How to Shrink Dry Denim to Fit

Many jean wearers prefer their jeans to have a tight fit when worn. Although jeans can be purchased in slim sizes that will fit the wearer tightly, slim-cut jeans use a generic tight cut, as opposed to shrink-to-fit jeans, which specifically shrink to match the shape of the wearer's legs. With shrink-to-fit jeans, the new denim is given a bath in hot water which causes it to expand slightly, allowing the jeans to then shrink dry, with the fibers getting smaller and molding to the form of the wearer as they cool off and dry.

Instructions

1. • 1
     Fill the tub with hot water. You can use a wash tub or a bath tub; however, it is possible for some styles of jeans to leave a ring in a bath tub after shrinking.
   • 2
     Place the jeans into the hot water and pin them underwater with heavy objects.
   • 3
     Boil water in large pots during the process, adding the water to the tub as it reaches a boil. This will keep the water hot, countering the room's cooling effect.
   • 4
     Remove the jeans from the water after an hour and leave them to dry. As the jeans dry, they will shrink down from the initial size.
   • 5
     Leave the jeans to sit for 1 hour, then put them on for 30 minutes.
   • 6
     Remove the jeans and hang them back up until they are nearly dry.
   • 7
     Wear the jeans until they have completely dried.

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