Most jeans are made from denim or a mix of denim and polyester.

Denim is made fromcotton, which can expand but doesn’t contracta.k.a.

your jeans will stretch and won’t return to their original size.

Light wash jeans spilling out of woven basket against orange fabric background

Dion Lamar Mills for Byrdie

Meet the Experts

Why Do Jeans Bleed in the Wash?

While it looks great, it’s also notorious for rubbing and transferring.

When denim fabric bleeds or transfers, it can be due to a few reasons.

This will ensure that any dye released in the wash cycle won’t stain your other clothing.

Instead, let them air dry by hanging them by their belt loops.

In fact, Pierson suggests washing as infrequently as possible.

This ensures that your jeans will keep their shape and color for longer.

The Final Takeaway

Indigo dyes are dark, and bleeding and transferring is common.

Lead image product provided byFree People.