pair

Men’s Cinch jeans, like Levi’s or Wranglers, have a certain mystique about them that comes with age and acceptance. Like a good pair of Ariat boots or a Stetson cowboy hat, men’s Cinch jeans are tough, unyielding, and made to deliver for many years.

But, like all personal gear (and clothing) your jeans will be most comfortable and last longest when you break them in and care for them properly.

Here’s what you need to know.

Sand Them Down

No, really - and quite literally. Men’s Cinch jeans are pre-sanded (by hand) to rough up the fibers and make them more comfortable, for an almost “pre-worn” feel, but if they’re a bit too coarse to your liking when you first buy them, you can repeat the process.

If your new jeans are a bit stiff, just sand them down. Lay them flat on a workbench and use a piece of sandpaper in a relatively coarse grit (60 to 80 grit) and lightly sand the inner and outer surface of the jeans, especially anywhere they chafe on you.

Don’t overdo it, though. Jeans will naturally break in with time and soften, too. Just a few passes with sandpaper will go a long way.

Soak and Break Them In

You can also accelerate the break-in process by soaking your jeans briefly in cold water, then removing them and air drying them until they are just ever so slightly damp.

Then, put them on (it’ll be a little uncomfortable with damp jeans, but nothing worth having comes easy!) and do a few sets of lunges and squats. While the fibers are damp, they will stretch more readily and conform more perfectly to your contours.

Wear More, Wash Less

Another insider secret is not to wash your jeans too much. Washing has its place, but every time you wash denim, you will stress the fibers, wear out some of the color, and worst of all, wash out some of the fibers that make your jeans soft - making them threadbare in the long run.

Unless your jeans are really dirty, skip the wash. You can wear jeans ten times (or more) under normal, casual circumstances before they really need to be washed.

Instead, wear your jeans more and simply spot clean as needed. That unique patina and coloration your jeans will develop over time comes from wear and use, not repeated washings. Plus, washing less will keep your jeans softer and more comfortable.

Wash in Cold Water

Even though one of our top tips is to wash your jeans less, we still recognize that you’ll need to wash them from time to time.

When you do, an insider secret to long-lasting jeans is to wash them in cold water. Hot water, as good as it is for removing dirt and oil, is terribly bad for cotton fibers (and denim is made of cotton fibers).

Hot water will stress the fibers and can make them shrink. This can ruin that perfect “fit” you worked so hard for. Also, hot water makes it more likely that your jeans’ color will fade.

So, turn them inside out and skip the hot wash cycle, opting instead for cold. Another bonus to using cold water is cheaper and wastes less energy - so cold water preserves not only your jeans but your wallet, too.

Avoid Harsh Detergents (Less Is More)

Avoid harsh chemical detergents when washing your jeans, and use slightly less than the manufacturers recommend. Also, use a detergent rated to help fabrics hold onto colors because you want your jeans to keep that beautiful indigo-blue, and detergents will progressively wash it out.

And never use bleach - even color-safe bleach. Bleach does a serious number on cotton fibers and will directly contribute to the demise of your cotton garments (jeans included).

Skip the Dryer

One more tip for you to ensure your men’s Cinch jeans last longer, look brighter and stay comfortable. Skip the dryer entirely.

When you do wash your jeans, take them out and hang them on a line to dry, or, if it’s easier for you, lay them flat to dry. Either way, drying naturally is a slower process and so much gentler on the fabric than machine drying.

That lint that comes out of the dryer? Those are all the fibers washing out of your clothes. You don’t want that.

Instead, turn your jeans inside out to dry (this fights fading) and place them in a warm, dry location away from indirect sunlight, such as outdoors in the shade (a breeze will help them dry out faster, too).

What Is the Best Way to Store My Jeans?

Storing your favorite jeans correctly can make them last longer by maintaining their color, shape, and fabric. While other clothes require precise folding, men's cinch jeans are more lenient, yet having some organized storage practices can have a significant impact. To start with, refrain from hanging jeans using the belt loops because this may cause them to stretch out gradually. Instead of that, fold them neatly along the seams to avoid getting unwanted wrinkles. Arrange neatly on a shelf or in a drawer. Remember to place them in cool and dry places only.

The first step to maintaining the appearance of your jeans, especially raw denim, is to not wash them way too frequently. Allow them to breathe between uses and keep them unfolded for proper air circulation. If you like hanging your men's cinch jeans, make sure to buy pants hangers with clips on the waistband or cuff to prevent them from stretching. This simple gesture guarantees that your jeans stay well-maintained and prepared for any ensemble.

Do's and Don'ts for Taking Care of Jeans

Fixing and Upkeeping Men's Cinch Jeans

Your favorite pair of denim may eventually fray or wear out, but that doesn't signify the end for them. Minor fixes can extend the lifespan of your jeans. Iron-on patches or fabric glue can quickly repair small rips or tears. If you have big holes, it's better to have a tailor professionally mend or patch them to maintain the strength and quality of the denim.

Caring for men's cinch jeans involves preserving both their color and fit. To prevent fading, wash your jeans inside out and use cold water. Avoid using the dryer, as it can cause fibers to shrink and weaken - air drying is your top choice. If your jeans become misshapen after several washes, steaming them lightly can help to bring back some of their original form. With some attention, your preferred duo can maintain a new look for many years.

Visit Our Western Store Near You!

Looking for a new pair of men’s Cinch jeans to round out your wardrobe and provide you with proven comfort and unflinching durability? You can get them here on our site, but if you want the full experience, come visit us in our western store near Grand Rapids, Michigan (We’re in Wayland).

We’d love to see you there - if you have any questions ahead of time, contact us at 269-792-2550.