Why does this happen to all my jeans?

[badjeans]

These are M&S, I haven’t tried more expensive jeans but have done budget ones where the and happens. This weird kind of folding/pleating over the crotch.

I have been a size 14-16 with big tummy (and slim legs which makes jeans difficult anyway!) Now lost a stone and more like 12-14.

Any ideas what’s happening and how to avoid it?

Used to happen to mine before I lost weight. It’s the elastic being stretched beyond its limit and loosing its rebound

Its because you're buying stretchy jeans, I think they're one of the worst things ever

Sort of like jegging material

Buy more stuctured stiff denim jeans even if you have to go up sizes

The material has been stretched too thin so can’t come back to its original shape.

Interesting, thanks! I didn’t know I was buying stretchy. Can you point me to any examples of the stiff type?

There are high levels of elastane in stretchy jeans which doesn’t like hot washing so to prolong their life they should really be washed at 20 degrees max. I’ve moved to 100% cotton jeans for this reason really, I’ve got some Levi’s and some from Arket.

Probably washing them too hot..
they have elastane 20 or 30 max with a laundry sanitiser

Yes- if you go to a Levi’s shop and try on some of theirs you’ll feel the difference. Try the 90s 501- they work really well on my apple shaped body and sturdy thighs. And wash them rarely- about every 10 wears. You can hang them up to air them in between, if they need it.

Only happens to stretch jeans wouldn't happen if they weren't. If you don't want stretchy jeans just feel them its easy to tell if stretchy or not

Most jeans in shops particularly for big sizes are stretchy, you can feel and see it even without checking the label but the label will tell you that theres elastane in them.

Thanks everyone. Off to try on some Levi’s then.

Check the label for inclusion of an elastic material. Non stretch jeans should be 100% cotton.

A lot of cheaper jeans are stretchy by default. It means they are easy to get on and provide a “tight” fit. Which was very much part of the ubiquitous skinny jeans look that prevailed for years. It is very difficult to get that look with normal or traditional denim.

100% cotton denim will be quite rigid but over time the weave relaxes. Many people will tell you not to wash new jeans for at least 100 wears. Washing tightens the fibres. The “wear” is what provides the relaxed look that was denim’s appeal before skinny came along. Putting it under stress by stretching causes fraying and splits - at the joints. Another part of the appeal.

Jeans with added elasticity bounce back unless you really push it too far too often. Just like an elastic band or hair band.

Arguably if you want the skinny fit or look get something with a bit of stretch. Otherwise you will be looking for ever to get the right fit. For all other styles and fits 100% cotton is the way to go.

Something to consider is that fabric conditioner destroys elasticity in all clothing, jeans included!

Good point about the conditioner, I never use it on anything. It makes clothes feel slippy and heavy and towels dont dry you or things, if its tea towels, if you use conditioner

@badjeans (good name😀) as a PP said it’s the elastane content in the jeans, swimwear does it too, as a PP said cold wash or get 100% cotton jeans

My stretchy ones went like this when I washed them too hot or put them in the tumble dryer.

I had a pair of m& s lily jeans do that too.