What's the best way to wash Levi 501 shrink-to-fit jeans so they don't shrink too much and will still fit?
by 
Luckycub
ANSWERS: 6
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Don't wash them in very hot water. Don't put them in the dryer, let them dry naturally away from any source of heat.
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Levi's Shrink-To-Fit 501 Blue Jeans will shrink approximately 10% regardless of how they are washed and dried. The reason for this is that the denim fabric is woven, cut to patterns and finally assembled into the finished garment without the material having been "sanforized." The process known as "sanforizing" preshrinks the fabric before manufacture into finished goods so that the final fit remains more true to the actual patterns even after repeated washing. Levi's touts "Shrink-To-Fit" for those who desire something of an all-original and personalized style to their 501s. In reality, the material in these jeans may behave irregularly when washed, giving a somewhat "out of shape" character to the garment. You might notice, for instance, that the seams in the legs twist round toward the front or back. This is normal in 501s and is likely attributable to the tendency of a twill weave to pull in an oblique linear direction during the shrinking process.
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Never wash them is the real secret to stop them shrinking! Buy a pair one inch larger in the waist and 2/3 inches longer in the leg depending on whether you will be wearing your 501s with boots or trainers/sneakers. Then literally take a bath or shower in them and if possible - ie if its watrm enough to do so - keep them on as they dry on you. They will dry to a perfect fit - and feel great at the same time! If you do feel the need to wash them turn the Levis inside out,keep the water cold, use very little detergent and a very quick wash, otherwise the dye will run out and you will lose that terrific dark indigo look. Also they tend to soften with more washes. So if you want them looking dark and feeling stiff - don't wash them! Of course you could have them dry cleaned, but this is expensive and will soften them.
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Never wash them is the real secret to stop them shrinking! Buy a pair one inch larger in the waist and 2/3 inches longer in the leg depending on whether you will be wearing your 501s with boots or trainers/sneakers. Then literally take a bath or shower in them and if possible - ie if its watrm enough to do so - keep them on as they dry on you. They will dry to a perfect fit - and feel great at the same time! If you do feel the need to wash them turn the Levis inside out,keep the water cold, use very little detergent and a very quick wash, otherwise the dye will run out and you will lose that terrific dark indigo look. Also they tend to soften with more washes. So if you want them looking dark and feeling stiff - don't wash them! Of course you could have them dry cleaned, but this is expensive and will soften them.
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Have you seen Quadrephenia? Well when first buy them, you put the jeans on and soak in the tub for about 10-15 min with them on your body (cold water). What this does in form fit them, just be certain to buy them according to the instructions as well. After you've done this you just hang dry them after ever wash, that's the key-always hang dry them.
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Buy the correct size you need. My actual size is 31W X 29L(for 47 yrs). I usually by 31W X 32L or 32W X 32L and have been happy with the fit after shrinking regardless of the method I have used. I have used the following methods: 1 Jump in a hot tub 2 Swimming pool 3 Creek, lake or other natural body of water 4 Bath tub 5 Machine wash and dry I have done many activities (always sans underwear) including hiking, horseback riding, and swimming and have always been comfortable and experienced no chafing. I have always preferred Levi's 501 shrink to fit button fly jeans for comfort and visually over any other jeans.
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