Albam Selvedge a bit too big. How can I make it fit better?

[Rakesh]

Hi all,
I was given a new pair of Albam Selvedge, straight-leg jeans. They were bought from a store in another country so I can't change them.
They're a bit too spacious around my thighs, calves and (less so around my waist) but I really like the quality of the denim.

For me, the fit is more important than the wash/wear of the jeans, and I understand that there is likely to be a bit of shrinkage when I wash them. Can anyone recommend the best way I can improve the fit? Should I was them immediately to "tighten-up" the jeans/denim or do something else?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[skriefal]

If they're sanforized jeans then they usually won't shrink much regardless of what you do. A hot wash and hot machine dry may get you at most a half size of shrink throughout, plus a half-inch shorter in length. If they're unsanforized then the same steps may get you a full size or size-and-a-half of shrink throughout, plus about two inches shorter in length. If these aren't enough then you'll need to take them to a tailor and ask what they can do. Preferably a proper tailor shop - not one of the "dry cleaner + alterations on the side" shops.

 

[Rakesh]

This is what it says on the inside label.
I'm not sure if the "shrink 1 inch" is in the around the waist, leg or in length. Any ideas?

The Albas is a regular leg, and feels a little baggy, and I think it would fit well if it tightened up about 1 size.

Is it likely to ruin the denim with a hot wash and tumble dry? My washer/dryer goes upto 90C and 180C respectively. Would that be too hot?

Thanks again for your help.

 

[skriefal]

No, a hot wash + dry won't ruin the denim. The only reason to skip a wash is if you want to keep and increase the current creases / stacking (the streetwear esthetic). And the only reason to avoid a hot wash is to avoid shrinkage. If you want some shrinkage, then it's best to do that as soon as possible - before any creasing sets in. And if you need any hemming to be done on the jeans - do that after the first wash.

 

[Rakesh]

And the only reason to avoid a hot wash is to avoid shrinkage. If you want some shrinkage, then it's best to do that as soon as possible - before any creasing sets in.

OK, great. I'll do this tomorrow.
One last question: My hottest hot-wash last for 150mins and the drying cycle keeps drying until the garment inside is bone dry. Could this be too long? Also, is washing the jeans inside-out the way to go?

Thanks again.

 

[skriefal]

Washing inside-out is usually recommended as a way to decrease potential indigo (color) loss. I'd do that. Drying until bone dry will increase the potential shrinkage, and high temperatures may be risky if the jeans have some percentage of elastane/spandex. If you're concerned about that then use a lower-heat setting. If you don't get enough shrinkage then you can always try running the jeans through the washer + dryer again, to get a little more shrinkage (just don't expect too much more).