Probably not. Non-stretch cotton denim starts firm and eases with wear, mostly at the waist, pockets, and seat, while knit and elastic-waist styles begin soft and change in other ways. How you wash them matters as much as how often you wear them. Here's what to expect, and what to do so the fabric feels good sooner.

Why the fabric starts out firm

Denim without stretch fibers has only cotton to work with.The brand's listings describe some pairs as non-stretch organic cotton acneestudio.com and one style as made from organically grown and recycled cotton. That kind of fabric doesn't spring back, so it loosens only through use. It's also why a slim cut feels harsher than a loose one: less fabric pulling across your body means less friction.One of the brand's denim shorts is a loose five-pocket style with a low waist and a dropped crotch. That relaxed shape does a lot of the comfort work before the cotton itself has softened at all.

Does the fabric of Acne Studios shorts get softer over time?

Yes, non-stretch denim generally softens gradually with repeated wear and washing, though the speed varies from pair to pair and person to person.This is general denim behavior, not a brand guarantee. The change shows first where the fabric bends most. Think of the back of the knee, the pocket edges, and the waistband.

Here's a loose way to picture it:

Someone who wears them twice a week will hit each stage faster than someone saving them for weekends.

Pre-distressed pairs are a special case

A worn look isn't the same as a worn-in feel.Acne Studios sells shorts with fading, distressing, smudging, and painted marks. One retailer lists a pair as 100% cotton, hand wash, wide-leg, and non-stretch. The finish is applied at the factory, and it can make a pair look broken in while the cotton underneath is still fairly firm.The brand also says each denim wash has unique characteristics because of the dyeing. Two pairs that look identical on a hanger can feel different on your legs. If softness is your priority, touch the fabric in a store before you commit.

What the brand says about washing

Here's where most people go wrong, and it's the opposite of what you'd expect.Acne Studios advises washing denim infrequently. Its care page recommends a gentle cold wash with the garment turned inside out, then line drying with the garment right-side out. It also says not to spot clean, and to store denim somewhere cool, dry, and dark, away from prolonged UV light.My read on softness: every wash protects the color and finish, but it also slows the "broken-in" feel a little, since you're being gentle. Line drying keeps the shape and leaves the fabric crisper than a hot tumble dry would. Those are my expectations from how cotton behaves, not brand statements. And since the brand doesn't mention fabric softener, I'd skip it.

Size decides how soft they feel

This one gets overlooked.A pair that's slightly too small will feel rough no matter how soft the fabric gets, because non-stretch denim won't grow to fit you. The fix is at the fitting stage. Sit down, squat once, and check the waistband. If it bites on day one, it won't turn into something you love.A retailer lists one distressed pair as true to size. Even so, check the size guide and reviews for the exact style you're buying.

Small habits that help

• Wear them often, since use does more than washing

• Wash only when needed, cold, and inside out

• Air dry instead of using the dryer, unless your label allows it

• Keep them out of long direct sunlight

• Store them folded or hung somewhere dry and dark

Care instructions change by style, so trust the label on your own pair over any general guide.

Your next step

Before you buy Acne Studios shorts, look for the composition line and check whether the fabric has stretch. Try the pair on, sit down, and decide if the waistband feels acceptable right now. If it does, wear them a lot, wash them rarely, and give the fabric a few weeks before judging it.