Wash Empyre jeans inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle, with similar colors. Avoid the dryer—air dry or hang dry instead. This preserves the denim color, prevents shrinkage, and keeps your jeans looking sharp for years.
Why Proper Care Matters for Empyre Jeans
Empyre jeans are built with quality denim that lasts—but only if you treat them right. The heavy-gauge cotton-blend denim can fade quickly with hot water, and the distressed or shmutz wash finishes need extra care to maintain their character.
The good news: Empyre jeans are designed to be worn hard and washed smart. Follow this guide and your pair will stay in rotation for years.
Step-by-Step: How to Wash Empyre Jeans
Step 1: Check the Care Tag (Always)
Before washing, check the specific care instructions on your Empyre jeans. Most follow the same basic process, but some special finishes (like distressed or black shmutz wash) may have variations.
Step 2: Turn Inside Out
Why: The inside of denim is more resilient than the outside. Turning them inside out protects the color and finish from friction and direct water exposure.
- Turn your jeans inside out completely
- Make sure pockets are flipped out
- This single step prevents most fading
Step 3: Close All Buttons and Zippers
Open zippers can snag other fabric and dull the teeth. Closed zippers and buttons protect both your jeans and other clothes.
Step 4: Wash in Cold Water
Temperature is critical:
- Cold water (60–70°F): Ideal. Prevents fading and shrinkage
- Warm water: Acceptable for heavily soiled jeans, but increases fading
- Hot water: Avoid. Speeds fading and can cause shrinkage
Step 5: Use Gentle or Delicate Cycle
Machine setting matters:
- Gentle/delicate cycle: Recommended for daily wear and regular washes
- Heavy/normal cycle: Only if truly dirty, and only occasionally
- Shorter cycle = better color retention
Step 6: Use Like Colors Only
Wash Empyre jeans with similar colors:
- Dark jeans → dark colors only
- Light jeans → light colors only
- Never wash darks with lights (indigo bleeds in early washes)
Pro tip: New dark Empyre jeans may release indigo dye in the first 1–2 washes. Wash alone or with dark items the first time.
Step 7: Skip the Dryer (Critical Step)
Why you should air dry:
- Dryer heat causes shrinkage
- High temperatures fade denim
- Tumbling damages the fabric and seams
- One dryer cycle can undo years of care
Air dry method:
- Lay flat or hang on a clothesline
- Hang from the waistband or use hanger clips (avoids fold lines)
- Dry away from direct sunlight (prevents uneven fading)
- Takes 24–48 hours but preserves everything
Hang dry method:
- Clip from the ankle cuffs
- Allows water to run down naturally
- Gentlest option for distressed/special finishes
- Takes slightly longer but best results
Step 8: Optional – Light Wash in Vinegar
For extra color preservation (especially darks):
- Add ½ cup white vinegar to the rinse cycle
- Helps set the dye and adds shine
- Reduces indigo bleeding in new jeans
- Creates that vintage patina faster
Washing Schedule: How Often?
How frequently you should wash depends on use:
| Wear Frequency | Wash Frequency |
|---|---|
| Heavy skate/daily wear | Every 2 weeks |
| Regular wear (school/work) | Every 3–4 weeks |
| Casual/weekend wear | Every 4–6 weeks |
| Occasional wear | Every 6–8 weeks |
Pro tip: You can extend time between washes by:
- Spot-cleaning stains immediately
- Airing out jeans overnight to eliminate odor
- Freezing jeans overnight (kills bacteria, reduces odor)
Special Wash Instructions by Empyre Style
Dark Indigo & Black Shmutz Wash
These hold color best with extra care:
- Wash alone for first 2–3 washes (indigo bleeds)
- Always cold water
- Air dry in shade (direct sun fades blacks unevenly)
Light Wash & Medium Wash
More resistant to fading but still need care:
- Cold water essential
- Air dry away from direct sunlight
- Wash every 4–5 wears
Distressed or Ripped Knee Jeans
The ripped areas need gentlest care:
- Use gentlest cycle available
- Turn inside out to protect the frays
- Air dry only (never dryer)
- Consider washing inside a mesh bag for extra protection
Cargo Pocket & Utility Jeans
Extra details need attention:
- Make sure cargo pockets are empty
- Wash inside out
- Cold water, gentle cycle
- Air dry (pockets hold moisture if machine dried)
What NOT to Do When Washing Empyre Jeans
❌ Don’t use hot water – Causes shrinkage and fading
❌ Don’t bleach – Ruins the denim color permanently
❌ Don’t use fabric softener – Reduces durability
❌ Don’t dry clean – Unnecessary chemicals damage denim
❌ Don’t put in the dryer – Single biggest cause of damage
❌ Don’t wash with totally different colors – Indigo bleeds
❌ Don’t wash on heavy cycle regularly – Wears out seams faster
❌ Don’t hang in direct sun – Fades unevenly
How to Remove Common Stains from Empyre Jeans
Dirt & Mud Stains
- Let mud dry completely
- Brush off loose debris with soft brush
- Rinse in cold water
- Pre-treat with stain remover (gentle)
- Wash normally
Oil or Grease Stains
- Sprinkle baking soda on the stain
- Let sit for 15 minutes
- Brush off powder
- Apply a few drops of dish soap directly to the stain
- Gently rub with soft brush
- Rinse and wash
Grass Stains
- Pre-treat with white vinegar or lemon juice
- Let sit 30 minutes
- Rinse in cold water
- Wash normally
Blood Stains
- Rinse immediately in cold water (never hot)
- Apply hydrogen peroxide or stain remover
- Gentle rub with soft brush
- Wash in cold water
Do Empyre Jeans Shrink?
Yes, but not much if you follow these steps. Here’s what to expect:
- First wash: 2–5% shrinkage is normal (this is why the slight loose fit is intentional)
- Subsequent washes: Minimal shrinkage if you air dry
- If you use the dryer: 5–10% shrinkage possible
To avoid shrinkage:
- Wash in cold water (not warm or hot)
- Air dry every time
- Buy true to size (don’t size up)
Storage: Keeping Your Empyre Jeans Fresh Between Wears
- Fold or hang in a cool, dry closet
- Avoid moisture and direct sunlight (causes fading and mildew)
- Store away from heat sources (radiators, direct window light)
- Refresh between wears: Hang overnight to air out instead of washing
The Bottom Line: Care Tips That Work
✅ Cold water + gentle cycle + inside out + air dry = Your best results
✅ Limit washing frequency = Longer life and better fading (the good kind)
✅ Avoid the dryer always = Never worth the risk
✅ Treat stains immediately = Easier to remove fresh
Follow these steps and your Empyre jeans will look great and last for years, even with heavy skate use.
FAQ:
Q: Can I put Empyre jeans in the dryer on low heat? A: No. Even low heat causes fading and shrinkage. Always air dry.
Q: My new dark Empyre jeans are bleeding dye. Is that normal? A: Yes, completely normal. Indigo denim bleeds in the first 2–3 washes. Wash alone or with dark colors. This is not a defect.
Q: How do I make the worn-in look last longer? A: Air dry and wash in cold water on gentle cycle. The wash treatment (like shmutz wash) fades naturally over time, which is the point.
Q: Can I use regular detergent? A: Yes, regular detergent is fine. You can also use specialized denim detergent for extra color preservation, but it’s not necessary.
Q: My Empyre jeans feel stiff. How do I soften them? A: Wash in cold water with ½ cup white vinegar. Don’t use fabric softener (weakens denim). Natural wear softens them quickly.
Q: How long do Empyre jeans last before they need replacing? A: With proper care, 2–3+ years of regular wear. Many customers report longer.