How much do 501s shrink?
The 501 is not sanforized. That is a process invented in the 1920s that limits post-wash shrinkage. After sanforization the pants will only shrink about 1% in wash. But without it, a pair of raw denim will shrink up to 10% after the first wash!
How do you shrink Levis STF?
Q: How do I shrink my Levi’s 501 STF?

- Fill a tub with the hottest water available.
- Next, find items that can help hold down the pair underwater since jeans tend to float.
- Once the 20 minutes have passed, hang your pair over a shower or tub since it will drip.
- Wear the pair until they have fully dried.
How can you tell if Levis 501 are shrink to fit?
Most Levi’s STF do not shrink 10% as advertised, many tend to shrink between 6-8% after the first wash. If you buy an anti-fit pair like the 1933’s or 1955’s 501, shrinking will not change the overall fit of the jean. It will just become smaller but the straight fit will stay a straight fit.
Will my 501s stretch?
The fabric is not just any run-of the-mill stretch denim. The design team worked with fabric developers to develop a 501® proprietary fabric that has all the properties of the original Shrink-to-Fit fabric, but with stretch.

Do 501s run small?
These shorts run a little small, I am always a 26 but the button front waist made them feel a little together when buttoning the top button. They are cute and comfortable though, overall I like them I’d just say order a size up from what you usually wear. Also, they are short so don’t be surprised!
Will Levis 501 jeans shrink?
Most of our jeans have been preshrunk, so there should be very little shrinkage if any. We recommend you purchase the size that fits you best before washing, and they should still fit fine after washing.
What is STF size?
Levi’s Shrink-to-Fit (a.k.a. “STF”) tend to shrink about 1-2 inches in the waist and 2-3 inches in length. The waist will mostly stretch back out, but the inseam will not. I would recommend going true to size or buying one size larger in the waist and two sizes larger in the inseam.
How are Levi’s 501 supposed to fit?
At first, they are tight on hips and legs, and I don’t recommend sizing up unless you want a baggy fit. They need a break-in period or process. So keep in mind that the following pics are not how they actually fit once you’ve worn them for some time.
Do Levi 501s stretch out?
Does Levi 501 stretch shrink?
Do Levi’s 501 stretch out?
Are Levi’s 501 true to size?
Levi’s fit perfectly true to size, especially as they use waist and length measurements rather than generalised sizing, making it even easier to get the perfect fit.
Do Levi’s 501 run big or small?
One important note on these jeans: they run VERY small. Like I said above, I typically wear a 26 in most other denim brands, and a 27 in the other Levi’s styles I own but I wear a 28 in these. So I would suggest going up two sizes… which seems crazy, but trust me on this one!
Do 501s stretch out?
It’s a big step for the line, but by no means does it compromise the quality and integrity of our tried-and-true blues. “Putting stretch into the 501® was not taken lightly, and we’ve done it with absolute care and respect,” said Jonathan Cheung, Levi’s® Senior Vice President of Global Design.
How do 501s fit?
The fit sits at the waist and has a straight leg that is regular through the thigh. While I wear wider leg chinos and slim-fit jeans as well, the democratic fit of the 501 feels like home — it’s comfortable and allows my personality to show.
Are 501s tight?
All The 501 Skinny Jeans. Now let’s get into all the pairs I ordered and tried. Please note: All of them except for one are 100% cotton. At first, they are tight on hips and legs, and I don’t recommend sizing up unless you want a baggy fit.
Will all STF 501’s have a label that says shrink to fit?
A pair of 501 in Rinsed will look the same as the pic above. Will all STF 501’s have a label that explicity says “Shrink to Fit”? I have a pair of the dark rinse wash 501’s that I do not recall saying anything about STF, but I want to make sure before I wash them. Yes absolutely. There will be a giant label on the tag.
Why is Sanforization important to the STF 501?
Understanding the sanforization process helps us identify the historical concept of the STF 501 and ultimately helps make an informed decision regarding the specific style or fit that you’re looking for.
How do 1966 501® jeans look from the front?
How the new 1966 501®s look from the front. New rigid denim jeans are always “big” before the first wash. The plan for my new 1966 Vintage 501®s is a little different. I want to keep the dark, rigid character of the denim without being too precious about it.
What is it about the Levi’s 501?
The 501 offers a classic straight fit, which keeps us stylish in these slimmer times, while also accommodating everyday items like boots. For those unconvinced, the care process may tip the scale into the downright dirty.