The Ultimate Guide to Stretching Denim
Proudly one of the more durable materials on the market, denim is made to fit the wearer perfectly. Whether it’s specific creases or the uniquely weathered look that only comes from consistent wearing, denim is meant to mould and contour to each person’s specific body. That’s why no two denim pieces are truly alike. While a denim garment moulds to the owner, there are naturally some pieces that need a little help to get to its final shape – and some quirks you need to be aware of before you start wearing and washing your denim. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to stretch jeans to achieve a more comfortable, custom fit.
How to Stretch Jeans
While too-loose jeans can alter your entire fit and style, having jeans that are a little too snug can be downright uncomfortable. This could happen if you’ve got a pair of perfectly fitting jeans, and they shrink slightly in the wash, or through natural fluctuations in weight over time. In these instances, you should know how to stretch denim to achieve your desired look and feel. Luckily, there are a few things you can do, whether you’re looking for more room in the waist, legs, or length.
Method 1: Spray and stretch
This method requires a spray bottle, some lukewarm water, and a little bit of strength. As we know, heat shrinks the cotton fibres – so we want to avoid any water that’s too warm. Tepid water will allow you to relax the fibres enough to physically stretch them out by gently pulling on the denim in the direction you need it to stretch.
- Fill a spray bottle with lukewarm water.
- Spray the area you want to stretch out so it’s damp.
- Gently pull and stretch the damp area into your desired length.
- Turn your jeans inside out and repeat the process for maximum stretch.
Method 2: Steaming your jeans
If you don’t have a spray bottle handy, you could steam them instead with either a handheld steamer or your iron.
- Steam the area you want to stretch until it’s slightly damp.
- Stretch your jeans over a chair or the ironing board.
- Continue steaming and stretching your jeans until they cool to your desired size.
- For added tension in the waistband, use a waistband stretcher or wooden hanger for even, consistent pressure and stretch.
Method 3: Wearing damp jeans
Similar to shrinking, wearing damp jeans is also a way to stretch your jeans. This is the best way to achieve the most personalised fit for your jeans – but can be quite uncomfortable. The best results require you to actively move around as much as you can, to get the fibres to stretch with you.
- Dampen your jeans and put them on or wear them in the bathtub to soak them in warm water.
- Walk and move around while wearing the wet jeans while they dry.
- Do gentle stretches, such as squats and lunges, while wearing them for added stretch and movement in your jeans.
- Repeated wear with dynamic movement will stretch jeans even more.
Method 4: Stuff your jeans
This is the most hands-off method available and allows for a gentle stretch over a prolonged period.
- Stuff your jeans when you’re not wearing them, to gently encourage stretch in tighter areas.
- Use things like pillows, rolled up newspapers, and towels to stuff your jeans.
- Steam or spray jeans while stuffed to encourage more stretching, leaving them overnight or during the day to maintain maximum stretch.
If you’re finding your jeans still don’t fit after trying to stretch or shrink them, you should visit a professional denim tailor, who’ll be able to adjust the shape and fit of your garments. A tailor can help alter the waistband and, if there’s enough material, lengthen your jeans to give you the best fit possible.
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