Selvedge denim stretches with time, so buy a slim straight-cut pair a size smaller than usual. "You want a pair that's a bit snug at first in the waist," says Paul O'Neill, senior designer at Levi's Vintage Clothing. Find jeans with just enough room to squeeze a finger between your body and the waistband.
How much does selvedge denim stretch?
Remember the denim will stretch about 3-5% or an inch to an inch and a half (if you haven't chosen a pre-shrunk version). You should be able to get into the jeans without too much of a fight and they should feel tighter on your waist than you're comfortable with (beauty is pain, my man).
How do you stretch selvedge jeans?
WHEN THE JEANS ARE TOO BIG
- WASH THEM IN HOT WATER.
- TAKE YOUR JEANS TO A HOT BATH.
- WEAR YOUR FAVORITE BELT.
- SPRAY THEM WITH LUKEWARM WATER, THEN PULL TO STRETCH.
- SIT IN A WARM BATH WHILE WEARING THE JEANS.
- SPEND MORE TIME WITH YOUR JEANS.
