Shrink to Fit Denim - The Complete Guide

Levi's gives us 3 ways to wear our Shrink-to-Fit Denim Jeans. I put 3 pairs of 501's to the test and explain all the details of wearing them rigid, doing the infamous tub-soak and wearing until dry, then the machine wash for maximum shrinkage.
EU
Cultizm: (Levi’s LVC and plenty more selvedge denim companies, I buy from them often)
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Red Cast Heritage (selvedge denim and manly gear) redcastheritage.com/?ktk=d0pa...
UK
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Australia
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#ShrinktoFit #LevisSTF #SelvedgeDenim
0:00 3 ways to wear
1:28 Rigid
4:21 Tub Soak
8:17 Wearing Wet Jeans
10:40 Machine Wash
14:45 Overall Thoughts

[@drwisdom1]

I have been wearing shrink-to-fit 501s since around 1969 and have a lifetime supply of new ones that were made in the US before 2000. My technique is I wash and dry them twice before I ever dare wearing them. Vintage 501s used heavy denim so after the first wash/dry cycle they are still too stiff to wear. You can wear them after the second wash and by the forth or fifth the quality denim becomes super soft. Wearing a vintage pair of shrink-to-fit 501s without washing would be like wearing pipes and serious punishment. The whole idea of not washing your jeans is a kooky modern usage approach like wearing your baseball cap backwards. Regarding sizing. My true size is 36x32. So with vintage shrink-to-fit 501s I have to get size 38x34. But if I want to cuff I get 38x36. With today's STF 501s you should probably add 4 inches to your inseam and 2 inches to your waist when buying to be safe.

[@denindenim]

I’d love to ask you more for another video.

[@deancawley506]

I always find it absolutely interesting that older generations that have worn Levi's always brag about how heavyweight the denim was when historically the 501 line pretty much never exceeded 14.5oz. Matter of fact, Levi's today have the same weight Levi's once had pre-1940, at 12.5oz. I have a LVC 1936 Type 1 Jacket that is by this standard, relatively 'thin' - using the same denim that was used in 501's at the time, and pretty similar in weight to contemporary Levi's denim. I think saying that all vintage 501s used heavy denim isn't quite the case, especially the further back you go. But I digress, these are just semantics I nerd about being obsessed with history

[@drwisdom1]

@@deancawley506 Let me get this straight. You think that the cotton fabric used in vintage Levi's isn't far superior to the cotton fabric in today's Levi's and you base that on two things - numbers you have read and looking at modern LVC Levi's. That is some pretty poor evidence when you could have just gotten a real pair of vintage Levi's 501s and compared. But it isn't just the weight, which is very important. Vintage Levi's used soft cotton that feels great on the skin while today's Levi's feel like sandpaper. After the third wash vintage STF 501s are baby soft. But it isn't just the softness. Vintage Levi's yielded a beautiful fade. Today's 501 fabric just doesn't fade well, so Levi's mostly prefades to cover that up. Since fading is now a problem with dark blue jeans it has become a fad to not wash your jeans and let them get stinky. Why are vintage STF 501s better than vintage preshrunk 501s? After shinkage that makes STFs slightly heavier than preshrunk and marginally better. I only have one Type 2 jacket, but it is an LVC. I have lots of vintage two pocket Type 3 jackets and they also used heavier softer cotton than today's Levi's jackets. Also, the fit for both vintage Type 3 jackets and vintage 501s was better than today's Levi's, but that is not a fabric issue. After a century of being the very best quality, Levi's has lost their mojo. There is proof that Levi's knows all of this. They now sell used vintage Levi's on their web site! Also, if you have worn the same jeans for over 50 years you can recognize the changes.

[@deancawley506]

@@drwisdom1 No not at all. I have no doubt in my mind that the cotton used in authentic vintage Levi's is of a grade magnitudes higher than what we can achieve today - hence why most Japanese reproduction brands use Zimbabwe cotton because that is the closest in terms of staple length to the original cotton from the states back in the 30s and post that. And I'm not disagreeing with you at all, vintage Levi's fade in a way that is hard to be duplicated, a lot of Japanese brands have tried, and they're all different in how they fade, fit and feel. I'm only mentioning the heaviness as I'm sure you've seen those Japanese brands that go above 14oz and into the 20oz+ territory. The reason I bring it up is because current Levi's offerings isn't just lighter, it's inferior denim all around, a 12.5oz selvedge of the '30s era is a superior denim to any 12.5oz non-selvedge offering from Levi's today.

