Introduction

Ever pull your jeans out of the washing machine only to notice odd ripples, waves, or puckering along the fabric? You’re not imagining it—it happens to nearly every denim wearer. These irregularities don’t mean your jeans are ruined, but understanding why they appear can help you prevent them and keep your denim looking smooth and sharp.

Why Ripples Happen

Fabric Stress During Washing

Jeans are made of cotton with a bit of stretch. Hot water, vigorous spinning, and heavy loads can distort the fibers, causing them to bunch up or ripple.

Twisting and Tangling