Finding solutions to fix jeans that have been stretched-out
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: Does anyone else have as much trouble with cotton jeans with Spandex as I do? At first, they seem to fit, and then, after I wear them a few times and wash them, they feel like they’re going to fall off.
I’m constantly tugging at them. Often when I feel this slipping and I pass a mirror, I can see that my jeans are all bagged at my ankles! I had one pair that actually listed to one side. Needless to say I had to get rid of them. Is there a secret product to shrink my jeans? P.S. — I don’t pay hundreds for big-name designer jeans. I buy all my jeans at mainstream prices. But this stretching out of shape so quickly is frustrating me.
— Mary F.
Dear Mary: Shrinking those jeans is not an exact science. And if there is a magic spray to do the job, I haven’t heard about it. I’m counting on readers to let me know if they’ve found a product that works. Meanwhile, here are some tips on shrinking your cotton jeans with Spandex or other fibers that give the jeans some stretch:
The less you wash them, the less the fibers will break down and lose their stretch.
Heat is crucial. Using regular detergent and fabric softener, turn jeans inside out and wash at hottest setting — even if the tag says don’t use heat.
Dry thoroughly at the hottest dryer setting.
If the above doesn’t shrink them enough, go nuclear: Boil them. When
water reaches a rolling boil, throw in the jeans (inside out) and keep boiling for 20-30 minutes. Do not cover the pot and make sure the jeans stay fully submerged. Remove the boiling hot jeans with tongs and dry at hottest dryer setting.
Try spot cleaning the knees and other areas that are giving you problems. Use a spray of three parts water to one part liquid fabric softener to moisten (not soak) the target areas. Keep all other areas dry. Run a hot iron over the moist areas then dry thoroughly at hottest setting.
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: Is the color brown out of style? I have a hard time finding brown blouses and sweaters. I can occasionally find a brown pair of jeans, but they are scarce too. I love brown.
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Dear Wanda: Brown is very much in vogue —literally. Vogue magazine online (vogue.com) answers your question with a story headlined, “Why We’re Wearing Brown This Season.”
Basically, designers are tired of the more popular black, gray and navy neutrals. Thus, “From deep chocolate to light sand, the entire spectrum of brown is on trend,” says Vogue. And it’s OK to mix different shades of brown in one outfit. If you’re having trouble finding the browns you love, give it time. It takes a while for designers’ color choices to filter down to the more affordable mass market.
Now it’s your turn
Send your questions, rants, tips, favorite finds — on style, shopping, makeup, fashion and beauty — to answerangelellen@gmail. com.