Why Do Jeans Ripple, Pucker or Wrinkle in the Wash?

After ruining more than one pair of jeans, I did some digging to find out what’s really going on. It turns out, those fibers are doing a lot when they go for a spin in the washer and dryer.

Heat Deteriorates the Lycra in Your Jeans

(These days, most jeans aren’t 100 percent cotton.) And they often have a bit of Lycra (or elastane) blended in so they have just the right amount of stretch. But here is the problem: Lycra doesn’t like heat. In fact, it kind of hates it.

At high temps in the washer or dryer, Lycra begins to degrade. When that happens, the denim surrounding it begins to warp, as well. And that’s why you’re going to see those ripples or puckering in random spots, rather than an overall shrinkage, as is the case with cotton. After Lycra has lost its elasticity there’s really no turning back.

Washing jeans excessively also deteriorates the fibers over time. And for some reason, most of us are washing them far more than we need to. In fact, experts recommend washing jeans much less often than you’d think, because overwashing can compromise their longevity.

The Washer is Twisting Then Stretching the Fabric

Even if heat isn’t the problem, though, the way jeans move around inside the washer can be. Consider — your jeans aren’t just plopped in for a little soak. They’re being thrown around, contorted, stretched in different directions. It’s even worse if you overload your washing machine and everything gets all tangled up.

Stretch denim is particularly prone to this. When the fabric is tugged in various directions when it’s damp, some areas remain taut while others pull in. The result? That beautiful warped, wavy effect that ages your jeans by 10 years overnight.

Jeans Absorb Water Unevenly

Denim is heavy by nature, but if you mix it with water, it becomes a wet sponge. The issue is that stretchy jeans don’t evenly absorb water. The uneven swelling is problematic: some areas swell more than others, and that means they can shrink unevenly when they dry. It’s also why jeggings and super-stretchy jeans are more prone to looking funky after they get washed.

Overloading the washer or dryer causes jeans to get stuck in weird placements

I know, I know. At times we just want to do all the laundry in one go. But cramming too much clothing into the washer or dryer is one of the things you can do that’s worst for jeans. If they don’t have space to dry properly, they can dry in twisted, scrunched-up positions. And once those creases are in, good luck getting them out.

How to Stop Jeans from Developing Ripples or Puckering After Laundering

The good news? You don’t have to live the wavy-jeans life. Some easy adjustments to the way you wash and dry them can help.

Wash in Cold Water Only

Heat, of course, is Lycra’s worst enemy, so jeans should always be washed in cold water. This will keep the fibers sturdy and prevent shrinking.

2. Skip the Dryer (Or Use the Lowest Heat Setting)

To keep your jeans looking new, you want to air dry. But if you use the dryer, run it on low heat and take them out while still a bit damp. Separating them as they dry helps avoid those wonky wrinkles from forming.

Wash Jeans Inside Out

This is one of the simplest ways to protect your jeans. Turning them inside out minimizes friction in the wash and helps avoid unnecessary stretching and fading.

Gentle Cycle/Hand Wash

Stretch denim tends to be more prone to damage, so a gentle cycle is a lot kinder. If you’re working with a pair of jeans you really like, try the hand wash option — it’s even better.

Don’t Overload the Machine

Your jeans need breathing room. If they are packed in tightly with too many other clothes, they’re more likely to emerge looking warped.