If you’ve ever seen these on your jeans, you’re not alone!

Ever pulled your favorite jeans from the dryer only to find mysterious ripples, puckering, or weird wrinkles? After ruining more than one pair myself, I discovered what’s actually happening—and how to stop it.

**Heat Destroys Lycra**

Most modern jeans aren’t pure cotton—they contain Lycra (elastane) for stretch. The problem? Lycra hates heat. High temperatures in washers or dryers cause it to degrade, making surrounding denim warp. You’ll see random ripples rather than overall shrinkage. Once Lycra loses elasticity, there’s no fixing it.

**The Washer Twists and Stretches Fabric**

Jeans aren’t just soaking—they’re thrown around, contorted, and stretched in multiple directions. Stretch denim is especially vulnerable. When damp fabric gets tugged unevenly, some areas stay taut while others bunch up, creating that aged, wavy effect overnight.

**Uneven Water Absorption**

Denim becomes a heavy sponge when wet, but stretchy jeans absorb water unevenly. Some areas swell more than others, then shrink unevenly when drying. That’s why jeggings and super-stretchy jeans are particularly prone to looking funky after washing.

**Overloading Makes It Worse**

Cramming too many clothes into the washer or dryer is terrible for jeans. Without space to dry properly, they get stuck in twisted positions. Once those creases set, they’re nearly impossible to remove.

**How to Prevent Ripples**

**Wash in Cold Water Only** – Heat destroys Lycra, so always use cold water to keep fibers intact.

**Skip the Dryer** – Air dry whenever possible. If you must use the dryer, choose the lowest heat and remove jeans while slightly damp.

**Turn Inside Out** – This minimizes friction and prevents unnecessary stretching and fading.

**Use Gentle Cycle** – Stretch denim needs gentler treatment. Hand washing is even better for favorite pairs.

**Don’t Overload** – Give jeans breathing room to prevent warping.

**Wash Less Often** – Experts recommend washing jeans far less frequently than most people do. Overwashing compromises longevity and accelerates fiber deterioration.

With these simple adjustments, your jeans will stay smooth, fitted, and looking new much longer.