Rarely does the company that invents something become the beloved version for everyday shoppers and snobs alike, while maintaining a very affordable price. But this is the case with Levi’s. Considered the go-to starter pair for raw denim by denimheads, the Levi’s 501 Shrink-to-Fit jeans are a smart investment whether you’re frugal or snooty.
Most jeans that you find in stores have been created with denim that was “sanforized,” a process invented in the 1920s that limits post-wash shrinkage to only 1%. Prior to this, and still true for raw denim today, a pair of jeans would shrink 7 to 10% after the first wash, and continue shrinking slightly on subsequent washes. This means you have to account for the shrinkage when buying raw jeans, requiring a sizing up of several inches.
Why go through all the hassle? Well, raw denim has a few other unique properties. When cared for correctly, raw denim shapes and molds itself to the wearer’s body, resulting in a pair of jeans that not only fit your measurements, but also your unique shape.
Ever try on a pair of jeans that fit great in the waist and inseam, but were too baggy in the thighs or too tight in the calves? That’s because everyone is unique, and the shape and sizing a brand’s designer decided on may not work for your body. Raw denim takes all that out of the equation.
Prior to sanforization becoming standard, getting the perfect fit caused folks to do some pretty eyebrow raising things just for their jeans. Famous myths on the web include dragging a fresh pair behind a car and dropping them overboard behind a boat.
Among denimheads, the process of wearing in a pair of raw jeans is a part of the charm. As the denim shrinks and conforms to your body, it also develops fading and whiskers with a more natural appearance than those bought pre-distressed at a store – a point of pride among those devoted to the practice. There’s a whole glossary of terms for specific types of distressing including “whiskers” on the tops of the thighs, “honeycombs” on the backs of the knees, and “stacks” on the ankles.
Raw denim like my 501 StF’s are stiffer than typical jeans. This creates less loose movement in the denim, allowing “stacking” or more breaks at the end of the pant leg without the fabric flapping in the motion.
My Shrink to Fit’s were my first adventure into raw denim and I have been very impressed with how great they look and fit, compared to how much I paid. Traditional Levi’s 501 Shrink to Fits can be found for around $40 online on sale, and in many stores. The 501 offers a classic straight fit, which keeps us stylish in these slimmer times, while also accommodating everyday items like boots.
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