but no pair of denim—under any circumstances—should cut off circulation or leave you gasping for air. To avoid this, you just need to learn some easy methods for how to stretch out your jeans.

But there are a few exceptions to the cool-wash rule. “100 per cent cotton – or rigid denim – jeans are more robust, so they’re fine in a warm wash and even tumble drying,” says Gilsenan. “Stretch ...