Dryclean or launder?

[ben220]

I got a new pair of wool trousers (dress pants?) today and I have two questions to go along with them.

They're from H&M, Super 100s according to the tag which if I'm not mistaken isn't bad for the price ($70).

Question #1 is, the tag about how to clean claims that they can be machine washed (on gentle). I am not going to do this, but when I take them to the cleaners should I ask for dry cleaning or laundering? Which is better for the pants? And how come my other wool pants don't "allow" laundering?

Question #2 comes from the fact that H&M seems to have gone a little overboard on the slim fit, at least for my taste--I ended up getting a 34 instead of my usual 32, as the 32 seemed way too tight from crotch up. The 34 will require me to get the waste taken in though (and the legs hemmed). I'm wondering if I should wash the pants first in case there's any shrinking, or if this is not necessary. I imagine this might depend on the the method of cleaning selected.

Thanks for any help.
Ben

 

[whoopee]

Dry clean them. Washing them can be ruinous.

There shouldn't be any shrinking if you dry clean, so go ahead and get them altered.

 

[bowtielover]

Putting them in the wash will ruin them, they will wrinkle beyond repair.

 

[lakewolf]

I have washed wool dress trousers, gently in cold water and they came out OK.

The ironing is a little tricky, but if they are cheap trousers it is ok.