jeans wearing out at crotch - tips?

jjblondie

Hi all,

I thought you lovely people might have some tips for clothes preservation. My jeans usually end up being binned (well, recycled/crafted etc) after a year or less because I wear the crotch area thin and then it turns into a hole. I cycle most days, only for about 15 minutes in total, but suspect that might be the reason they wear through. Other than wearing other trousers to cycle (too impractical), have you got any ideas on making them last longer? I don't think different brands would work as I'm very restricted to what I buy due to being very thin (size 4 :eek:). I have patched underneath before, but it just looks like you can see my underwear.

Thanks for any tips

babyshoes

I have the same problem, would love to hear any tips.

I think mine wear out as I am fairly large so my thighs rub together - it didn't happen until I had put on weight. So far I have resorted to buying cheap jeans and resigning myself to replacing them quite frequently.

gibson123

Do you have a sewing machine or are happy to handsew, then here's what to do.

Buy some iron-on interfacing from a fabric or craft shop, cut a patch the right size and shape and iron it on the inside of the jeans, now turn the jeans right way round, and with a machine sew over the worn bits, over and over again. Here is a tutorial

http://www.adventuresindressmaking.com/2009/12/essential-blue-jean-mending-method.html?m=1

jjblondie

Great website, thanks so much - I'll have to find someone with a sewing machine for me to borrow now :-) . Any further tips on preventing it happening in the first place also appreciated!

jfdi

Why not do as gibson123 says, but do it BEFORE you get a hole? It might slow the process down (or even better if it'll look OK, reinforce on the outside of the Jeans?)

zzzLazyDaisy

I don't know if this is a daft suggestion, but could you wear a pair of cycling shorts over your jeans and just take them off and pop then in your bag when you get where you are going?

Something like this for example

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nike-Ladies-Padded-Cycling-Shorts-Black-Size-X-Small-DS1-/380450885568?pt=UK_Sporting_Goods_Athletic_Shoes_ET&hash=item5894a3cfc0

Or you could set a trend and wear some psychadelic cotton shorts :-)

kitschkitty

I think it's partly down to fabric and fit as well as body size/shape.

Thick denim that is fairly foft seems to last best. "twill" cotton type jeans and jeggings seem to rub quicker.

At this time of year you could wear waterproofs over your regular trousers.

Patching never really works for long, and big patches always look terrible (sorry) but keeping an eye on seams, and keeping them well stitched up (as the trousers often wear nearest to the seams) helps, rather than leaving them. Also carefully trimming off any bobbles.