If your jeans come out of the wash with strange ripples, puckering, or stubborn wrinkles, it’s not random—and it’s not bad luck. Most modern jeans are made from a blend of cotton and stretch fibers like Lycra or elastane. While that stretch makes them more comfortable, it also makes them more vulnerable. Lycra is highly sensitive to heat, and exposure to hot water or high dryer temperatures can damage it. When that happens, the surrounding denim shifts and warps, creating permanent ripples in the fabric.

Washing jeans too often can make the problem worse. Frequent washing weakens fibers over time, leading to uneven shrinkage rather than a uniform fit. On top of that, jeans endure a lot of twisting and pulling inside the washing machine—especially if the load is overcrowded. This uneven stress can cause puckering in certain areas instead of overall shrinkage.

Another issue is how denim absorbs and releases water. Stretch fabrics don’t soak and dry evenly, so some sections swell more than others. As the jeans dry, these areas shrink at different speeds, leaving behind distorted waves and wrinkles. Overcrowding the washer or dryer exaggerates this effect, as jeans can dry in awkward, twisted positions that “lock in” unwanted creases.

To keep your jeans looking smooth, wash them in cold water and avoid high heat whenever possible. Air drying is ideal, but if you use a dryer, stick to a low-heat setting and remove them while they’re still slightly damp. Turning jeans inside out reduces friction, and using a gentle cycle—or even hand washing—helps protect the fibers. Most importantly, give your jeans enough room in the machine. With proper care, you can prevent rippling, maintain their shape, and extend their lifespan.