How to Care for Your Denim
Denim is a universal textile that’s celebrated for its rich and storied history, extraordinary sturdiness, and iconic blue/grey colour palette. A symbol of youthful rebellion and high fashion swagger, this charismatic fabric is endlessly versatile.
If you want your Ralph Lauren denim to go the distance, then taking proper care of it is essential – whether that's airing it, washing it, or storing it in your wardrobe. With a little tender loving care, your favourite denim staples can be worn for up to 10 years or longer. Read our guide below to discover more.
What Is Denim
Denim is a woven twill cotton that’s been seen across every facet of the fashion industry – think slim stretch jeans and patchwork skirts, belted dresses and trucker jackets. Originating in 17th century France, this durable fabric soon found its home in the American West where it was turned into uniforms for miners and ranch hands.
Throughout the 20th century, denim became part of the pop culture zeitgeist, made iconic by the likes of James Dean, Elvis Presley, Jane Birkin, Debbie Harry, the Sex Pistols, and Madonna. Hard-wearing, stylish, and rebellious in nature, it paired tough outlaw cool with chic Hollywood glamour.
Ralph Lauren proved to be a masterclass in designer denim himself when he teamed a pair of jeans with a tuxedo jacket in a 1976 Saks advertisement. Ever since, his brand has been setting a fierce style precedent in the fashion world with an enviable collection of luxurious denim.
Our favourite picks this season include:
Men’s Denim:
PRL x Naiomi Glasses Indigo Jeans (a groundbreaking collaboration with Ralph Lauren’s Artist in Residence). This trend-setting pair pays homage to rodeo culture, the Navajo way of life, and the deep blue hue of the Dinétah skies. Team with a Western Shirt from the same partnership featuring step diamonds, a wedge-weave pattern, and four-directional crosses.
Women’s Denim:
Ralph’s Cropped Boxy Denim Shirt for its relaxed cut, vintage characteristics, and subtle indigo wash. We also love the Jenn Flare Jeans for their wide-leg silhouette, 70’s nostalgia, and perfect union of softness and structure.
Denim boasts a characteristic weave, made from two thick cotton yarns, which helps prevent tearing and abrasion. The textile is warp-facing, which means the weft threads go under two or more warp threads, creating a hyper-resilient fabric.
Our men’s Custom Fit Denim Shirt is the perfect example of a garment that was designed with versatility in mind (whether you’re dressing it down with jeans on the weekend or elevating it with a sophisticated blazer for a more formal occasion). What’s more, our oversized women’s Car Coat is crafted from high-quality Japanese denim that delivers a striking silhouette and can be teamed with just about anything.
Denim Care Tips
A popular rule of thumb is to wash denim every 10 wears (or approximately once a month). Washing your denim less will help retain its shape, maintain its fit, and prevent excessive colour bleeding. We recommend using an enzyme-free denim detergent which is gentler on fabrics.
In between washes, you can hang your denim garment outside to air it and use a damp cloth to remove any marks. Afterwards, hang your denim in your wardrobe to help prevent creases and to keep it free from any moisture build-up.
Washing Your Denim
Ralph Lauren denim may be hard-wearing, but it’s important to follow our set of guidelines to ensure your garment stays in premium condition. There’s more to denim care than meets the eye, especially when it comes to laundering.
Advice for washing, drying and storing denim
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Wash denim every 10 wears (or once a month) in a washing machine with a mild, enzyme-free detergent. Set to a gentle cycle with a maximum temperature of 30° to help maintain its shape and colour.
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Turn your garment inside out and make sure all the zips are fastened. Alternatively, use a laundry bag for extra protection (it will keep your denim in better condition).
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For those who prefer handwashing, fill a bath with enough lukewarm water to cover your garment entirely. Soak for about 45 minutes, swishing the denim occasionally.
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Between washes, if any staining appears, take to it gently with a damp sponge or cloth. Hang your denim garment so it can air out after you wear it (this helps to remove any unwanted odours).
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Please note: while many believe that putting denim in the freezer kills bacteria, this myth has been debunked by scientists. Cleaning your jeans is the best way to go, leaving them germ-free and smelling gorgeous.
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Never tumble dry your Ralph Lauren denim because extreme heat can cause unwelcome shrinkage and damage. We suggest air drying your denim on a hanger to help preserve its original shape and encourage longevity.
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To air dry, peg your denim garment on a clothesline away from direct sunlight (which can cause it to prematurely fade). A drying rack or clothes horse is also a good option, as is a drying cabinet.
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When ironing, choose a low heat setting and use the steam function, if available. A steamer is also great for getting out creases, mitigating odours, and killing bacteria.
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In terms of storage, hanging denim garments ensures they are aired out properly, while also preventing creasing. You can use a triangular-shaped hanger, a clip hanger, or a pull-out trouser rack (when you’re storing Ralph Lauren jeans ). Avoid folding, or placing in bags and containers, as this can cause unwanted moisture buildup.
How to Deal with Stains and Repairs
Step by Step on how to get rid of stains
What you will need:
A scraping tool. E.g dull knife
Laundry detergent
Bristled toothbrush
Stain remover product
Washing machine
Step 1: Wait for the stain to dry
If your denim garment is stained, don’t attempt to remove the residue while it’s still wet, as the stain may go deeper into the fabric and spread.
Step 2: Scrape the dried stain off the denim
Wait until dry so the mud, dirt, food, or drink can be scraped off with a dull knife, or blotted/wiped with a sponge or cloth (depending on the severity of the stain).
Step 3: Soak the stain in liquid laundry detergent
Treat heavier blemishes by applying gentle laundry detergent and leaving for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Wet toothbrush to remove stain
For deeper-seated stains, a wet toothbrush, applied to the fabric in a circular motion on both sides of the denim, can help loosen particles and debris.
Step 5: Apply stain remover
Before washing, apply a denim stain remover to the patch (always follow the guidelines on the bottle). This ensures that the blemish will be removed entirely from the fabric, leaving your garment in tip-top condition.
Step 6: Washing your jeans
Place your denim inside-out in the washing machine and use a mild, enzyme-free detergent. Set to a gentle cycle with a maximum temperature of 30° to help maintain its shape and colour.
Step 7: Air dry your jeans
One of our best denim tips is to air dry your garment, as opposed to tumble drying it. Using a tumble dryer can set any stains deeper into the fabric, undoing all your effort to remove it. If the blemish remains after washing and drying, simply repeat the above steps.
Denim Care Recap
Ralph Lauren denim is designed to last for years to come, serving you across the seasons and seamlessly adapting to your personal style whether that’s smart and preppy, old-school rock n’ roll, or a modern take on the Marlboro Man. Investing in our designer denim is one of the wisest wardrobe choices you’ll ever make because our garments are so versatile.
Remember to follow our tips on washing, drying, and hanging, so your luxurious denim can go the distance. Every season, Ralph Lauren launches new collections of denim apparel, so you can switch things up and try new aesthetics. Shop Ralph Lauren denim today. The inspiration is endless.