How To Clean Black Pants Without Fading

Black jeans are a wardrobe staple for a reason: they're incredibly versatile. Whether you're popping down to the local shops or getting ready for a night out (ah, remember the days?), the denim number is a fail-safe option. And there's a denim cut out there for everyone - be it skinny jeans, mom jeans, wide-leg or kick-flare (to name a few).

But anyone who's owned black jeans knows that, with time, they inevitably fade, turning your jet black trousers into more of a washed-out grey hue - which is great if you're keen to try a more 'distressed' look, although many of us buy black jeans because we want precisely that, black jeans.

So, here to help you from replacing your black jeans simply because the colour's faded - which is both expensive and wasteful – we've put together a guide of how to prevent your jeans from losing their colour, including tricks for restoring the original shade and ways to prevent them fading in the future.

While you might not be able to completely stop the colour from lightening here and there, these techniques will go a long way in prolonging the life of your MVP jeans. In order to solve the problem, though, we must first understand why our jeans fade at all.

how to stop black jeans fading, including a model wearing black jeans and a black pair of jeans worn with chanel pumps

Getty Images

Why are my black jeans fading?

Over time, through exposure to water, soap, heat and sunlight, boldly pigmented items like black jeans start to lose their colour. If your wardrobe is mostly black, like mine, you'll know this struggle all too well. You'll end up with a series of black items that, ultimately, clash with each other because they're different shades of black. And it's all because of fading.

How do you keep black trousers from fading?

While you might not be able to stop your jeans from fading a little here and there, there are loads of things you can use to help extend the life of your black jeans.

1. Set the dye

With any new pair of black jeans, try setting the dye before washing them for the first time to help lock in the colour. To do this, simply soak your jeans in a bath or large bucket, combining cold water with a cup of vinegar and tablespoon of salt. While it might sound a little odd, locking in the colour of new jeans can make a big difference.

2. Wash your jeans less frequently

Contrary to what you might think, washing your jeans regularly could actually be causing them to fade prematurely. Especially if you're washing them in a machine. Instead, try spot cleaning your jeans if you get a mark on them, and only washing them entirely every four weeks or so. It's also recommended that you hand wash jeans rather than throwing them in the machine but, if that's not an option, put your jeans on a 'gentle' to avoid an overly rigorous spin cycle.

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3. Use cold water

Over time, hot water and soap can cause dye to gradually bleed out of clothes. And it makes sense. If you're trying to remove a stain from your jeans, chances are you would first try washing it in hot soap and water. The thing is, dye behaves similarly to a stain, and can be removed over time when exposed to the same environment.

4. Invest in colour protecting detergent

To help lock in the colour for longer try washing your jeans in cold water and using detergent specifically designed for dark clothes. If you don't have a specialised detergent, try adding a cup of vinegar and a tablespoon of salt to your wash.

Note: vinegar can leave a scent on clothes, so it might be best to wash your jeans on their own or with other denim.

5. Wash with other dark colours

In the same way you wash your whites together, make sure to wash your black jeans with similar colours to help avoid fading.

how to stop black jeans fading, featuring an image of dark jeans folded in pile

Adam Smigielski Getty Images

6. Wash inside out

This might sound like an obvious one, but turning your jeans inside out reduces how much contact the outside of your jeans has with soap and water, and from rubbing against other items of clothing, helping protect the colour for longer.

7. Avoid using the dryer

Always avoid putting your jeans in a dryer, as the heat can make your jeans fade faster. Instead, air dry your jeans on a drying rack or hanging from the belt hooks for minimum creases, and preferably dry out of direct sunlight.

How do you fix faded black jeans?

The best way to restore the colour to your black jeans is with black dye. To do this, start by washing your jeans in cold water to ensure the fabric is clean. Then, using a big plastic bucket, bowl or a utility sink, follow the steps on your dye of choice to create the dye bath.

Next, let your jeans soak for the recommended amount of time, stirring occasionally to ensure no sediment forms at the bottom. Once soaked, rinse your jeans under cold water and lock in the colour (see method above) before washing in a cold wash and leaving to air dry.

Et voila! Your jeans should look as good as new again.

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How can I restore my faded black jeans without dye?

If you're keen to try other methods before whipping out the dye - which can be a bit messy - WikiHow suggests using black coffee to achieve a similar effect, repeating the process until you've reached the desired shade. Their top tip? Opting for a darker blend for the best possible result.

So there you have it, a load of handy tips and tricks for prolonging the life of your black jeans and restoring their faded colour.

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