At Bills Khakis, we take pride in crafting premium men's apparel made in the USA. We use high-quality materials and expert construction to ensure your khakis look great and last a long time. But just like any other garment, proper care is essential to maximizing their lifespan.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to keep your khakis looking their best between washing and drying for every single wear.
Understanding Khaki Fabrics
Khakis are typically made from cotton twill fabric. Cotton refers to the material which is woven into a twill pattern.
- Cotton: A natural fiber known for its breathability, durability and comfort.
- Twill: A weaving technique that creates a diagonal pattern, making the fabric more durable than plain-weave cotton.
This combination of material and weave makes for a comfortable, lightweight, breathable, and wrinkle-resistant pant.
Washing Your Khakis
Frequency: You don't need to wash your khakis after every wear. Spot clean minor stains and hang your khakis to air out between washes. Aim to wash them every 2-3 wears, depending on activity and soil level.
Pre-Wash: Turn your khakis inside out before tossing them in the wash. This helps prevent fading and minimizes wear on the outer surface. And only wash your khakis with like colors - don’t mix them with anything that’s likely to bleed.
Temperature: Machine wash warm for all of our khakis, every fit and twill.
Detergent: Use a mild detergent suitable for colors and avoid harsh chemicals. You’ll want to double-check: Our Original Twill and Vintage Twill khakis can handle non-chlorine bleach. Keystone and Clubhouse Twill can’t.
Dry Low: Skip the high heat! All our khakis are built rugged to survive a tumble dry. To take good care of your pants, skip the high heat and keep that dryer setting on low. Remove your khakis from the dryer promptly to minimize wrinkles. But if you really want to make your khakis last, air dry flat to best preserve their shape and color.
Pro Tip: For stubborn wrinkles, toss your khakis in the dryer for a few minutes with a damp washcloth on a low heat setting.
Folding and Storing Your Khakis
Storing: Store your khakis in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Hang them on a sturdy hanger with clips to prevent sagging. You can also fold them neatly and store them on a shelf. Avoid cramming them in a drawer, as this can cause wrinkles.
Folding: Proper folding minimizes wrinkles and keeps your khakis looking sharp. Here's a simple method:
- Lay your khakis flat, buttoned or zipped.
- Fold one leg over the other, aligning the seams.
- Fold the pants in half lengthwise, bringing the waistband to the cuff.
- Fold the bottom third of the pants upwards again (optional).
Iron Low (Optional)
Our khakis are designed to minimize wrinkling, but if you love the crisp look and feel of ironed pants, use a cool or low iron setting and iron inside out to avoid damaging the fabric.
Bonus Tip: Steaming your khakis is a gentler alternative to ironing. Don’t have a fabric steamer? Hang them in the bathroom while you shower; the steam will help remove wrinkles.
Wear and Fit
The way you wear your khakis can also impact their longevity. Here are some tips:
- Get the Right Fit: Properly fit khakis are the most flattering, and will last much longer. Ill-fitting pants will wear unevenly, leading to a disheveled look over time. Relaxed-fitting khakis allow for more movement and reduce stress on the fabric.
- Avoid Overstuffing Pockets: This can stretch and distort the shape of your pants.
- Take Them Off When Sitting for Extended Periods: This can cause permanent wrinkles in the knees.
By following these tips, you can ensure your khakis stay looking sharp and last for years to come. Remember, taking care of your clothes shows respect for quality craftsmanship and allows you to get the most out of your investment.
The Bills Khakis Team