Well I finally took the plunge: I ordered a pair of 501 Shrink-to-fits today, 'cause I just love that custom “only-fits-me” feel once they’re broken in and softened up, but it’s been decades since I’ve owned a pair and between the price and the uncertainty of sizing I’ve always, until today, demurred on taking the plunge. Anyone out there a regular purchaser/wearer of the best jeans on the planet? Do tell.
I used to have good luck with the traditional 1" in the waist and 2" in the inseam extra, as a way to size them for the eventual shrinkage. Anybody got a system of their own, or any cool ways to expedite the breaking-in process. Do tell. It’s mindless and pointless, but since I’m asking opinions and such I put this thread here in IMHO. Thanks in advance, all.
I didn’t recall ever seeing or hearing bout shrink to fit, despite wearing normally shrinking 501s being my go to for jeans. I had to look. This site recommends different sizing adjustments based on what the actual measurements are. For inseam you seem a touch shy; they recommended 3-4 inches based on what size you normally wear. Depending on your waist size 1" might not be enough either.
Ah, that’s excellent, DinoR. Most of their recommendations are already being followed, except for maybe an inch in the length, but I wear my jeans on the hip, not the waist so I should be OK, and part of this was to get a true to life idea of what my perfect size is, because I think I’m giving up on Costco Kirkland brand jeans and will be buying more 501’s. Thanks.
Nothing to share about this particular scenario, but I will provide my jeans advice learned a few years ago…
Never wash jeans. Rotate them regularly, but a good pair of jeans should only be properly washed a few times in their lifetime, and that washing should be done inside-out.
Of course, YMMV. If they are nasty, then you wash them. But I have been pleasantly surprised at how much time can go between washings, keeping that fresh look for many months.
I wear Levi’s, not 501s I think mine are 505s. I wear them to work daily, and they’re washed weekly, and they last for years. I wear boots at work, and accidently bought some of these “tapered leg” Levi’s. I can’t stand them, they bunch up at the top of the boot because they can’t fit over. I need a good old fashioned pair or 2 of Levi’s bell bottoms.
I had some Levi’s 501s years ago. The button fly was a large hassle. I worked where I didn’t get to choose my own break time, so I really had to pee when the break came. I didn’t like enduring the bladder pain while I’d struggle with the stiff denim and the buttons. The shrink-to-fit concept is bogus. All the shrinkage happened in the washer and dryer. The only way shrink-to-fit works is if you wash and dry them while wearing them.
I don’t buy the never-wash option. I’m a guy who sweats and occasionally farts in my jeans. I don’t think they’re going to lose that funk while hanging in a closet or even keeping them in the freezer, as some guy advises. It’s your call, though, how you want to manage your personal aroma.
As I said, not washing jeans is definitely a YMMV venture. I was skeptical until I tried it. Rotation makes all of the difference. It makes a rather startling difference.
Give it a try some time and see, you might like it. And the jeans will look good for ten times as long.