I have two fairly new pairs of black pants. One is modern skinny jeans from Loft and the other is GAP real skinny (came in the mail today, I really like them). I have avoided black pants for the most part because they often end up fading quickly but I really like the idea of wearing slim-fitting black pants with flowy blouses. I am debating whether to suck it up and start dry-cleaning them. Cleaning is $6.50 a pop; the pants are about $35-40 each so by dry-cleaning every couple of weeks I will probably double the purchase price within first 4 months but maybe I will extend their life indefinitely? I am also considering using Woolite for Darks or a similar detergent and washing them inside out in cold water.

Also, I am used to always washing new clothes before wearing but that certainly does not work for dry clean only. Where do you stand on the "wash before first wear" issue?