Should You Put Jeans In the Dryer? Here's What the Experts Say

You’re probably already familiar with the laundry list of clothing items that should never go in the dryer—leather, cashmere, shoes, and bras are all no-gos. But with other garments, the verdict isn’t quite as clear. Denim pieces, from the classic blue jeans to your favorite jacket, can be a tough call.

More durable than most dryer-free fabrics and slower-to-dry than your lighter items, you might assume that denim will do just fine in the dryer. But don’t set the machine to tumble dry just yet. Though quick and convenient, the dryer might just be destroying your denim, and there are a few quick tips you’ll want to keep in mind next time it’s wash day.

The Dryer Could Damage Your Denim

You may have heard that washing your jeans as little as possible will help to prolong their life—and as it turns out, they’re just as sensitive when it comes to drying. Though putting your denim through your regular dryer cycle probably won’t have immediate effects on the garments’ stretch or size, their fabric can break down over time—which is bad news for both your wardrobe and the environment.

In fact, according to Levi’s, the iconic jeans company, dryers and denim are “natural enemies.” Running your jeans through a high-heat cycle is not the best option. Instead, air drying them or running them through a no-heat dryer cycle will leave them clean, crisp, and no worse for wear.

The Best Ways to Dry Your Jeans

Most of the time, jeans shouldn’t go in the dryer, unless it’s set to low heat. But if you’ve been drying your jeans on high heat for as long as you can remember, there’s no need to panic. Switching to a no- or low-heat drying option, or opting for an air dry setup, will still prolong your denim’s lifespan. Plus, it’ll probably leave your blue jeans feeling more comfortable for longer too—a true win-win.

Air Drying Is Best

Levi’s suggests air drying denim for the best results, noting that exposing jeans to any kind of heat can lead to shrinkage and fabric warping, and even long-term deterioration. And, according to appliance company Whirlpool, heat may even cause yellowing or fading. Try hanging denim garments on a rack or clothesline, or lay them flat on a towel or other flat surface. Levi’s also offers a handy insider tip: Turn your jeans inside out and keep them out of the sun while drying to make sure they don’t fade in the process.

Choose a No-Heat Cycle

If you’re going to put your jeans in the dryer, the best cycle options are without a doubt the no-heat or air dry settings, which can have slightly different labels depending on your dryer’s make and model. Either way, any dryer cycle that doesn’t pump in heat will reap most of the benefits of air drying, without the air-drying wait time. Plus, your clothes won’t be left hanging around your laundry or living room.

Opt for a Low-Heat Cycle in a Pinch

Despite the risks, you might need to apply some heat if you don’t have the time to wash your denim alone. If you’ve decided to dry your jeans, choose the cycle with the lowest temperature available. As long as your clothes get dry, there’s no such thing as too low—according to Clorox, lower washer and dryer temperatures are the perfect recipe for reduced shrinkage. Additionally, Whirlpool suggests adding dryer balls to the cycle to keep the denim moving.