Why Do Jeans Rip In the Inner Thighs? Explanations & Solutions

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Plus, learn how to prevent the rips from forming in the first place

Co-authored by Rani Gorgis and Elaine Heredia, BA

Last Updated: January 28, 2026 Fact Checked

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Jeans Ripped in Thighs: Causes

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Prevention

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Quick Fixes

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Video

People on TikTok and all over the internet want to know: why are they getting rips in the inner thighs of their jeans? This article will dig in deep to find the answer! Keep reading to learn why jeans rip in the inner thighs, how to stop your jeans from ripping, and quick fixes to make your favorite pair of jeans whole again.

Why do your jeans wear out in the inner thighs?

Jeans primarily rip or wear out in the inner thighs because of the friction that builds up between the fabric as your thighs rub together. However, there are some other possible reasons that you might be seeing holes in the thigh area:

Your jeans are too small for your body type.
Your jeans are poorly made out of cheap material or low-quality denim.
You wash and dry your jeans too frequently (e.g., less than every 10 wears).

Section 1 of 3:

Why Jeans Rip in the Inner Thighs

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For many people, walking or doing other physical activities can cause their thighs to rub together. When you wear jeans, your pant legs also rub up against each other. This constant friction can cause the fabric and the thread holding it together to wear out faster, leading to rips.^{[1]
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Research source}
Your jeans might rip at the seams near your inner thighs if you wear a pair that's too small for you. This comes down to not knowing your measurements and which size of jeans fits your body type best.

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The rip in the thighs of your jeans may be due to its poor quality. Cheap, thin material and improper or loose stitching can cause a hole to form in just a few wears!
Jeans might fall apart faster if you wash them too often. Unlike most other clothes, you don't need to clean jeans after every wear. Tumble-drying them on too high heat can also speed up wear-and-tear.^{[2]
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Research source}

Section 2 of 3:

How to Stop Jeans from Ripping in the Thighs

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If you're curvy, look for wide-leg jeans or jeans that are wider in the thighs and hips. Another option is to size up from what you normally wear. You can also measure yourself around the thighs, hips, and waist, then shop for jeans that match your results. Alternatively, a skilled tailor can alter jeans to fit you just right.
Jeans with a higher percentage of cotton are usually more durable and may last longer without ripping. Check the care tag inside the jeans to see the material they're made from. 100% cotton is best!^{[3]
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Research source} But built-in stretch denim is also a great alternative if you have large hips or thighs, since it's designed to stretch more.
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Wash your jeans every 10 wears in cold water and air-dry them. If your jeans get dirty sooner, throw them in the wash. Otherwise, wait until after 10 wears to launder them to preserve their color and integrity.^{[4]
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Research source} Laundry and cleaning specialist Rani Gorgis says to turn your jeans inside out before washing them in a "[gentle] cycle with cold water and a small amount of color-preserving detergent with vinegar." Then, "let the jeans air dry or use the lowest heat setting on the dryer."^{[5]
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Expert Source

Rani Gorgis
Laundry & Cleaning Specialist

Expert Interview}
- To ensure the safest, cleanest wash possible for your jeans, use a denim detergent.
Instead of wearing the same pair of jeans every day, swap them out with one or two other pairs throughout the week. That way, you won't wear them out as quickly.
If you know that thigh rips are a common problem for you, get ahead of the problem by ironing or sewing patches onto your jeans. Attach the patches to the insides of your jeans, so they're less visible.
Some people swear by this trick, saying the soap residue reduces friction between the denim. If you want to try it, keep in mind you'll need to rub soap on your jeans in the thigh area every time you wear them.

Section 3 of 3:

Quick Fixes for Ripped Thighs in Your Jeans

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Iron or sew a patch over the thigh rip. Fix the thigh hole in your jeans by making a patch out of the same material and color, so it blends in, or create a fun design all your own! Regardless of the design, ensure the patch is at least 1 in (2.5 cm) bigger all the way around than the hole. To attach it, turn your jeans inside out and center the patch over the hole. Then iron or sew it on, depending on which type of patch you decide to use.
- Iron-on patches are faster and easier to attach, but sew-on patches last longer. You can stitch it by hand or use a sewing machine.
- Keep in mind that any color or material other than blue denim will attract attention to your inner thigh area!
This quick fix works best when the seams in the thigh area of your jeans are split. Repair the torn seam by hand with a needle and thread or use a sewing machine. You can also take it to a tailor to be professionally mended, if sewing isn't your forte.
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Darn the worn fabric between your thighs before it rips. Darning is a method of reinforcing the fabric where it's worn with stitches before it can split into a rip or a hole. This fix is a bit more involved than just covering the damaged area with a patch, but it can make it look like there was never a problem to begin with! Do it by hand with a needle and thread or use a regular sewing machine.
- Try the Sashiko (Japanese for "little stabs") method of darning to create a beautiful, eyecatching geometric design!
If you don't have any sewing skills, the quickest solution for your thigh rips is to fuse the material back together with clear, washable fabric glue. Squeeze a thin line of fabric glue on one side of the rip, then pull the other side over to meet it. Use sewing pins, safety pins, or small clamps to hold the material together for the time recommended by the fabric glue manufacturer.
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Take your jeans to a professional. A tailor or sewing expert can easily repair the rip in your jeans! This may be the perfect option for people who either don't have any sewing skills or don't have the time to mend their clothing. Look for a local tailoring business, or ask your dry cleaner to refer you.
- You can also see if any of your friends and family mend clothes as a hobby! Remember to offer to pay them or barter something in return for their services.