How to Soften Stiff Thick Jeans in 2023 (7 easy methods)

There’s nothing worse than trying to break in what you thought was a new or expensive pair of jeans. But, unfortunately, they’re stiff and thick and don’t fit your skin the way you want them to.

But don’t worry, here is how to soften stiff thick jeans; seven different methods to help you. So keep reading.

how to soften stiff thick jeans (7 methods)

Stiff Thick Jeans: What Does it Mean?

Stiff thick jeans are a type of denim that is much thicker and stiffer than regular denim.

 This type of denim is often used for workwear or jeans to last a long time. 

Stiff thick jeans can be challenging to break into, but they are very comfortable and durable once they are broken in.

You can use a few different methods to soften stiff, thick jeans. 

One method is to wear them for a short period each day. If a fabric is broken slowly, it will reduce its strength.

Another method is to soak the jeans in warm water for a few hours. Finally, you can try setting the jeans on low heat for a few minutes. The fibres will loosen and be more flexible.

three different coloured jeans

Finally, you can try putting the jeans in the dryer on low heat for a few minutes. It will help soften them up without damaging their fabric.

If you follow these methods, you should be able to break in your stiff thick jeans successfully. They will become more comfortable over time and will last you many years.

What Is the Reason for My Stiff Jeans?

There are a few reasons your jeans may be stiff and thick. It could be the type of denim used, how the jeans were made, or even how you’ve been caring for them.

One reason your jeans may be stiff is the type of denim used. Denim can range from thin and soft to thick and stiff.

Some brands use thicker denim to make their jeans more durable. So if you have a pair of thick, stiff jeans, it’s likely because they’re made with thicker denim.

Another reason your jeans may be stiff is how they were made. Jeans can be made with different methods, such as pre-washed or non-pre-washed.

Pre-washed jeans are usually softer because they’ve been washed before selling them. Non-pre-washed jeans are usually stiffer because they haven’t been washed before you buy them.

The last reason your jeans may be stiff is how you’ve cared for them. Jeans should always be washed in cold water and hung to dry. If you wash them in hot water or put them in the dryer, they will shrink and become stiffer.

how to soften stiff thick jeans ( 7 methods)

After discussing stiff thick jeans and the reason for stiff thick jeans, we will learn how to soften stiff thick jeans. There are seven methods which help soften the stiff thick jeans. 

Method 1 – Wear them more to break them in

If you’ve ever had a pair of really stiff, thick jeans, you know how uncomfortable they can be. They can feel constrict your movement and cut off your circulation.

But don’t worry, there are ways to soften them, making them more comfortable to wear.

blue denim jeans

One way to break in stiff jeans is to wear them more often. The more you wear them, the more they’ll mould your body and become softer.

You can also try wearing them for activities such as walking or doing light yard work. They will feel looser even further if they do so.

Method 2: Soak in cold water.

Another way to soften your jeans is to soak them in cold water. In the process, fibres are broken down and become more flexible.

To do this, fill a tub or sink with cold water and add your jeans. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes or longer if they are particularly stiff.

After soaking, wash your jeans as usual. You may notice that they are a bit softer than before.

Method 3 – Use a fabric softener

Another way to soften your jeans is to use a fabric softener. It will help cure the fabric’s fibres and make them more elastic.

Add a cup of fabric softener to your washing machine and jeans to do this. Wash them as usual and then dry them on low heat.

thick blue jeans

You should notice that your jeans are softer and more comfortable after using this method.

Method 4 – Freeze them overnight

If you’re in a hurry and need to soften your jeans quickly, you can try freezing them overnight. Fabric fibres will be broken down and become more flexible as a result.

To do this, place your jeans in a plastic bag and seal them tightly. Then, put the bag in the freezer overnight.

In the morning, take your jeans out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature. Once they’re thawed, wash and dry them as usual.

You should notice that your jeans are softer and more comfortable after using this method.

Method 5: Soak in hot water.

If your jeans are starting to feel stiff and uncomfortable, soaking them in cold water can help soften them up. Fill up a basin or tub with cold water and submerge your jeans.

Let them soak for 30 minutes, then remove them and hang them up to air dry. After this treatment, you may notice that your jeans feel more comfortable and flexible.

Add a cup of vinegar to the soaking water to speed up the process. The vinegar will help to break down the fabric and make it softer. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to the water for a pleasant scent. 

Once your jeans are dry, you can wear them as usual.

Method 6 – Drip dry with an old garment

One way to soften stiff, thick jeans is to dry them with an old garment. This method is best for people who have a lot of patience and don’t mind waiting a while for their jeans to soften up.

To start, fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water and add a capful of fabric softener. Next, submerge your jeans in the water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes.

three different coloured jeans laid on each other

After they’ve soaked, take them out of the water and wring them out gently. Upon drying, lay them flat on a towel and roll them up as you go.

Finally, hang your jeans up to drip dry. Once they’re scorched, you can wear them as usual.

Method 7 – Wash with a mild detergent and cold water

If your jeans are made from thick, stiff denim, they can be challenging to break in and soften.

Washing them with mild detergent and cold water can help to loosen up the fibres and make them more comfortable to wear. You can also try washing them inside out to help protect the colour of the denim.

If your jeans are still too stiff after washing, you can try soaking them in a mixture of water and vinegar for 30 minutes. As a result, the fabric will also be softened. Rinse them well after they have soaked and wash them as usual. 

Once your jeans are soft and broken, you can enjoy wearing them without feeling uncomfortable. With a little effort, you can have a pair of jeans that feel great to wear!

Considerations When Softening Thick Jeans:

When softening thick jeans, there are a few factors to consider. First, there is one major factor in which jeans are made.

Thick jeans are usually made from denim, which is a sturdy fabric. As a result, the jeans won’t soften as much as other fabrics such as cotton or linen.

Another consideration is the type of washing machine you have. For example, if you have a top-loading washing machine, it will be harder to soften the jeans than if you have a front-loading machine.

The clothes are stiffened because top-loading machines agitate them more.

men wearing blue thick jeans

Finally, it would be best to consider how long you want to soften the jeans. If you only want to soften them for a short period, you can put them in the dryer on a low setting for 15-20 minutes.

If you want to soften them for longer, you can soak them in fabric softener overnight.

Overall, there are a few things to consider when softening thick jeans. These include the fabric they are made from, the type of washing machine you have, and how long you want to soften them.

The following tips and suggestions may help:

If your jeans are made of stiff, thick fabric, there are a few things you can do to soften them. First, try washing them in warm water with mild detergent.

You can also add a fabric softener to the wash cycle. If your jeans are still stiff after washing, try putting them in the dryer on low heat with a couple of old towels.

The towels will help to absorb some of the stiffness. You can also try hanging your jeans in the bathroom while you take a hot shower.

The steam will help to loosen the fibres and make them more pliable. With a bit of time and effort, you should be able to get your stiff jeans soft and comfortable. 

Here’s how to soften stiff jeans with salt

If your jeans feel stiff and uncomfortable, there’s an easy way to soften them up. Add a cup of salt to a tub of warm water, and soak your jeans in the mixture for about one hour. The salt will help to loosen the fibres in the fabric, making them more flexible and comfortable to wear.

After soaking, rinse your jeans thoroughly in cold water. Then, please wash them in the washing machine on a delicate cycle. Finally, hang them up to dry, and enjoy the newfound comfort of your softened jeans.

CONCLUSION

That’s it! Seven methods to soften your stiff, thick jeans. Do you have a favourite method? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below.Â