Just found a great tip for softening denim from designer Ya-el Torbati in Lucky magazine…and it doesn’t even involve a washing machine. Simply take a standard fabric-softening dryer sheet and "briskly rub [it] all over the surface of the jeans. For darker washes or black denim, turn them inside out to keep them from getting worn-in-looking. You’ll feel a difference pretty quickly, but keep going till they’re as soft as you like." (Lucky, October 2008, p.108) This sounds amazing - it literally could not be easier, and who doesn’t love a nice, soft pair of jeans? I’ll have to try it out this weekend!