How can I purposely shrink jeans?

Question

I have a horrible time finding jeans that fit. I found a pair of LEI Sophia jeans that I loved. I tried them on and they were perfect. So, I picked up 2 more pairs of the same jeans, same style, same cut, same brand, just a different color. I took them home and washed them before wearing them. Now, after wearing them, I've found that one of the pairs of jeans is significantly BIGGER than the other 2 pairs and has a completely different cut. And one of the pairs is significantly longer, but fits the same otherwise. The tags inside all 3 pairs of jeans are exactly the same. I don't have the original tags off of the jeans or the receipt, so I can't take them back to Bonton where I bought them. How would you handle this? Try to take them back? Is there any way for me to shrink them in the washer/dryer? I couldn't find a link online to contact LEI to complain to the company directly. Any help is appreciated - I just want jeans that fit!

Answer 1

Wash in hot, Dry on hottest setting. If they shrink they tend to shrink more in length than width.

Answer 2

The best way to shrink denim is to wash with Warm water and use Medium heat in the dryer. Be sure to turn your jeans Inside Out before washing though, so the heat doesn't cause fading. I have had to do this before and sometimes it takes a couple of washes until the fit is just right, but I would definitley suggest trying to take them back to the store first. Generally from my experience working in retail if you don't have tags or a receipt you can still at least get store credit.

Answer 3

Don't use the washer to shrink the pair that is too big. You could try to wash the pair that is too long in hot water, since jeans usually shrink in length, not width.

You could also try getting them altered, although that might be too much money. Or you could see if anyone you know wants to swap for a pair that fits you better, that doesn't fit them. Good luck!

Answer 4

I believe after you wash them, their yours. However to shrink them, turn them inside out-wash in hot, tumble dry in dryer on reg heat. The length will shrink the most. Next the waist size. While it may feel tight when you first put them on, the cloth will stretch moreso to fit you the longer they are worn.
anytime you don't want shrinkage, don't use hot wash and allow to air dry hanging.

Answer 5

This is one of life's most important lessons---you cannot count on sizes. My husband has had this problem for years---three pairs of identical slacks--same size, style, maker; one will fit, one will be tight, and one will be baggy. You must try on EVERYTHING. Now, you can try shrinking them with hot water, but it's chancy---you could shrink them too much. There's no way to control it. Of course, you can hem the ones that are too long.

Answer 6

I wash them and leave them a long time in the dryer after I start losing weight then I buy new ones after I have the kids...

Answer 7

jeans are cut in stacks by children in third world countries so, no one pair is the same size or fit despite what the label says

i would try shrinking them in the dryer on a high heat

Answer 8

Back in the sixties and seventies they had shrink to fit jeans and you wore them in the bath and you wore them till they dried and they were a perfect fit.

Answer 9

Wash them in hot water...then dry it in the dryer

Answer 10

wash with Extremely hot water. Hang ( air ) dry... then wash it again HOT water, and OVER dry in hot drier.


In your case.. you might want to get your clothes fitted or something... like altered.