Denim Care Guide

Keep Your Vintage Jeans, Jackets & Shorts Looking Their Best

Vintage denim has already stood the test of time — and with a little extra care, it’ll last for years to come. Whether it’s a classic pair of Levi’s 501s, a distressed denim jacket, or high-waisted vintage shorts, looking after your vintage pieces properly is the key to preserving their unique character, structure, and colour.

Here’s everything you need to know about keeping your vintage denim in top condition.

1. Wash Less, Wear More

Vintage denim doesn't need to be washed after every wear — in fact, the less you wash it, the better.

Overwashing fades the colour, weakens fibres, and removes that perfectly worn-in feel.
Aim to wash after 5–10 wears, or when your denim truly needs it.

Pro Tip: Spot clean small stains with a damp cloth and mild soap to extend the time between washes.

2. When You Do Wash, Go Gentle

When it’s time to clean your vintage denim, be gentle:

Machine Washing:

Turn garments inside out to protect the outer colour.
Use cold water and a mild, non-bio detergent.
Select a delicate or gentle cycle.
Avoid fabric softeners, which can weaken the fabric over time.

Hand Washing (Recommended for Older or Delicate Pieces):

Fill a basin or bathtub with cold water and add a small amount of gentle detergent.
Soak your denim for 30–45 minutes, then gently agitate by hand.
Rinse thoroughly with cold water until the soap is gone.

3. Air Dry Only

Never tumble dry vintage denim. Heat can shrink and damage older fabrics.

Air dry flat or hang by the waistband.
Keep out of direct sunlight to avoid unwanted fading or bleach marks.
Smooth out the garment while damp to reduce creasing.

4. Storage Tips

Proper storage keeps your denim looking and fitting its best.

Fold jeans and shorts neatly to avoid creases at stress points.
Hang jackets to keep their shape — use padded hangers if possible.
Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, heat, and moisture.
Avoid vacuum-sealed bags — denim needs to breathe.

Optional: Cedar blocks or natural moth repellents help keep unwanted pests away without damaging the fabric.

5. Repairs & Reworking

One of the best things about vintage denim is how well it holds up — but even the best-loved pieces may need some TLC over time.

Loose threads or minor rips? Sew them up before they become bigger problems.
Need to resize or modernise a fit? Consider tailoring or reworking it into a new design.
At Brag Vintage, we often rework unsellable denim into one-of-a-kind pieces — don’t be afraid to do the same!

6. Avoid These Denim No-Nos

❌ Don’t bleach vintage denim — it can destroy the fibres and lead to yellowing or brittleness.
❌ Avoid dry cleaning unless the label specifically recommends it (most vintage denim doesn’t need it).
❌ Don’t overload your washing machine — heavy denim needs room to move freely.
❌ Skip harsh detergents, enzyme cleaners, or anything that promises to "brighten whites" — it’s not denim-friendly.

Extra Tips by Garment Type

Vintage Jeans

Preserve the waistband and fit by fastening the button and zipper before washing.
If your jeans are a raw or unwashed vintage denim, avoid washing for as long as possible to maintain the original fade.

Vintage Denim Jackets

Spot clean the collar and cuffs as these areas attract the most dirt.
If lining is present (e.g., shearling or blanket lining), wash gently or consider professional cleaning depending on material.

Vintage Denim Shorts

Wash with similar colours to avoid dye transfer.
Be extra cautious with vintage dyed or patterned denim — wash inside out in cold water.

Remember: Vintage = Sustainable

Every time you care for a vintage garment instead of tossing it, you’re helping reduce textile waste, lower your fashion footprint, and extend the life of something truly unique.

With the right care, your vintage denim can last another lifetime — and look even better with age.

Wear it. Care for it. Pass it on.
That’s the Brag Vintage way.