To wash or not to wash? How to properly care for your denim

To wash or not to wash?

How to keep your beloved pair of jeans in tip-top shape has long been debated by experts. While some have advised denim lovers to simply freeze their jeans instead of throwing it in the washing machine it turns out that's a complete myth. In fact, that’s like never showering from the waist down!

Clothes can actually be dirtier on the inside than on the outside as a result of body soils and environmental odors. This is especially true of jeans since the body areas they cover include a lot of skin -- which adds up to a lot of soil just on the inside of your jeans.

Jennifer Ahoni, Tide's go-to scientist, advises people to wash their jeans after 3 wears to prevent odor buildup. With that said, it’s a common misconception that you should go as long as you can between washes to extend the life of your jeans.

Looking for more expert-back tips? Check out the slideshow above for the ultimate guide to taking care of every single type of denim in your closet.