How To Make Your Denim Jacket Fabric Softer (Wash or Dry Vinegar)

soften denim jacket
(Source: romiximage/canva)

Do you have a denim jacket that you love but don’t wear because it’s too stiff?

To make your denim jacket softer, you can use salt, vinegar, fabric softener, and other methods.

denim jacket softer

This blog post will show you how to make yours softer using simple methods. With just a few easy steps, you can turn your old and stiff cloth into a soft and comfortable piece that you’ll love to wear!

About Denim Jacket Care

Before getting into the softening methods, it’s important to mention that denim is a sturdy and durable fabric.

It can handle rough wear and tear but requires special care in washing and drying.

To preserve the integrity of your denim jacket, wash it inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle.

Hang it to air dry or lay it flat, as high heat from the dryer can cause shrinkage and damage the fabric.

How to Make Your Denim Jacket Softer

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Credit: canva

Here are four easy ways.

Wash With Salt

salt
Salt. Credit: canva

Adding a cup of salt to the washing machine during the wash cycle can soften and relax the denim fabric.

Here are what to do:

  1. Add 1 cup of table salt to your washing machine. Use a measuring spoon for exact amounts.
  2. Set the washing machine to a short cycle with warm water. Short cycles use less water than longer ones.
  3. Add the denim to the washing machine.
  4. Remove the jeans from the wash and dry them in a clothes dryer on low heat.

Wash It in Vinegar

Adding a cup of vinegar to your washing machine will help break down the fibers, making it softer.

Here are what to do:

  1. Add 1 cup of white vinegar to your washing machine. Use a measuring spoon for exact amounts.
  2. Set the washing machine to a short cycle with warm water.
  3. Add the jacket to the wash and let it run its course.
  4. Remove from the wash and dry on low heat in a clothes dryer.

Just be sure to wash it on its own or with other items made from natural fibers like cotton or linen.

Give It a Good Soak

denim soaking
Soaking denim in the water. Credit: canva

Soaking it in a mixture of water and conditioner for about 30 minutes will also help soften the fabric.

Again, be sure to wash it separately from other items after soaking.

Here are what to do:

  1. Fill a bathtub or large bucket with warm water and add 1 cup of fabric conditioner.
  2. Submerge the jacket in the mixture and let it soak for 30 minutes.
  3. Remove from the soak and wash on its own in the washing machine, using a short cycle with warm water.
  4. Dry on low heat in the clothes dryer.

Use a Fabric Softener

fabric softener
Using fabric softener. Credit: canva

Adding a fabric softener sheet to your dryer will also help soften it.

Just toss it in with your jacket when you’re finished washing it, and let the dryer do its job.

Here are what to do:

  1. After washing and drying, add a fabric softener sheet to the dryer with the jacket.
  2. Let it run its course in the dryer, removing it when finished.
  3. You can also spray on a fabric softener directly and let it air dry for added softness.

Hang it Outside

denim jacket 4 1
Credit: canva

Hanging it outside in the fresh air will also help soften it.

Just be sure to check the weather first so you don’t get a wet jacket!

FAQs

How do you make a denim jacket less tight?

it usually fits tight because they are made to be form-fitting. To make it less tight, you can stretch it.

You can use a steam iron to apply heat and moisture if you want to stretch out. Alternatively, you can put the jacket in the dryer with a wet towel for about 15 minutes.

Be careful not to shrink it by using too much heat.

How do you soften stiff fabric?

You can soften stiff fabric by using a fabric softener in the wash.

If you don’t have any fabric softener, you can also try using a vinegar and water solution. Add 1 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle for every load of laundry. Vinegar is a natural fabric softener that will help soften your clothes.

Does denim soften over time?

Yes, denim does soften over time. This is because the fabric gradually breaks down and loses some stiffness.

However, it’s important to note that not all denim softens in the same way or at the same rate. So some pairs of jeans may feel softer than others after a certain amount of wear.

Do denim jackets stretch over time?

Yes, it stretches over time. This is because the fabric is designed to be stretched.

A denim jacket stretches out in the shoulders and across the back. This is because these areas are most likely to be stretched when the jacket is worn.

The fabric will also usually stretch around the waist and at the hips.

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