How Much Do Levi’s Jeans Shrink? Three Styles Tested!
Shopping for jeans is hard enough… finding the right fit, length, and style that fits you just right can take a lot of time! But shrinkage throws a whole new wrench into the mix. While some people avoid drying their jeans after finding their perfect pair, I prefer a more low maintenance approach to my laundry. I recently purchased three new pairs of Levi’s jeans after losing twenty pounds and going down a whole size, and decided to document the fit before and after. (I shrank my jeans so you don’t have to.) So, how much do Levi’s jeans shrink?
Before we start, here are my body stats:
Waist Measurement: 28″
Height: 5’4″
Size: 6
Notes: Long torso and shorter legs.
Keep in mind: I’m using the term “washing” to refer to the full wash and dry cycle.
How Much do Levi’s 501 Original Jeans Shrink?
The Levi’s 501 Original jeans are what the brand is most known for. With a high rise and a straight leg relaxed fit, this style is timeless. They have a 5-button fly closure which is a lot less annoying than I thought it would be. This is my second pair of Levi’s with this type of fly and the buttons open and close easily without struggle.
Above, I’m wearing a size 28×30. At the store, these fit slightly loose in the waist and I felt like I definitely had extra fabric bunching in the crotch and under my butt, with bunching throughout the leg. However, I knew I wouldn’t be able to fit in a size down, especially expecting shrinkage with a more traditional denim such as this. So I brought them home crossing my fingers that they’d shrink to fit.
Material: They come in two versions: Low Stretch (99% Cotton/1% Elastane) and No Stretch (100% Cotton). I’m wearing the Low Stretch version.
Wash instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry medium
Thank goodness that these shrank to fit more comfortably! Now, they’re definitely still relaxed, but you can see so much less bunching throughout the leg, a snugger fit in back, and a better contour at my waist.
Forgive me for not taking inch measurements, but I did take before and after photos of the length shrinkage. Here you can see that before washing, I had a lot of bunching at the ankle, which is no longer visible after washing and drying.
With the Levi 501 Original Jeans, I would suggest buying true to size, even if they feel a little baggy to start, though you may be able to get away with sizing down if you feel like you are between sizes. The waist is now more contoured to me without being snug, but I do appreciate the little bit of extra room when I sit down.
You can get the 501 Original Jeans on Levi’s, and Amazon.
How Much do Levi’s 314 Shaping Straight Jeans Shrink?
I’d describe the Levi’s 314 Shaping Straight Jeans as the perfect option for millennials who grew up (and have a hard time parting) with skinny jeans. They essentially fit like skinny jeans through the hips and thighs, but then continue straight from the knee to ankle instead of tapering. They have a built-in tummy panel that has a smoothing effect without being overly compressive, and offer a good amount of stretch.
Above, I’m wearing a 28×30. I was nervous about washing and drying these because frankly, they fit pretty perfectly straight from the store. I owned a couple pairs of this style pre-weight loss in the 28″ inseam, though, and found them to shrink vertically which is why I went with the 30″ option this time around.
Material: 60% Cotton, 16% Polyester, 23% Viscose, 1% LYCRA
Wash Instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry medium
Straight out of the dryer, I was a little nervous because they felt pretty snug in the hips and waist. But after moving around for a bit, they definitely settled into the pre-wash fit again. You can see that they’re still contoured to my body well without cutting into me.
As I had experienced with this style previously, I did get shrinkage in the legs, so I’m glad I went up in the inseam! You can see that before washing and drying, the jeans hit at the Reebok logo at the back of my shoes. After, they don’t even reach it.
With the Levi’s 314 Shaping Straight Jeans, I’d recommend buying true to size in the waist, but consider sizing up in the inseam if you want to maintain length.
You can get the 314 Shaping Straight Jeans on Levi’s and Amazon.
How Much do Levi’s 725 High Rise Boot Cut Jeans Shrink?
Since losing weight, I’ve been searching for a new pair of high waisted flare jeans to replace my old favorites that are no longer sold. The Levi’s 725 High Rise Boot Cut Jeans looked perfect– the high rise actually cleared my belly button on my long torso. The boot cut flare wasn’t too exaggerated either, which I prefer since dramatic flares can make my short legs look stumpy.
Again, I chose a 28×30 in size. In the sore, these grazed the floor when I was trying them on without shoes on. These fit a bit loose on me to start, both in the waist and with extra fabric under my butt. However, I definitely couldn’t size down or the waist was too tight.
Material: 60% Cotton, 16% Polyester, 23% Viscose, 1% LYCRA
Wash Instructions: Machine wash cold, tumble dry medium
Unfortunately, I didn’t get the shrinkage I wanted. With these being the same material makeup as the 314s, I should have expected this. They still feel loose in the waist and you can see that there’s extra room in the back. As I wear them, I do feel them sliding down a bit.
Now, I may have been able to get them taken in at a tailor to account for the extra room… but nothing was going to help this length after washing and drying! I’d estimate that they shrunk somewhere between a half and a full inch, which is more dramatic visually because of the flared style. While it (barely) works for sneakers, I’m definitely going to have to be very careful about what shoes I pair these with now to avoid a high-water look.
For the Levis 725 High Rise Boot Cut Jeans, I’d suggest trying to size down in the waist (if you can) and size up in length!
You can get the 725 High Rise Boot Cut Jeans on Levi’s and Amazon.