What jeans are you wearing today ?

[codex]

A question re maintanance to the knowledgeable swarm:

I have bought a Levi´s Vintage Clothing "Big E" 501. I am very happy, also with the fit, but the jeans came with a note stating that the denim was "shrink to fit" (I take this to mean not sanforized) and that if I bought it to fit I may never wash the jeans.

I don´t want to return, but I am a "washer", so I am looking for advice how much maintanance I can put into the denims without risk of shrinkage (Machine wash cold, handwashing only etc.).

Thanks TFL!

Cold washing at 20°C causes very minor shrinkage. It's negligible unless the jeans are already tight when you get them. Hang to dry.

 

[Biff42]

A question re maintanance to the knowledgeable swarm:

I have bought a Levi´s Vintage Clothing "Big E" 501. I am very happy, also with the fit, but the jeans came with a note stating that the denim was "shrink to fit" (I take this to mean not sanforized) and that if I bought it to fit I may never wash the jeans.

I don´t want to return, but I am a "washer", so I am looking for advice how much maintanance I can put into the denims without risk of shrinkage (Machine wash cold, handwashing only etc.).

Thanks TFL!

Can you simply have them dry-cleaned?

 

[l0fielectronic]

Yes, cold washing is normally fine.

I haven't bought any LVC for a few years but used to be a lot of the 'shrink to fit' models had no real shrinkage, then there were a couple of lines which really did... quite a lot. It was unpredictable.

 

[Tom71]

Thanks for the replies. I will give it a shot with a cold machine wash.

This model was not listed as “shrink to fit” on the webpage, but it did come with the instruction sheet. There’s a certain chance that this is just by accident, but I really want to be on the side of caution.

It‘s a bit overpriced for the denim in question (IH territory in terms of pricing but not in terms of fabric), but it strikes me as a very good solution if you seek the appeal of a 501 but cannot live with the abysmal quality of today’s offerings.

 

[Tom71]

Can you simply have them dry-cleaned?

Yes, and I definitely would as a last resort.

A huge part of the appeal of raw denim for me is the slow evolution of the fabric through gentle washing every once in a while. I am absolutely not one for “sick fades” on unwashed jean, but rather for achieving a well-worn and lived-in patina by wearing well and living in.

Not sure how this would go with dry cleaning, but I guess it won’t break in the fabric as any form of washing would.

 

[Biff42]

Yes, and I definitely would as a last resort.

A huge part of the appeal of raw denim for me is the slow evolution of the fabric through gentle washing every once in a while. I am absolutely not one for “sick fades” on unwashed jean, but rather for achieving a well-worn and lived-in patina by wearing well and living in.

Not sure how this would go with dry cleaning, but I guess it won’t break in the fabric as any form of washing would.

Great point. The washing does help create the fades with proper wear.

 

[Edward]

This thread popping up makes me realise I've not been in a pair of jeans in maybe a month. Such has been the brutality of London Summer this year, I simply couldn't bear my usual 13MWZs in the heat. When kicking about at home (the usual space for jeans), I have still been in denim, though - specifically, a pair of SoF repro denim battledress trousers. They have the feel of a lighter, more vintage denim (I'm guessing about 11oz, compared to other denim I've owned), but the cut also helps, plenty of room in the leg definitely keeps me cooler in this insane heat. The big map pocket on the thigh is a huge bonus in hot weather, providing a secure spot for wallet and w.h.y. when out and about if I'm not carrying enough to need a bag. Real help when even looking at a jacket gives me the sweats.

Indeed, I've found my denim BD trews so practical, I'm thinking of picking up a second pair and dying them a dark blue. Possibly for jacket weather I might consider trying a pair of the U-Boat equivalent. Basically the same trews, but without the map pocket (and plastic buttons instead of the pressed-metal dish version). Slightly less casual looking without the map-pocket. Only shame is they don't have belt-loops round the front. It is possible to wear them with a belt, though it doesn't work as well as the intended braces, which limit a little what they can be worn with. Still, a great alternative to my regular jeans while London is still cosplaying hell for likely another couple of months yet.

 

[Zoro]

A question re maintanance to the knowledgeable swarm:

I have bought a Levi´s Vintage Clothing "Big E" 501. I am very happy, also with the fit, but the jeans came with a note stating that the denim was "shrink to fit" (I take this to mean not sanforized) and that if I bought it to fit I may never wash the jeans.

I don´t want to return, but I am a "washer", so I am looking for advice how much maintanance I can put into the denims without risk of shrinkage (Machine wash cold, handwashing only etc.).

Thanks TFL!

Late to the party and while I do agree machine cold wash will be your best bet, they will still shrink. Obviously they will have to be air dried and you may want to stretch them as soon as you remove them from the washing machine to keep the shrinking to a minimum.

Having said this, after a handful of washes they shouldn't stretch anymore as long as you keep washing them in cold water..