Overloading your washing machine contributes to the problem. When jeans are crammed into a full load, they can twist or get tangled, which distorts their shape. Rough agitation with heavier items like towels makes it worse.
High-heat drying mistakes can lock in damage. Over-drying denim causes fibers to become brittle and fix ripples permanently. Air drying is gentler and helps jeans retain shape.
To prevent rippling, wash jeans in cold water, turn them inside out, use gentle cycles, avoid overloading, and air dry when possible.