How To Stretch Out Tight Jeans

After several wears and washes, some stretch jeans have a reputation for losing their elasticity. Well, this is because if you throw the pair into the washer and use a hot water cycle or put them in the dryer, the fabric tends to shrink. So, if you want to learn how to stretch out jeans, you are definitely in the right place because we are here to help. In this article, today, we will teach how to stretch your beautiful pair of jeans so you can rock them as you always do instead of tossing them out. Below are some methods worth trying to wear your jeans comfortably after their wash. So go ahead and check them out.

Ace The Look

• Cutting The Waistband Method: If your jeans are tight at the waist, carefully remove the seams on the side and cut the waistband. Now attach a piece of thick fabric or leather in the middle and close the seams.
• Ripping Your Jeans: This helps when your jeans are tight on the thighs and calves. Use a razor and carefully rip them and create a classic ripped jeans look.
• Prevent Re-shrinking: Once your jeans are loose, avoid washing them in hot water to prevent shrinkage.
• Maintenance: Wear your jeans to your dance, Zumba, or yoga class to keep them stretched, loose, and comfy.

Best Ways To Stretch Out Tight Jeans

You can stretch out your jeans in three simple ways. They say that your denim can stretch by an inch if done the right way. Whether it is stretching a new pair of jeans that are a tad smaller, or pants that have shrunk in size because of the washer – stretching is such a life hack that comes handy for all of us at some point.

Kyle, a blogger, found that his new pair of jeans shrunk drastically after washing. “Soak one pair of jeans in a large pot of warm water (i),” he quipped. He used c-clamps, a workbench, and boards to stretch out the jeans. After the process, he shared before and after pictures and revealed, “Not only do my jeans fit better, but my shirt got nicer and my hair is combed!”

Next time your kid comes running to you complaining, or your husband, or anyone – you would know what to do. Well, here’s what you need to do.

1. Spray Lukewarm Water And Stretch

What You Will Need

• Lukewarm water
• Spray bottle
• Measuring tape
• The denim that needs stretching (obviously)

Processing Time

• 15 – 20 minutes

Process

• Roughly measure the current size of the jeans you are going to stretch; just to be sure that there is a difference.
• It does not have to be accurate, but measure the part that you plan to focus on. If it is the waistline, first measure it while it is buttoned.
• Place the jeans on the floor, and spray lukewarm water on both sides till they are completely soaked.
• Identify a spot near your waist, at the front and the back.
• Stand on the pockets, and start pulling it from one side first.
• Repeat this at least 10 to 15 times, or as needed.
• Remember to unbutton the waist; otherwise, it defeats the purpose. Plus, it can rip the buttons off because of the pressure.
• Also, do not use the loops as handles because they come off pretty quickly.
• If you are trying to stretch it lengthwise, select a spot that is a little below the knee because it’s easier and faster to deal with.
• Spray the area you want to stretch.
• Stand on the drier patch of the jeans, and pull it away from the floor using both hands.
• Do this at least 10 times before you measure.
• Now take the final measurement, and check if it has changed.
• Try it on, and you should see a difference in the way it fits.
• Tailoring is another option if all this seems like a hassle to you!

Trivia

Tight jeans are also called drainpipes, gas pipes, stovepipes, and skinnies.

2. Water Bath

What You Will Need

• Hot water
• Bathtub, or shower head with hot water.
• Denim you are going to stretch.
• Measuring tape.

Processing Time

15 minutes

Process

• Make a note of the measurement before you start stretching your jeans.
• Wear your jeans and sit in the bathtub for about 10 – 15 minutes. Let the water soak it.
• The denim at this point will be more relaxed and comfortable to work with.
• Hold it on either side and stretch it thoroughly.
• Do the same by the length too.
• Let the water drip off the pants first, and then, remove them.
• Allow the jeans to air dry.
• Measure your jeans and try them out.

Note: While using this method, consider the type of jeans you are stretching out. Most of them are made of denim fabrics that can tolerate hot water. However, some varieties like jeggings may come with a high percentage of spandex or other stretchable materials that may get damaged due to hot water.

3. Spray, Lunge, And Stretch

What You Will Need

• Lukewarm water
• Spray bottle
• Measuring tape

Processing Time

45 mins

Process

• Spray lukewarm water on the area you want to stretch. You need to do this while wearing your pants.
• Stretch it a little on both the sides.
• Now, do a few lunges, and then repeat this cycle a couple of times.
• Then take the pants off for hang-drying them.
• Do not put them in the dryer yet because they might shrink again.
• Measure to note the difference and try them on after ironing.
• And, now, do some more lunges.
• You are done.

Quick Tip

You can also use waistband stretchers where you need to dampen the waistband of your jeans, place the stretcher, and expand it overnight.

Infographic: Best Ways To Stretch Out Tight Jeans

Stretching out your jeans can be a game changer when it comes to achieving the perfect fit and ultimate comfort. Whether you are going through weight fluctuations, your favorite pair of jeans feels a little too tight, or you simply want to customize the fit to suit your body shape, the right methods can help. In the infographic below, we have listed the 3 effective methods to stretch out your jeans effectively. Check them out.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for jeans to stretch out?

Wearing dry and cotton jeans daily can expand between 1 to 1.5 inches in three months.

How do you stretch jeans with conditioner?

You can mix the conditioner with water and soak your jeans in it for 30 minutes. You can even take a conditioner in a spray bottle and spray it on your jeans to relax the fiber. Stretch it out till the jeans become loose.

Will fabric softener stretch jeans?

Yes, you can mix fabric softener with lukewarm water and spray the solution on clean jeans. Wear the denim and squat, jump, or lunge to stretch it out.

Do wet jeans stretch better?

Yes, wearing wet jeans loosens the fabric which makes it easier to stretch the jeans. Move around and lunge in the wet jeans to stretch them further. You can also, try the spray and stretch method. Spray lukewarm water on areas that need stretching (thigh, calf, knee, or waistband), then pull the fabric and repeat if necessary after trying them on.

Illustration: How To Stretch Out Tight Jeans

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Mette BaillieCouture Designer

     

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