Good denim gets better with age - if you treat it right. Every Spike Denim pair is cut from 13.5oz organic cotton, and a few simple habits will keep the colour deep, the fit true and the fabric strong for years.

Wash less, wear more

Denim doesn't need washing after every wear. Overwashing fades the indigo, breaks down the cotton fibres and shortens the life of your jeans. Air your jeans out between wears and spot-clean small marks with a damp cloth. As a rule of thumb, wash after every 8-10 wears.

When you do wash

• Turn them inside out. This protects the surface dye from friction fade.
• Cold water, gentle cycle. 30°C or below preserves colour and prevents shrinkage.
• Mild detergent, no bleach. Harsh chemicals strip indigo unevenly.
• Wash with similar colours. Indigo can transfer, especially in the first few washes.

Skip the dryer

Heat is denim's worst enemy. Tumble drying shrinks cotton, warps the fit and cracks the fibres. Hang your jeans by the waistband in the shade and let them dry naturally. Direct Aussie sun will fade them fast, so keep them out of harsh light.

Dealing with stains

Act fast and stay gentle. Blot (don't rub) with cold water and a drop of mild soap. For oily stains, a little dish soap on the spot before a cold rinse works well. Avoid stain removers with bleach or optical brighteners.

Storing your denim

Fold or hang by the waistband - avoid sharp creases at the knee. Give jeans a day of rest between wears so the cotton can recover its shape.

The first-wash rule for dark denim

Dark indigo pairs like our Classic Indigo can transfer colour when new. Wash them separately the first two or three times, and be careful with light-coloured couches and car seats early on.

Why it matters with organic cotton

Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides, and the fibre is naturally strong. Cared for properly, a 13.5oz pair moulds to your body and develops a personal wear pattern you can't buy off the shelf - that's the whole point of good denim.

Ready for a new pair to break in? Shop women's jeans or men's jeans, check the size guide, or take the fit quiz to find your perfect cut.