A quality denim skirt is an investment piece that, with proper care, can last for decades. In fact, well-maintained denim often looks better with age, developing a unique character and softness that new denim simply cannot replicate. However, improper care can quickly deteriorate even the highest-quality pieces. This guide covers everything you need to know about keeping your denim skirts in pristine condition.
The Golden Rule: Wash Less Often
The most important principle of denim care might seem counterintuitive: wash your denim skirts as infrequently as possible. Each wash cycle, no matter how gentle, causes colour fading, fibre breakdown, and shape distortion. Denim experts, including those at heritage brands like Levi's, recommend washing denim only when absolutely necessary—sometimes as rarely as every few months.
Between washes, there are several ways to keep your denim fresh. Hanging your skirt outdoors for a few hours allows fresh air to naturally deodorise the fabric. Some denim enthusiasts place their pieces in the freezer overnight, claiming the cold kills odour-causing bacteria (though scientific evidence for this method is debated). Spot cleaning small stains with a damp cloth and mild soap is far gentler on the overall garment than a full wash.
Wash your denim skirt when it has visible stains that won't spot clean, has developed persistent odours, or has lost its shape and needs the wash cycle to restore it. The Australian summer heat and humidity may require more frequent washing than cooler climates.
The Right Way to Wash Denim
When washing becomes necessary, the method matters significantly. Following these steps will minimise damage while effectively cleaning your denim skirt.
Preparation Steps
Before placing your denim skirt in the washing machine, always turn it inside out. This protects the outer surface from abrasion against the machine drum and other garments, preserving the colour and finish. Check all pockets for forgotten items and ensure any buttons or zippers are fastened to prevent snagging.
Pre-treat any visible stains before washing. Apply a small amount of mild liquid detergent directly to the stain and gently work it in with your fingers or a soft brush. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before washing. Avoid bleach-based stain removers on indigo denim, as they can cause irreversible discolouration.
Machine Washing Guidelines
Use cold water exclusively. Hot water accelerates colour fading and can cause excessive shrinkage, particularly in 100% cotton denim. Cold water is gentler on fibres while still effectively removing dirt and odours.
Select the gentlest cycle available on your machine. A delicate or hand-wash cycle reduces agitation, which is the primary cause of wear during machine washing. If possible, wash your denim skirt alone or with other dark denim items only—never with lighter colours or rough-textured items like towels.
Choose your detergent carefully. Opt for a mild, colour-safe liquid detergent. Avoid powder detergents, which may not dissolve completely in cold water and can leave residue on the fabric. Use less detergent than you might think necessary; excessive soap is difficult to rinse out completely and can leave denim feeling stiff.
- Turn the skirt inside out before washing
- Use cold water only—never hot
- Select the gentle or delicate cycle
- Use a mild, liquid detergent sparingly
- Wash with similar dark denim items only
- Never use bleach on indigo denim
Drying Your Denim Skirt
How you dry your denim is just as important as how you wash it. The tumble dryer is denim's greatest enemy. The high heat causes significant shrinkage, fading, and fibre damage. Over time, tumble drying will dramatically shorten the lifespan of your denim skirt.
Air drying is always the preferred method. After removing your skirt from the washing machine, gently reshape it by hand, smoothing out any wrinkles or bunching. Hang the skirt from the waistband using a clipped hanger, or lay it flat on a clean, dry towel. Avoid hanging by any other point, as this can cause stretching.
Keep your drying denim away from direct sunlight. While outdoor drying is excellent for freshness, prolonged sun exposure can cause uneven fading, particularly on one side of the garment. Find a shaded outdoor spot or dry indoors in a well-ventilated area.
Dealing with Common Denim Issues
Restoring Faded Denim
Some fading is natural and often desirable, giving denim its lived-in character. However, if your denim skirt has faded more than you'd like, you can restore some colour. Commercial denim dyes are available at fabric stores and can breathe new life into tired-looking pieces. Follow the package instructions carefully, and always test on an inconspicuous area first.
Removing Specific Stains
For oil-based stains, apply a small amount of dishwashing liquid and let it sit for 30 minutes before washing. For red wine, cover the stain with salt immediately to absorb the liquid, then treat with cold water and detergent. Ink stains can often be lifted with rubbing alcohol applied carefully with a cotton swab. Always work from the outside of the stain inward to prevent spreading.
Addressing Stretched Areas
Denim naturally stretches with wear, particularly in areas like the waistband and seat. A wash cycle will usually restore the original fit. If specific areas remain stretched, you can target them by dampening just those sections with cold water and allowing them to air dry—the fibres will contract as they dry.
Proper Storage Techniques
How you store your denim skirts when not wearing them affects their longevity. Hanging is generally preferred for denim skirts, as folding can create permanent creases over time. Use wide, padded hangers or clip hangers that grip the waistband evenly.
Store denim in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Sunlight streaming through wardrobe doors can cause one side of your garment to fade while the other remains dark. If you must fold your denim for storage, fold along natural lines and try to refold periodically in different places to prevent permanent creasing.
For long-term storage, consider covering your denim skirts with breathable cotton garment bags. Avoid plastic covers, which can trap moisture and potentially cause mildew in humid Australian climates.
If your denim skirt develops a musty smell in storage, hang it outdoors on a breezy day. The fresh air will naturally eliminate odours without requiring a wash. Adding a cedar block or lavender sachet near stored denim can prevent mustiness from developing.
When to Seek Professional Care
While most denim care can be handled at home, some situations call for professional help. Stubborn stains that don't respond to home treatment, particularly on light-wash denim, may benefit from professional cleaning. Similarly, if your denim skirt has special features like leather patches, embroidery, or delicate embellishments, professional cleaning ensures these elements are properly protected.
Tailoring is another worthwhile investment for denim care. A skilled tailor can address issues like broken buttonholes, worn hems, and waistband adjustments, extending the life of a beloved denim skirt significantly.