Levi 501s...will they shrink much?

-BA- · 20 Aug 2012 at 21:06

Hey guys. I bought a pair of 501 Straight Leg Ground down jeans today. Nowhere on the label does it say that they are actual shrink-to-fit but there is a little card stapled to them that says home laundering may cause slight shrinkage.

What I am curious to know is just how much shrinkage might take place? I bought 32" waist which fit just fine but worry that they might shrink after their first wash. Leg length isn't too much of an issue as they are just a bit long anyway and there is plenty of room in the leg and seat, it's just the waist I worry about.

Input welcomed please don't want to ruin them first time.

Monkeynut · 20 Aug 2012 at 21:17

As long as they were reasonably comfortable when you bought them they should be fine. I honestly can't see how the shrinkage will be even noticeable, my £14 George jeans were fine.

Theophany · 20 Aug 2012 at 21:18

I've had a few pairs, didn't really notice any shrinking in the wash at 40'c. They're usually a bit tighter for the first wear after a wash, but I find most denims get more comfortable the more they're worn between washes...

-BA- · 20 Aug 2012 at 21:25

Whilst they aren't what I would call tight, there isn't really room for shrinkage. Do they stretch a bit after the first post-wash wear?

Nitefly · 20 Aug 2012 at 21:26

The colour on mine faded more than it shrank... I was a bit annoyed actually because 'go with anything' dark blue became 'I do not go with anything' bright deep blue.

Don't wash jeans unless you really have to.

[FnG]magnolia · 20 Aug 2012 at 21:30

Just waiting for someone to come in and say that ~! Japanese raw denim !~ is the only type of jeans to wear.

Anyway, any shrinkage will quickly, um, un-shrink once you put the jeans on and they become more comfortable.

Raymond Lin · 20 Aug 2012 at 21:32

Nitefly said:
The colour on mine faded more than it shrank... I was a bit annoyed actually because 'go with anything' dark blue became 'I do not go with anything' bright deep blue.

Don't wash jeans unless you really have to.

I got this pair of All Saints that I'm scared to wash, it's kinda dark blue verging on grey/black, anything lighter it will look wrong.

Nitefly · 20 Aug 2012 at 21:33

Raymond Lin said:
I got this pair of All Saints that I'm scared to wash, it's kinda dark blue verging on grey/black, anything lighter it will look wrong.

Yep, that's the blue that will go in one wash. Just air them and blot any stains out!

King Damager · 20 Aug 2012 at 21:37

Genuine question for all the owners...

Having got fed up of poor quality god awful primark jeans, I'm considering getting a decent pair of Levi's...

How do you justify spending that much on a single pair of jeans? o.O

kd

Wizzfizz · 20 Aug 2012 at 21:37

What's the quality like with All Saints jeans? I do find pretty much everything they sell rather tatty and overpriced, not sure about the jeans though.

Nitefly · 20 Aug 2012 at 21:38

King Damager said:
Genuine question for all the owners...

Having got fed up of poor quality god awful primark jeans, I'm considering getting a decent pair of Levi's...

How do you justify spending that much on a single pair of jeans? o.O

kd

Because they are more comfortable and look more stylish.

King Damager · 20 Aug 2012 at 21:41

Nitefly said:
Because they are more comfortable and look more stylish.

Shame they're a bright deep blue then....

Surely the intelligent thing to do is buy a slightly darker shade, then you can wash it?

kd

Nitefly · 20 Aug 2012 at 21:50

King Damager said:
Shame they're a bright deep blue then....

Surely the intelligent thing to do is buy a slightly darker shade, then you can wash it?

kd

Ideally, but these faded more than I had anticipated :/

alexakasloth · 20 Aug 2012 at 22:01

Should be fine, the only problem may come from using a tumble dryer.

King Damager said:
Genuine question for all the owners...

Having got fed up of poor quality god awful primark jeans, I'm considering getting a decent pair of Levi's...

How do you justify spending that much on a single pair of jeans? o.O

kd

The sales, or occasionally 'vintage' shops.

Theophany · 20 Aug 2012 at 22:10

Nitefly said:
Don't wash jeans unless you really have to.

I soil myself pretty regularly as the thought of going to the bathroom to urinate whilst gaming doesn't make any sense to me.

But your mileage may vary.

Kamwah · 20 Aug 2012 at 22:20

Can always tub wash them if you don't want any shrinkage whatsoever.

deusexlumina · 20 Aug 2012 at 22:24

I used to really like Levis, but the two recent pairs I've bought have been awful! The wear is showing already, and i don't crawl about in them or anything. The colour has also faded on both, and they are only ever washed on 40.

Magic_x_uk · 20 Aug 2012 at 22:45

The best Denim for Jeans is used by Diesel.
They wear and wash really well and last a long time. I have some that are 3 - 4 years old and have been washed plenty of times and the colour is still fine with them and no rips etc anywhere on them.

I was told Diesel use the best denim by a friend who was chief female clothes buyer for marks and spencers (peruna)

some may not agree. But I think for around £100 - £140 for something you wear a lot and get 4+ years out of them, is no bad thing.

rG-tom · 20 Aug 2012 at 22:47

King Damager said:
Genuine question for all the owners...

Having got fed up of poor quality god awful primark jeans, I'm considering getting a decent pair of Levi's...

How do you justify spending that much on a single pair of jeans? o.O

kd

Costco have 501s in in multiple colours for 35 ish quid at the moment

Rotty · 20 Aug 2012 at 22:54

I have a pair I bought 10 years ago, the button doesn't get within 4 inches of fastening now