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Soften with a Vinegar Soak

White vinegar is a natural, eco-friendly way to soften denim fabric.

Byrdie Tip

If you’re worried about your jeans smelling like salt and vinegar chips, don’t be.

Close-up of April Lockhart wearing wide leg light wash jeans, pink flats, silver handbag, patterned blazer, and red belt

@aprillockhart/ Instagram

The scent will evaporate once your jeans dry.

(Don’t worry, you’ll wash them again to get the vinegar out.)

Throw your jeans (still inside out) into the dryer and verify they dry completely.

Close-up of inside-out light wash jeans with pockets and tags visible

Dion Lamar Mills for Byrdie

If you’re concerned about shrinkage, use the lowest heat setting.

Start at the top of the jeans, moving the sandpaper square in horizontal strokes to scrape the fabric.

Wash the jeans aloneor only with other denimfor optimal results.

Bottle of distilled white vinegar sitting on top of pair of light wash jeans with sandpaper nearby

Dion Lamar Mills for Byrdie

Denim provided by:Free People

Model:Aimee Simeon

Light wash jeans rolled up and tied with orange fluffy fabric on gold fabric background

Dion Lamar Mills for Byrdie

Pair of Free People light wash jeans and squares of sandpaper

Dion Lamar Mills for Byrdie

Three tennis balls on gold fabric background

Dion Lamar Mills for Byrdie

Byrdie editor Aimee Simeon wearing a white bodysuit, light wash jeans, square-toe boots, and silver jewelry

Dion Lamar Mills for Byrdie