I own a pair of Levi's 510. I just have a general question about washing jeans.
Is more damage done to jeans (all denim in general) through washing, or not washing? Because doing both over prolonged periods of time will do some sort of damage, obviously. But which one more? Because I've heard different opinions on the matter.
On one hand, washing every couple wears is definitely going to weaken the material; the water will keep running its course (not to mention the washing machine itself) over the denim and will literally thin the denim over time.
On the other hand, wearing jeans for a long time without washing means that sweat, germs, maybe drinks and food, can get into the spacing between the cotton fibers and distress the material, also causing weakening. I've noticed that if I wear a pair of jeans for a long, long time, they feel sort of flimsy.
I don't sweat a lot, and I take care of my clothes, so I'm going to say that not washing significantly improves the life of a pair of jeans. But can anyone give me some hard evidence that it really does? Science, perhaps?
So basically, which one prolongs the life of a pair of jeans more: washing, or not washing?
Thanks.
