Vintage Levis Denim Jacket

[CoolToned]

I just got one from an online store, and I noticed the instruction said they steamed it, but it's up to me if I want to wash it because some prefer drycleaning.

Will it disintegrate if I wash it? Is that why they just steamed it?

[SlinkyVagabond]

I bet it's a blanket label they stick on all their vintage garments. Dd has one and it gets chucked in with the jeans wash. If it's in good nick, it should be fine.

[CoolToned]

Thank you! Yeah that's what I'll do. I'll put it inside a garment bag and maybe handwash or on delicate cycle.

[elliefredericksen]

I guess the blunt answer is yes there is a danger, although of course you're correct and all the other pp, a denim jacket should be hardwearing by definition!

It could fade, but if it has any frayed areas, you know where its started to go to the white cotton, they will turn into holes eventually and washing could accelerate that.

Personally, I'd hand wash it, or wash on the wool cycle. Unless it has any obvious stains, that will be all you need to freshen it up. Use non-bio colour or delicate liquid made for colours, it will be the bleach in the powder which will fade it.

[CoolToned]

elliefredericksen

I understand that for other materials, however it's a vintage denim Levis jacket. I'm just wondering if there is a danger of it disintegrating because, of course, I'm going to wash it before I wear it.

[elliefredericksen]

I think they are just explaining and protecting the current condition of the jacket, the provenance of which they are unsure. They would have steam cleaned it so there was no risk of them ruining or decreasing the condition of something they want to achieve maximum profit from, it's not a new garment they can return to the manufacturer if faulty.

Then they would have recommended you do the same or dry clean so you don't ruin what could be a delicate material (by now, due to it's age and previous use which they can't guarantee), then come back to them wanting a refund.

I'm not implying they are being cynical or underhand at all by the way, I think its common sense and a fact and feature of the vintage clothes market.

[Floisme]

Maybe but surely the whole idea was that they faded? You didn't want them to look new - you broke them in.

But I guess if this one has already faded as much as you want it to, then that could be a reason. Otherwise, as you say, denim is a sturdy, hard living, hard wearing fabric - that's the point of it.

[blowmybarnacles]

In the 80s/90s, I used to see jeans in the dry cleaners, maybe as it stopped them fading?

[FlumptyDumpty]

Would it be about possible fading of colour, rather than shrinkage?

[CoolToned]

Floisme

The instruction is from the online store. I found it weird because, well, it's denim and supposed to be sturdy right?

[Floisme]

I don't have my Levi jacket any more - which incidentally is one reason why I say a great big 'Pah!' to all those never-hang-on-to-anything-you-haven't-worn-for-a-year threads. But I digress.

I have never, ever heard of this. It's denim, not medieval lace handstitched by nuns. The only risk with machine washing that I know of is possible shrinkage but a vintage jacket will already have been washed many, many times, surely?

Is the instruction on the Levi label or is it what the store says?

[toastandmarmiterocks]

I'm not sure I've ever washed mine