levis vintage clothing 1955 501 original fit jeans rigid blu 501550055
The first to bear the Two Horse Pull on sturdy, leather-like paper label instead of leather
Big 'E' double-sided red Tab, Twin needle Arcuate, Straight fit through seat and thigh, Straight leg, Sits at waist, Composition & Care, 100% Cotton, Hidden copper rivets on back pockets Big E double-sided red tab
12 oz. Red Selvedge denim, Non-Stretch, Button fly
Machine Wash Cold, Wash And Dry Inside Out With Like Colors, Liquid Detergent Is Recommended, Shrinkage In Wash Approximately 10%, Do Not Dryclean, Hot Iron If Needed
Levi’s® Shrink-to-Fit™ Jeans are designed so the wearer can achieve a custom fit by one of three methods.
We often get asked about the technology behind our 501 Original Shrink to Fit Jeans. In reality, it’s more of a simple science. Instead of going through additional steps, the denim we use to craft them is left untouched after the dyeing process, creating a more rigid and durable fabric.
This ultra-pure fabric is called raw denim. Any tension applied to the denim fibers during construction is released in its first wash, which — because it bypasses the pre-shrinking stage of production — you control.
This is where "Shrink to Fit" Jeans stand apart from the rest: managing the shrinkage yourself allows the denim to conform to your unique body. The payoff is a pair of jeans with a custom-made fit. No tailor necessary.
Of course, that means how you wash your Shrink-To-Fit™ jeans for the first time is crucial. We recommend sticking to one of these three tried-and-true methods.
GO OLD SCHOOL: The bathtub rumors are true. This classic technique requires you to buy your jeans true to size in the waist and two sizes up in length. Put them on, hop into a warm bath and then just kick back and relax for at least 30 minutes. When you’re done soaking, keep them on until they’re dry.
SIMPLIFY IT: You can just machine wash and dry your jeans. If you choose the machine route, we recommend ordering up. For your waist, size up 1” & for your inseam, increase 3".
KEEP IT REAL: For the purist who likes their denim unwashed, there’s no need to size up. Buy them true to size. Wear. Repeat.
WHAT IS SHRINK-TO-FIT™ DENIM?
Jeans were originally made of raw, unwashed denim taken straight off the loom. The denim would shrink when washed, leading to the name Shrink-to-Fit™. Typically, Shrink-to-Fit™ garments are made of raw, unsanforized denim, meaning that no shrinking or washing was applied during the production process.
WHAT CAUSES DENIM TO SHRINK?
To understand Shrink-to-Fit™ denim, it’s important to understand the sanforization process (i.e. “sanforized” vs. “unsanforized” denim fabric). Sanforized denim fabric has been pre-shrunk and is designed to shrink no more than 5% after washing. Unsanforized denim fabric has not been shrunk during the production process, which means the first wash and dry will adjust the fit and size of the garment. Shrink-to-Fit™ denim is unsanforized, meaning it hasn’t been washed (or pre-shrunk) during the production process. This gives the wearer the liberty to wear as-is or shrink for a custom fit.
Method 1: Wear in the bathtub and keep them on while they dry. Buy denim true to size in the waist and two sizes up in the length so they shrink for a custom fit. This process was widely popular up until the 1960s.
Method 2: Line dry them. Buy two sizes larger in the waist and the length. Machine wash in warm water and line dry for a classic, rigid feel.
Method 3: Don’t wash them. For denim purists who prefer an unwashed feel, purchase true-to-size in waist and in length. Hang them outside in the sun to keep them fresh.