Oct
14
2008
By
The Staff
of Valet.
 
Answer

"Fit is as inherent to denim as it was when we invented the blue jean back in 1873," says Brett Anderson, of Levi's. "The general rule of thumb with our Shrink-to-Fit fabric is to buy the jean 1 to 2 inches up in the waist and 2 to 3 inches longer in the inseam." So for a 32x32, he suggests trying a 33x34. "Before wearing them, I'd wash them by hand in warm water, without soap. Soak for at least 15 minutes, moving the jean periodically to prevent the settling of the dyes." He did, of course,  remind us there are many who buy the 501s in their exact size and simply never wash them.

$46, at Levi's.

Shrinkage Fears
Question
I want a pair of raw Levi's 501s, but I know they're supposed to shrink. Do I wash them before wearing? Or buy a size up?
- Sean, Philadelphia

FYI: In 1936, Levi's began sewing red tabs onto the back pocket to distinguish the jeans from imitators.

 

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