Jeans are often sold as "dry jeans": this means that those who buy them must wear them to soften the natural hardness of the denim. If you've recently put on a few pounds, have grown suddenly, or have noticed that your jeans have shrunk in the dryer, there are a few ways to spread them out about 2 to 3 cm until you reach the width or length you want. You don't need to try both the zone and soak method, but you may want to try both to see which one works best with your jeans.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: A Zone
Step 1. Identify which part of the jeans you want to enlarge
The butt, thigh, and hip areas are where jeans commonly appear to be tight, and also the easiest place to stretch. You can also stretch your jeans a bit, working on the length.
- If you want to widen the waist or hips, identify the front and back band of the jeans you want to widen. Choose the waistband, or lower, based on the area that feels too tight.
- If you want to stretch the jeans along the seam, choose a stitch that goes from the knee to the end of the jeans. Plan to stretch an area that is not normally used too much; for example it would not be a good idea to stretch the jeans at the knee, especially if there is already a hole. Stretching areas that are already very thin may cause the jeans to tear. Normally the calf or ankle part are good points to stretch the seams.
Step 2. Measure the jeans
Use a tape measure to measure length or width - whichever you want to increase - before you begin. Measure the exact point you intend to stretch. This way you can determine if the technique you used worked by measuring them again when you are done.
Step 3. Spray the jeans
Fill a spray bottle with warm water and spray the area you want to enlarge with plenty of water. Make sure the denim is soaked all the way to the inside.
Step 4. Stand on the fabric
Put the jeans on the floor. If you are not widening the waist or bottom of the jeans, place both feet in a pocket. If you are stretching the jeans, stand on the dry side just above the knee.
Step 5. Pull the fabric
Keeping your feet firm, grab the side of the fabric in front of you. Pull the fabric firmly in the direction you want to spread it. Repeat 10 times, then do the same on the other leg or the other side of the waist.
- If you are widening the waist, leave the jeans undone. Fastening them before pulling could cause the fabric to tear.
- Do not pull the pockets or loops of jeans. Straining these weaker spots could cause you to tear.
Step 6. Measure the Jeans
Determine if they have spread at least 2-3 cm to make them more comfortable. If they haven't spread out, try another method.
Method 2 of 3: In the bathroom
Step 1. Put on your jeans
Step 2. Fill the tub with warm water
Step 3. Immerse yourself in the water and let it soak into the fabric
After about 15 minutes you should feel the jeans soften around your body.
Step 4. Tug the jeans
Pull on the spots you would like to enlarge while in the bath, such as the waist or the crotch. Use your hands to spread the fabric for about 10 minutes.
Step 5. Empty the tub and let the water drain a little
This will avoid wetting the bathroom floor with bluish water.
Step 6. Do some exercise
Get out of the tub, place a towel on the floor, and do some stretching exercises, such as knee bends, lunges, and back bends, to loosen the fabric on the bottom of your pants. You can also do yoga poses.
Step 7. Relax and let the jeans dry
Lie on a towel and read a book, or go outside in the fresh air while the jeans dry on your body for at least 30 minutes. As the jeans dry they will conform to your body, widening to conform to your curves.
Step 8. Take off your jeans and let them finish drying outdoors
Do not put the jeans in the dryer or they will shrink again.
Step 9. Put the jeans back on when they are dry
Repeat pushups, lunges, and other exercises for at least 5 minutes after wearing them and they should loosen up a little more.
- You will need to repeat this process the first few times you wear jeans. Over time, jeans tend to loosen and conform to your body.
- In the future, wash your jeans by hand and let them dry in the open air, instead of washing them in the washing machine and drying them in the dryer. They shouldn't shrink again.
Method 3 of 3: On
Step 1. Put on your jeans
Check in the mirror which areas you need to enlarge.
Step 2. Spray the identified areas with warm water
It's easier if you do this while looking in the mirror.
Step 3. Sit down
Or you can do push-ups, squats, etc. Anything that can iron your jeans through motion.
Step 4. Once the fabric dries, pull it where you want to spread it
You can pull horizontally, vertically or in both directions as needed.
Step 5. Pin the jeans to something as you iron them
It can be for example a bottle of a soft drink. Keep it like this for a few days.
Advice
- If you don't have enough time to spread them out by wetting them, then do pushups and lunges for at least 5 minutes before going out to loosen the back of your pants.
- If you can't pull the pants over your thighs, you won't be able to stretch them enough to make them comfortable. Stretching jeans is fine if you need approximately 2-3 cm more.
Warnings
- Never grab the belt loops of your jeans - they will tear when you pull.
- Be careful not to put wet jeans next to light-colored rugs or towels. The indigo color of denim can easily stain other fabrics.