[@jntz132]

Thank you very much sir for sharing your experience and expertise. I'm about to pull the trigger on a LVC Type 2 jacket and I was wondering if you could offer your recommendation on sizing. As much as I love fades, whiskering and all that, I can't even consider not washing my jacket every now and then. I don't mind either tab soaking or washing machine. Do you have any recommendations with regards to sizing when buying new? I normally wear a size M in regular prewashed Type 3 jackets. Thank you kindly sir.

[@sflanr5705]

Thank you for giving us the first hand experience.

[@paubayes2002]

Very well explained, nice video keep it up.

[@hmartz]

Great video as always.

[@suleyman7624]

MY LAST RIGID I BOUGHT 2 SIZES BIGGER IN THE WAIST AND 1 SIZE LONGER IN THE LENGHT...AND AFTER WASHING IT FITS GREAT...

[@achubbypug1752]

Good video

[@RokinLee]

Whats your best method to unshrink stf Selvedge,,, yes I know but it’s the length really. They stretch when wet but don’t dry to that length, rocks in pockets? 34/32 80s lvc from turkey that have ended up 31/30. Sounds about right for stf, but just an inch off too short. So close.

[@FREDRICKG85]

Does it shrink in the bottom drastically Im a 32 length but I’m gonna buy 30 and try to tub method. 30 length seems almost perfect for me. I find with the 32 I have baggage a little at the bottom do you think a 30 should be fine for tub method. I think I’m going to try it. I just hope it’s not too high. Thanks.

[@brianvaivoda6880]

Hello. Great video. Just a question. If you do the tub soak and get tts in the waist. And they fit Great. The next time I do the washing machine let's say, then will they shrink beyond wearable?

[@denindenim]

you have to soak twice. after 2 washes or soaks they are done shrinking.

[@isalineleloup576]

Hi! Thanks a lot for the instructive video! I just both a pair of 501xx vintage and I wanted to know a bit more about it. I will be the same right? Or they will not move of size or curve because they are vintage?

[@denindenim]

They won’t shrink unless they are rigid and stiff. Your historic vintage jeans won’t change but I recommend cleaning them in the sun light.

[@Fredagsblues]

Lovely channel. Im researching for my next pair of LVC. My experience of tubbing the jeans is that the waist band gets ruined if you go for your true waist size. It shrinks too much. I bought my usual size and for my next pair I would size up 1 inch in the waist.

[@drwisdom1]

After at least 60 years of the tags of Levi's 501 shrink-to-fit jeans screaming that due to shrinkage you have to buy them bigger than your actual size, I find it amazing that people still don't believe it and can't get the message. Levi's shrink-to-fit 501 jeans don't ever shrink too much. They shrink the prescribed amount which is approximately 8-10%. The situation you are describing is buyers ignoring the instructions and mistakenly getting too small a size.

[@sf2explus184]

@@drwisdom1 i didn't size up my waist and it fits perfect. it is a bit more snug after shrink but already stretched a little. if it fit super tight in the waist yes best to size up or otherwise best to buy a waist that fits but comfortable at the same time. legs shrink is the tricky part

[@drwisdom1]

@@sf2explus184 You are proof that people won't pay attention to important instructions. That is also why so many shrink-to-fit 501s have been returned over the decades.

[@cheetooszn428]

what if I wash it with cold water and air dry it?

[@user-qh5wg7hb5r]

Hello, I have a question for LMC 501 rinse STF stretch (00501-2853) How to choice the size with waist? 2 size up would be good? planning hot wash and drying Normally wearing LVC 54 / 47501 34 size, Thank you for your videos

[@denindenim]

Thanks. 2 sizes should be enough. I found the Made and Crafted lime similar in sizing to premium.

[@theHerathrig]

i awlays see guide for shrinking jeans how about jackets? do you size up with lvc jackets or buy TTS?

[@denindenim]

Jackets are pretty versatile. I’m a medium but I can fit into a small. I could fit into a shrunken large and roll the cuffs up. If you’re are between sizes then go up.

[@pawekamocki487]

Great channel, and great video! Do your recommendations also apply to denim jackets? Aren't you concerned about the fact that if you start wearing a garment rigid, without pre-soaking, the fades will move up and misalign with your body when the garment eventually shrinks?

[@denindenim]

dziękuję! every step affects the fading. your body and the air have moisture that helps shape to your body over a longer time. STF jackets work the same.

[@pawekamocki487]

@@denindenim thanks! I have recently gotten my hands on my dream denim jacket, LVC 1953 Type II, and I was wondering how to get the best experience out of it. I shall follow your advice and wear it rigid first. Pozdrawiam, Paweł.

[@denindenim]

@@pawekamocki487 most advice is to wear a year before getting wet. if it's fitting well then wear rigid but if you want to get that contour, tub soaking will do it.

