How to Care for Aeropostale Jeans

How Often to Wash Aeropostale Jeans

One of the simplest ways to preserve the soft stretch in Aeropostale jeans is to wash them less often. Each wash cycle, even a gentle one, causes some fading and can slowly degrade the elastic fibers that give stretch denim its recovery. For everyday wear, washing after three to five wears is usually enough unless the jeans are visibly dirty or have absorbed an odor.

To freshen jeans between washes, hang them outside or in a well-ventilated room for a few hours. You can also use a fabric-safe odor spray, but keep it light to avoid buildup. Spot-cleaning a small stain is better than running a full cycle. If the jeans only touched light skin and were not sweaty, airing them out is often all they need.

For more guidance on frequency, see our washing frequency guide and our spot cleaning guide.

• Wash after three to five regular wears.
• Air out jeans between wears to reduce odor.
• Spot-clean small stains instead of doing a full wash.

Washing Aeropostale Jeans

The way you wash your Aeropostale jeans has the biggest impact on how long they keep their soft stretch. Turn each pair inside out before washing to protect the outer surface and reduce friction on the fabric. This also helps preserve the color of dark washes.

Use cold water on a gentle cycle with a mild liquid detergent. Hot water can cause the elastane fibers to break down over time, leading to a loss of stretch and a baggy fit. Avoid chlorine bleach, which can yellow the fabric and weaken the fibers. A mild detergent without optical brighteners is especially helpful for indigo jeans because it reduces color transfer.

If your jeans are heavily soiled, you can pre-soak them in cool water with a small amount of detergent for 30 minutes before washing, but avoid prolonged soaking, which can cause indigo to bleed. When you transfer the jeans to the washer, do not overload the drum. Give them room to move so the water and detergent can reach every part of the fabric.

For more details on machine washing, see our machine wash guide. You can also review care label symbols to understand what the tags on your jeans actually mean.

• Turn jeans inside out before each wash.
• Select a gentle cycle with cold water.
• Use a mild liquid detergent without bleach.
• Wash jeans separately from heavy items like towels to prevent abrasion.

Drying Your Jeans

Air-drying is the safest way to dry Aeropostale jeans. Hang them by the waistband on a line or lay them flat on a clean towel. Avoid clothespins that can leave marks on the fabric. The absence of heat protects the elastane fibers and prevents shrinkage.

If you must use a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting and remove the jeans while they are still slightly damp. Over-drying can cause the fabric to become stiff and reduce the stretch recovery. High heat is especially damaging to stretch denim because it can shrink the cotton and degrade the elastic fibers at the same time.

When drying outside, keep the jeans out of direct midday sunlight to avoid prematurely fading the color. If you prefer to dry indoors, place a dry towel under the jeans to absorb moisture. Flat drying is often better for preserving the original fit, especially for the waistband and the length of the legs.

For more on drying options, consult our air-dry vs tumble-dry guide.

• Hang or lay flat to air dry.
• Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
• If using a dryer, use low heat and remove while damp.

Removing Stains from Aeropostale Jeans

Treat stains as soon as possible to prevent them from setting. Blot liquid stains with a clean cloth, then apply a small amount of mild dish soap or laundry detergent directly to the spot. Gently work the solution in with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush. Start from the outside of the stain and move inward so you do not spread it.

For oil-based stains, sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda on the area and let it sit for 15 minutes before brushing it off and washing as usual. For grease marks from food or machinery, an enzyme-based pre-treatment can be applied. Avoid rubbing vigorously, as this can damage the stretch fibers and create a fuzzy or worn patch.

If the stain has dried, re-wetting it with cool water before treatment makes it easier to remove. Test any stain remover on an inconspicuous area, such as the inside of the hem, before using it on a visible spot. For detailed methods, see our stain removal guide and our oil stain removal guide.

• Blot, don't rub.
• Use a mild detergent or dish soap.
• Test stain removers on an inconspicuous area first.

Preserving the Stretch in Aeropostale Jeans

The elastic fibers in stretch jeans are delicate. High temperatures, harsh detergents, and fabric softeners can degrade them. Wash in cold water and skip the fabric softener, which coats the fibers and reduces their ability to bounce back. Dryer sheets can have the same effect.

If your jeans start to lose their shape, you can refresh the stretch by soaking them in cool water with a bit of hair conditioner, which helps relax the fibers, then air-dry. This is a temporary measure; over time, all stretch jeans will lose some elasticity. To understand more about stretch recovery, read our stretch jeans recovery guide.

Another important habit is to avoid pulling your jeans on and off too aggressively. The strain concentrates on the waistband and behind the knees. When you take your jeans off, unfasten the button and ease them down rather than yanking them. Storing jeans folded rather than hanging also helps the elastic fibers rest in their natural shape.

For a full explanation of how stretch percentages work, see our denim stretch percentage guide.

• Wash in cold water only.
• Avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets.
• Do not wring out your jeans; press out excess water gently.

General Care Tips for Longer-Lasting Jeans

How often you wash matters. Washing after every wear can accelerate fading and wear. Instead, air out your jeans between wears to reduce odor and bacteria. Spot-clean small stains to avoid full washes. If you do need to wash, the gentle cold-water method described earlier is always the safest route.

When storing, fold your jeans rather than hanging them, as hanging can stretch the waistband and legs over time. If you prefer to hang them, use a clip hanger from the waistband to support the weight evenly. Closet rods and hangers with wide clips work better than thin metal hangers.

Ironing is rarely needed. If you must, use a low-heat setting and place a pressing cloth between the iron and the fabric to avoid direct heat on the stretch fibers. Steaming is often better because it does not press creases into the fabric as firmly. For more on ironing and steaming, see our ironing and steaming guide.

Proper care also has an environmental benefit. The EPA reports that in 2018, 11.3 million tons of textile waste went to landfills. Extending the life of your jeans through careful washing and drying keeps them out of the waste stream and reduces the demand for new clothing.

If you are considering a new pair, our best Aeropostale jeans guide can help you choose a style that matches your care preferences. You can also read our jeans care basics guide for a broader look at denim maintenance.

• Wash only when necessary.
• Air out between wears.
• Fold or hang with care to avoid stretching.

What to pick for your care routine

Questions

How often should I wash my Aeropostale jeans?

Only wash them when they are dirty or smell, typically after 3 to 5 wears. Over-washing fades the color and wears out the stretch fibers.

Can I put Aeropostale jeans in the dryer?

Yes, but use the lowest heat setting and remove them while they are still slightly damp. Air-drying is preferred to preserve the elastane and prevent shrinkage.

How do I remove stains without damaging the stretch?

Treat stains promptly with a mild detergent or dish soap, blotting instead of rubbing. After treatment, wash in cold water and air-dry to keep the fibers intact.

Should I use fabric softener on stretch jeans?

No. Fabric softener coats the elastic fibers and reduces their ability to stretch and recover. It also leaves a residue that can attract dirt.

Why do my Aeropostale jeans lose their shape after washing?

Heat and harsh detergents can degrade the elastane in stretch denim. Washing in cold water on a gentle cycle and air-drying helps maintain the fabric's elasticity.

Can I iron Aeropostale jeans?

Yes, but use a low-heat setting with a pressing cloth between the iron and the fabric. Direct high heat can damage the stretch fibers and create shiny marks.