The Biggest Denim Mistakes People Make

Em: I would always hear my mom talk about denim and listen to her rave about a $200 pair of jeans she had bought. I used to roll my eyes while throwing on my fifth pair of Zara jeans that equated to the price of the Mother jeans she was talking about. For years, I bought jeans that looked great fresh out of the package, but one wash in they were crinkled, tight in all the wrong areas, and somehow already looked like a pair I’d owned since I was 16. Thankfully, I matured. I took my mom’s advice and splurged on my first pair of Mother jeans, and the rest is history. I’ll never go back.

Susie: I told you so! Instead of collecting endless pairs of $50 denim, you’ll actually get more use (and more outfits) out of one real investment. As Who What Wear says, buy it nice or buy it twice. You can try on a million different tops, but if your jeans aren’t right, nothing will work. So, after years spent in the dressing room, here are the biggest mistakes I see people make when it comes to denim.

• You may think you need 10 pairs, but really, you only need 3

• Keeping outdated jeans that doesn't work with the modern pieces already in your closet

• Underestimating how important denim really is to your outfits

• Ignoring alterations. Even a great pair of jeans may need some tweaking to fit you just right

• Over-washing your jeans

Don’t worry, even we’ve made some of these mistakes. But, after years of experience (and some boots-on-the-ground research), here are the solutions.

1. Only wash denim when you absolutely need to. We hardly ever wash our jeans.

2. Spot clean when needed. Gently, with mild soap and cool water.

3. Wash your jeans inside out. Always use cold water.

4. Skip the dryer. Always air dry, and keep them away from the sun.

5. Freeze them instead of washing them. Toss them in the freezer overnight to remove unwanted odors without touching the fit or color.

Here are 3 jeans that are truly worth every penny (and why) !!

1. Mother Bookie Twist

Mid-rise is trending right now, and it’s easy to see why. It’s leg-lengthening, flattering on everybody, and honestly might be our best purchase of the year. We both own two pairs and wear them now with sandals and later with boots.

Shoes to wear: Flip flops, heels or boots

2. Mother Hustler Roller

They’re a little stretchy, super comfy and flattering. This washed black version is cool and updated as opposed to a traditional solid black pair. Again, we both own multiple pairs of the Mother Hustler Roller in different washes — but the black wash is one essential that everyone should own.

Shoes to wear: Boots or heels

3. Mother Tomcat Ankle

They’re back: ankle straight jeans are making a comeback, and talk about a flattering jean style that works with either flats or heels. These Mother ones are super flattering and the faded wash works any time of year.

Shoes to wear: Flip flops, ballet flats or a higher heel

P.S. We promise this isn’t a Mother sponsored post (although it should be), but it just happens to be our most loved denim brand that we reach for on any given day. We only recommend pieces we absolutely love!

Susie & Em xx

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