[@pawekamocki487]

@@denindenim I'm looking forward to your video on Type II; out of the box my jacket fits large and I need to roll up the sleeves, but I think it's quite wearable and even style-appropriate as is. Some shrinkage (especially in the sleeves) would get me a more modern fit, but I'll let it happen organically over time. Thanks for great advice, keep'em coming!

[@denindenim]

@@pawekamocki487 type ii vid in a week or two.

[@1503rascon]

I'm experimenting with 501 STFs for the first time so I'm a newbie. I have a terrible time finding jeans that fit because of my athletic lower body. So I have a fairly large size for me hoping my legs will have some movement once everything forms to me. How do you feel about boiling the waist? Great videos man. Thank you

[@denindenim]

Welcome. I don’t recommend boiling. Just a Luke warm tub soak with STF is all it takes to shrink in those tight curves to your body. You will only drop 2 sizes no matter what you do. You might like lot 541 the athletic cut. Or LVC 501s from 1920s or 1955. They have a lot of room below the knee.

[@1503rascon]

@@denindenim good to know. Couldn't beat 30 dollars on Amazon for the pair that I got so this one is a test run I don't mind beating on. Good info about the '55! I have some 541s and they fit pretty well, but they are paper thin compared to these 501s and the premiums I got. Also 501s are the goat so I'm trying to find my niche. I didn't know there was a difference with the premiums, again thanks for the info on this channel.

[@TheKonnoisseur11]

@@1503rascon pay attention to the hip\sear measurements on Levis chart. I’m buying the ones that fit my hips and simplify taking in the waist. How did it go?

[@TheKonnoisseur11]

@@1503rascon is there any thing wrong with only dipping parts of the jeans in hot water to taper the leg or the waist etc

[@szymonw.8232]

Hello 😊. How much can they shrink in length? I normally wear size 32/32 or 32/34, so theoretically I should buy 34/34 or 34/36. I don't know which one to choose. I have the opportunity to buy 34/36 at a good price. They are currently 123 cm long. I would like them to eventually be 110-112 cm.

[@denindenim]

Getting them wet will shrink 2 sizes in both waist and length but if you do a tub soak the waist will not shrink smaller than your waist (If you wear them while drying)

[@rileyramone6231]

Hey den, got a few questions you might be able to help me with. 1) I've been practicing stf on regular run of the mill rigid 501s and have a pretty good idea of what size to buy and what shrinking method I like to use. Can I expect LVC jeans to react more or less the same? Mainly in how much they will shrink and how much they will stretch back out with wear? 2) Can I expect tag sizing to be more or less the same on LVC jeans as regular 501s? I buy 30 waist in regular 501s and they are closer to 32 in actual size and end up at about 31 post shrink which is where I want them. Should I buy LVCs in the same tag size as regular 501s or buy true to size? Hope these questions make sense. Thank you so much for the awesome content. All the best.

[@denindenim]

Each year of LVC 501s have a slightly different fit. Each video for them, I try to tell you to upsize or downsize. Which year are you considering?

[@rileyramone6231]

@@denindenim 47 and 55

[@denindenim]

@@rileyramone6231 47 is tight so upsize 1 or 1.5 inch sizes. 55 is loose so downsize 1 or 1.5 sizes. Im a 30 in regular Levi’s but a 31 in LVC. I would buy 32 for 47 and 30 for 55.

[@rileyramone6231]

@@denindenim that's perfect thank you.

[@leeQue]

Hello, Thanks for your channel, most informative and straight to the point one. I'd allow myself, maybe to ask repetitious question/s. Recently bought here, in Israel, by occasion online Levis 501 54, premium, dark indigo, cotton 100%, rigid. This is my 1st try of Levis 501 since many years, I've been wearing 512, 511 and love slim look, but decided to go classic this time and hard way  I've got my 32/32 a bit tight and a bit long than all others, but after few days wear it got freer on waist and bottom. I've been searching for exact steps for washing rigid denim, and ways to get it more tight on legs and look slimmer. I don’t have a bath to practice the shrinking to fit process and as well don’t know if rigid jean is possible to do so. I plan wear it ca 10 times and perform the wash, hoping that 10 wears its enough to make the rigid jeans break. I'd like to get prepared  Would you be so kind to advice what is best to perform and if your video actual for my type of wear. Best wishes Vlad

[@denindenim]

If you like skinny then 54 is a great choice. It’s already tapered at the knees. It takes about 25 wears (8 hours a day) to loosen up and break in rigid. I really recommend you do a tub soak if you want it to form to your body more. Don’t forget to wear them until they dry. I miss living in Israel. The best milk in the world. But I would work 70 hours a week for at 20 shekels and hour and have roommates.

