We’ve all been there: you toss your favorite pair of jeans in the wash, only to pull them out covered in strange ripples, bumps, or waves. Suddenly, that sleek denim you loved looks like it went ten rounds in the spin cycle.
Don’t worry—you’re not imagining it, and you’re definitely not alone. Even the highest-quality denim can fall victim to ripples. But why does this happen? And more importantly, how can you prevent it (or fix it if it’s already happened)?
There are a few culprits behind the ripple effect:
Most modern jeans have a little elastane or spandex woven in for comfort and stretch. Over time, those elastic fibers get tired—especially around high-stress zones like the knees, thighs, and seat. The result? Uneven stretching and unsightly ripples.