How To Maximize Shrinkage

[DocHunter]

I'm about to start two new raw denim projects: Nudie RRDS and a pair of Levis LVC 517's.

How do I maximize shrinkage on my new jeans before I get them tailored? I'm worried I'll soak them for a while and there will still be some shrinkage left in them. I'm worried I'll get them tailored exactly how I want them and then they'll shrink more.

So my question is: how do I get all of the shrinkage out of my raw jeans while still minimizing indigo loss?

 

[js4design]

this title made me think of this...

 

[denimdestroyedmylife]

jeans will shrink for six or more washes
obviously a super hot wash and a hot tumble dry will max out your shrinkage but it may lighten up your jeans more than you want

i would just suggest having your tailor hem them raw at two inches longer than you want them and let the shrinking bring them up to your desired length

i wouldn't bother doing a soak or anything with your sanforized nudies
they will not shrink significantly 1" tops
and they can be stretched back to desired length very easily when wet

 

[bsblguy31]

Thought the same thing, js.

I was in the pool!

 

[Pablo-T]

The 517 should be Sanforized, too, you will get minor shirnking on the waist which will stretch back, and maybe one inch in the leg. IN fact when I bought my old pair, new, the US made non-LVC, I planned on losing one inch in the leg but didn't even get that.

The only way to get 80% of the shrinking out of the way is a hot wash, without soap. Or else a hot, long soak and assume you'll lose another half inch in length later on. You're meant to stand on the hems of 517 anyway, aren't you?

 

[Chrispy]

reminds me of how a friend of mine met his girlfriend at a naked run at Tufts.

Someone asked him, "but Mike, didn't you have an advantage over the other guys?"
to which he replied, "No, 10° is the universal male equalizer."