By Jennine, Source: EatSleepDenim

There is nothing like getting a pair of dark rinse jeans. I personally love the crispness of brand-new indigo. What I don’t love is sometimes they’re a bit stiff, and rough to wear in the beginning. Yes, sure of course you want to be able to break them in just to your body and the like, but when it comes to wearing denim right on your skin, the break in process can be a lot more pleasant with soft jeans.

For years, I’ve been hesitant to wash my jeans, even going to the extent of freezing them. In the past, I just dealt with the initial roughness, but we don’t have to torture ourselves! My husband washes his jeans every week, and they look great. The blue fades, but occasional washing isn’t going to hurt, and if you want to keep the blue, you can soften them in the beginning.

Before going through this process, be sure to check your care instructions in the label. Some jeans have treatments like wax, or maybe have embellishments in which case you cannot wash with water without ruining them. If you can wash your jeans and dry them, then should be safe to go through this process.

Step 1: Turn your jeans inside out.

Always do this when washing your jeans.

Step 2: Turn on your washing machine set to “Cold”

Let the water run for a bit.

Step 3: Add 1 cup of fabric softener, DO NOT add detergent.

Let it mix with the water. I do this to dilute the fabric softener. Sometimes if it comes in direct contact with the fabric in it’s pure form it can set in. I don’t know why this happens, but it has to me, so I’m paranoid.

Alternate: Apple Cider Vinegar also has been known to work as well. I don’t like the way it smells, but I’ve heard it doesn’t make your jeans smell.

Step 4: Add your inside out jeans to the wash.

Let it run through the full cycle.

Step 5: Tumble dry low with tennis balls or dryer balls

Dryer balls may seem pricey, but you can reuse them for up to two years with fabric softener. However drying with tennis balls or dryer balls helps break down the fibers and softens the inside of your jeans. Be sure to put your jeans on low heat to minimize any shrinkage, however most of the time jeans go back to their original size after a few minutes of wearing.

Step 6: Wear those jeans!

The best way to break in and soften jeans is to wear them. You can repeat the above process, I’ve even heard people putting a pumice stone or sand paper to the insides of their jeans, and washing in vinegar to soften them, but still, wear them. I promise they’ll be comfortable after a few wears!