If your jeans come out of the wash with strange waves or puckered areas, it isn’t random. Most modern denim is blended with Lycra or elastane to create stretch, and those fibers don’t respond well to heat. Hot wash cycles or high dryer temperatures can damage the stretch component, causing the surrounding cotton denim to shift and warp. Once that heat damage happens, the rippled texture is usually permanent.

Washing habits play a big role too. Jeans are often cleaned far more frequently than necessary, which gradually weakens the fibers. Over time, repeated washing leads to uneven shrinkage rather than an even tightening of the fabric. Inside the machine, heavy denim twists and pulls—especially when loads are packed too tightly—creating tension in certain areas that later shows up as puckering.

Water absorption adds another layer to the problem. Stretch denim doesn’t soak and release moisture evenly, so some sections swell more than others. As the jeans dry, those areas contract at different rates, leaving behind visible distortions. Overcrowded washers and dryers make this worse, since jeans can dry while twisted or folded in awkward positions that set wrinkles into the fabric.

The fix comes down to gentler care. Wash jeans in cold water, turn them inside out to reduce friction, and avoid high heat at all costs. Air drying is ideal, but if you use a dryer, choose low heat and remove them while slightly damp. Using a gentle cycle and giving jeans enough space in the machine helps preserve their shape, keeping the fabric smooth and extending their lifespan.