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HOW TO SHRINK RAW DENIM JEANS

DIYS
June 2018

Black and white image with dark denim in the middle.Black and white image with dark denim in the middle.

We often get asked about the technology behind our 501® Original Shrink-To-Fit™ Jeans. In reality, it’s more of a simple science. Instead of going through additional steps, the denim we use to craft them is left untouched after the dyeing process, creating a more rigid and durable fabric.

This ultra-pure fabric is called raw denim. Any tension applied to the denim fibers during construction is released in its first wash, which — because it bypasses the pre-shrinking stage of production — you control.

Two images of denim side by side. Image on left feeling the denim.Two images of denim side by side. Image on left feeling the denim.

This is where Shrink-To-Fit™ jeans stand apart from the rest: managing the shrinkage yourself allows the denim to conform to your unique body. The payoff is a pair of jeans with a custom-made fit. No tailor necessary.

Of course, that means how you wash your Shrink-To-Fit™ jeans for the first time is crucial. We recommend sticking to one of these three tried-and-true methods.

1. Go old school

The bathtub rumors are true. This classic technique requires you to buy your jeans true to size in the waist and two sizes up in length. Put them on, hop into a warm bath and then just kick back and relax for at least 30 minutes. When you’re done soaking, keep them on until they’re dry.

Yellow background with a cartoon drawing of a man in a tub.

2. Simplify it

You can just machine wash and dry your jeans. If you choose the machine route, we recommend ordering up. For your waist, size up 1” and for your inseam, increase 3".

Yellow background with a cartoon drawing of a man sitting on a dryer.

3. Keep it real

For the purist who likes their denim unwashed, there’s no need to size up. Buy them true to size. Wear. Repeat.

Yellow background with a cartoon drawing of a man with his hands on his hips.

No matter which way you choose, we want to hear about it. To share your Shrink-To-Fit™ journey with us, tag @levis on Instagram and use the hashtag #LiveInLevis.