[@leeQue]

@@denindenim soaking right now! You are very welcome here again:) treasure your assistance. Will update on result. Hugs

[@leeQue]

okay, here we go, soaking, and drying jeans on myself...only noticeable change - body molding, measurements have not changed whilst it feels higher. Was not happy with the results - delicate wash, 30C, 37 mins :) no results. Now, will try cotton, 40c for 1 hour. and 800 spin than dry in shadow. cheers :) @@denindenim

[@Beastnasty_0313]

I’m a true to size 44x30 what size should I actually get for the shrink to fit ???

[@denindenim]

I guess 47 waist. Maybe 48. I hope someone can drop some advice from experience.

[@Beastnasty_0313]

@@denindenim I thought they come in increments of 2? But yes can someone plz help me! I needed up buying the size 44x30 and just not going to wash them but I want to get another pair but the perfect pair

[@leeQue]

Hey Den, how are you? Do you have experience in shrinking white raw STF rigid? I have 501 on sight to get. Waist is same as my usual, length 2 more. Model from 10 years ago I guess (from labels) Don’t know what to do 😂 Would you be so kind to give your opinion ? Thank you ❤

[@denindenim]

I’ve not seen white stf. Only blue and black from Levi’s. I guess same way but no dye transfer

[@leeQue]

@@denindenim thank you - I’ll Update here when I get it and perform the soaking etc, to see how fabric behaves

[@mytrigger5613]

That's what I was thinking. Just wear them and as you sweat in them they'll shrink to the size they were intended too. Or jump in the ocean and don't come out with them on. (It is a parable... see the comments for the answer, as in below)

[@mytrigger5613]

If your pants are not ripped off by a mermaid, and you aren't signing the 'I'm on a boat' song, then you were probably violated by a disgusting mermaid. Contrary to popular belief, mermaids probably won't let leave you feeling body positive or loved, fulfilled and they will probably have dreadful breath. You would be far fetched if your mermaid lover looked better than this merman in this video. Get drunk, that's pretty much all there is too it. Your seed is probably the missing link to mermaid survival. Can you imagine a 2 Legged land and sea creature that's half you and half a totally better version of you. Get wet

[@TheKonnoisseur11]

How about wear them rigid until they stretch out and then shrink wash them

[@denindenim]

Of course. You can do a hybrid. Wear for a while rigid then tub soak. That will get some nice whiskers first!

[@leeQue]

Shalom, is this channel is still alive? I can ask questions? Thanks a lot!

[@denindenim]

I just posted a video yesterday. What’s up?

[@leeQue]

hey :) Just posted a question of a newbie, pls bear with me. Appreciate. @@denindenim

[@denindenim]

Sure. Welcome to the selvedge denim community. Are you asking about shrinking or Levi’s or other?

[@leeQue]

Hello, Thanks for your channel, most informative and straight to the point one. I'd allow myself, maybe to ask repetitious question/s. Recently bought here, in Israel, by occasion online Levis 501 54, premium, dark indigo, cotton 100%, rigid. This is my 1st try of Levis 501 since many years, I've been wearing 512, 511 and love slim look, but decided to go classic this time and hard way  I've got my 32/32 a bit tight and a bit long than all others, but after few days wear it got freer on waist and bottom. I've been searching for exact steps for washing rigid denim, and ways to get it more tight on legs and look slimmer. I don’t have a bath to practice the shrinking to fit process and as well don’t know if rigid jean is possible to do so. I plan wear it ca 10 times and perform the wash, hoping that 10 wears its enough to make the rigid jeans break. I'd like to get prepared  Would you be so kind to advice what is best to perform and if your video actual for my type of wear. Best wishes Vlad @@denindenim

[@lutherfox5744]

I don't have a tub. Can I just dunk myself in a drum instead?

[@denindenim]

Any body of water is fine. Just remember to wear them for after. At least an hour. Until they dry is best.

[@lutherfox5744]

@@denindenim Thank you! By the way, spotted a pair of Levi's at my local vintage store that piqued my interest. It's a US-made Orange Tab 505 0917 from 1979. But I don't know how I feel about Poly-Cotton blends. Are they considered worthwhile investments?

[@suleyman7624]

IN THE LENGTH SHRINK ALWAYS MORE THAN IN THE WAIST...

[@alanoliver5762]

y’all are making it too hard. For Levi’s STF, just follow the formula 1 inch bigger in the waist, 2 to 3 inches longer in the leg and soak them in the machine in hot water for an hour, then complete the cycle in the washing machine. pull out the wrinkles and drip dry. the next time just run it through the washer and dry it in the dryer.

[@codyjimenez5932]

Good video