How to Care for Your Denim Shorts: Washing, Drying & Storage

Your favourite jorts can last for years—even decades—with proper care. The secret isn't complicated washing routines or expensive products; it's understanding how denim responds to different treatments and adjusting your care habits accordingly. In this guide, we'll cover everything from washing frequency to storage solutions that will keep your denim shorts looking fresh season after season.

How Often Should You Wash Your Jorts?

Here's a truth that might surprise you: you're probably washing your jorts too often. Unlike underwear or t-shirts, denim doesn't need to be washed after every wear. In fact, frequent washing is one of the main reasons jorts fade prematurely and lose their shape.

For everyday casual wear, most denim experts recommend washing jorts every 5-10 wears, or when they're visibly dirty or smelly. Of course, this depends on your activities. Beach days, sweaty hikes, or any situation where you're getting genuinely dirty warrants a wash. But a few hours of normal wear around the house or running errands? Your jorts are fine to hang up and wear again.

Preparing Your Jorts for Washing

Before tossing your jorts in the machine, take a few minutes to prepare them properly:

• Turn them inside out: This protects the outer surface from friction against other garments and the drum, reducing fading and preserving any distressing details.
• Empty all pockets: Beyond preventing tissue disasters, forgotten items can damage both your jorts and your washing machine.
• Zip up and button: This prevents zippers from snagging other items and helps maintain the shape of the fly area.
• Check for stains: Pre-treat any spots before washing for the best results (more on this below).

Washing Methods Explained

Machine Washing (The Standard Approach)

For most people, machine washing is the most practical option. Here's how to do it right:

1. Use cold water only. Hot water causes significant shrinkage and accelerates indigo dye loss.
2. Select a gentle or delicate cycle. The reduced agitation is easier on denim fibres.
3. Use a mild, colour-safe detergent. Skip the fabric softener, which can coat denim fibres and reduce their natural texture over time.
4. Wash with similar colours. Dark jorts should go with other darks, and light wash with lights.
5. Don't overload the machine. Jorts need room to move freely for proper cleaning.

Hand Washing (The Gentle Option)

For raw denim, vintage finds, or jorts you particularly want to preserve, hand washing is worth the extra effort:

1. Fill a bathtub or large basin with cold water.
2. Add a tablespoon of mild detergent and swirl to dissolve.
3. Submerge your inside-out jorts and let them soak for 30-45 minutes.
4. Gently agitate the water with your hands, paying attention to any stained areas.
5. Drain and refill with clean cold water to rinse. Repeat until water runs clear.
6. Gently press out excess water—never wring or twist denim.

Spot Cleaning (For Quick Fixes)

Sometimes you just need to address a specific stain without a full wash:

• Food stains: Blot (don't rub) with a damp cloth and mild dish soap.
• Grass stains: Apply white vinegar directly, let sit for 30 minutes, then blot.
• Oil/grease: Sprinkle with cornstarch or baking soda, let sit overnight, then brush off.
• Mud: Let it dry completely, then brush off and spot clean any remaining marks.

Drying Your Denim

How you dry your jorts matters just as much as how you wash them. Heat is denim's enemy, causing shrinkage, fading, and fibre damage.

Air Drying (Recommended)

The best method for preserving your jorts is air drying:

• Reshape your jorts while damp, smoothing out any wrinkles.
• Hang by the waistband or lay flat on a clean surface.
• Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause uneven fading.
• For faster drying, place in a well-ventilated area or near a fan.
• Drying time: Typically 12-24 hours depending on humidity and fabric weight.

Machine Drying (When Necessary)

If you must use a dryer, follow these guidelines to minimise damage:

• Use the lowest heat setting or tumble dry with no heat.
• Remove while still slightly damp to prevent over-drying.
• Shake out immediately to reduce wrinkles.
• Consider using wool dryer balls instead of dryer sheets.

Storage Solutions

Proper storage keeps your jorts in great condition between wears and across seasons.

Short-Term Storage

For jorts you wear regularly:

• Folding: Fold in thirds lengthwise, then fold in half. Stack with heavier items at the bottom.
• Hanging: Use clip hangers on the back belt loops or waistband. Avoid regular hangers that can create creases.
• Hooks: A simple hook through a belt loop works well for frequently worn pairs.

Seasonal Storage

When storing jorts for the off-season:

1. Wash before storing to prevent stains from setting and deter pests.
2. Ensure they're completely dry to prevent mildew.
3. Fold neatly and store in a breathable cotton bag or acid-free tissue paper.
4. Avoid plastic containers or vacuum bags, which can trap moisture and cause discolouration.
5. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct light.
6. Add cedar blocks or lavender sachets to deter moths naturally.

Dealing with Common Issues

Fading

Some fading is natural and gives denim character, but premature fading is usually caused by hot water, harsh detergents, or sun exposure during drying. If you want to maintain dark denim, wash less frequently, use cold water, and dry away from sunlight.

Odours

If your jorts smell but don't need a full wash, try hanging them in fresh air overnight or lightly spritzing with a mixture of water and vodka (the alcohol evaporates and takes odours with it). Cedar blocks in your drawer can also help absorb smells.

Stiffness

New raw denim or over-dried jorts can feel stiff. Wear them around the house to break them in, or add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle during washing to soften fibres without fabric softener.

With these care techniques, your favourite jorts will develop beautiful character while maintaining their structure and colour for years to come. The key is consistent, gentle care rather than harsh treatments—your denim will thank you for it.