Common Jeans Problems (Runs, Fade, Holes); How to Fix Them at Home

We all have some go-to bottoms that we adore in all cases. But reality is that time, wear and tear, and life happen. Denim gets a lot of stress, from the fading and little runs, and sometimes as surprise rips. Before you get the urge to part with your favorite pair, though, here is the truth: most of these issues are completely fixable.

 

Our denim lasts long. From heritage straight-leg denim classics to baggy fits and slim silhouettes. No matter what you reach for, we think your jeans deserve a little reinvention, not the trash can. We will discuss the most frequent denim problems and how to address them like an expert.

Fading that Gets Out of Control

A little fade is cool. Sink-in fade that has your denim feeling like it got old? No worries at all. The indigo dye in jeans fades as friction, heat, and washing wear on the cloth, mostly in the areas of highest movement.

baggy riped repaired by rockstarjeans

The faded jeans look worn in, and some would say they are more stylish. As time goes on, your jeans become more and more comfortable; the fading happens much later with our jeans. 

Easy way out: Turn jeans inside out prior to washing, and use the mildest cleansing chemicals possible. Use lukewarm water and gentle soap to maintain the color. For that Rockstar level, wash less often, and air-dry. It only takes a little effort to keep your denim nice and blue.

Runs and Loose Threads

On occasion, you will see little runs or threads that are fraying, specifically near the seams and hems. This happens more often with women’s baggy jeans with loose ends. Natural denim is a living cloth that shifts as you do.

wide leg jeans by rockstarjeans

Repair it: Snip loose threads with small scissors, and place a dot of clear fabric glue or an iron-on patch on the inside of the seam to prevent the run from continuing. If you catch it in time, you will avoid a larger tear later.

The Dreaded Crotch Blowout

Crotch blowouts occur when friction and constant motion break down the fibers in high-stress areas. This is particularly true with tighter fits or with jeans that you wear multiple times before washing them.

First of all, an easy way to avoid this is to make sure the sizing is correct. If you are mindful of the washing routine and sizing, you can avoid this issue altogether.

Solution: First, DO NOT FREAK OUT. This is solvable. For worn-out spots, place a small patch of denim to reinforce it (on the inside of the jeans) or hand-stitch over this area to hold it together if you think further tearing is likely. 

snake strike by rockstarjeans

Don't overwash; this keeps fibers clean and strong. If you choose the Rockstar Jeans, you would have so much more of a leg up. Our denim is designed with the active citizen in mind, tough but moveable, like our lifestyle.

Small Holes and Abrasions

Little holes are the entry point to huge damage if left untreated. They tend to show up in areas that bend and flex the most around the knees, pockets, or back seams, typically.

When it comes to this point, iron-on patches or denim repair kits are your best friends. If the hole is small, just patch it from the inside, so the surface looks clean outside. If you are a fan of rugged looks, this can be perfect. It can give your denim a personality of its own.

Denim Losing Shape

So, whether your jeans have been feeling a little baggy (stretched out at the knees and waist), there's no need to panic. Most of the time, it is because the fabric has loosened after being used too many times.

High Rise Super Wide Leg by rockstarjeans

A gentle wash in warm water and air-dry (no tumble dry!) will assist in bringing those fibers back down. Rotate your pairs instead of wearing the same one each day to avoid over-stretching.

When to Say Goodbye

The toughest jeans only have so far to go. If holes just continue to be opened up, seams erode, or fabric erodes past the point of saving (denim is tough stuff, but it can only take so much before it begins to fall apart), it could be time to retire them, or possibly transform them into something amazing (like a denim tote, or patches/jacket)

However, with proper care, particularly the kind of durability that Rockstar Denim is known for, jeans can last far longer than you might think.

Final Take

Quality denim is like quality music; it gets better with age. A little LOVE goes a long way, so whether your denim is skinny, straight, or baggy jeans for women, rock 'em in style. Don't overwash your denim, and turn it inside out when you do. When you look after your denim, your denim looks after your look.

Find your next denim buddy at Rockstar jeans now!