How much do the 501 Shrink-to-Fit jeans shrink?

The unsanforized denim shrinks after the first soak or wash, mostly in length and somewhat in the waist. Levi's advises buying your true waist size and a longer inseam to allow for it.

Should I size up or down?

Most owners buy their normal waist and add length, then let the shrink do the rest. Sizing up too far leaves a loose fit once the denim has shrunk.

How do I break them in?

Soak them in cold water, wear them damp until they dry, and wash sparingly. The denim softens and molds to your body over several weeks.

Are these the same as regular 501s?

No. Regular 501s are pre-shrunk and soft out of the box. Shrink-to-Fit is raw, unsanforized denim that shrinks and fades with you.

Is the denim stretchy?

No. It is 100% cotton non-stretch denim, so there is little give at the waist and thighs.

One pair of Levi's 501 Original Shrink-to-Fit jeans in the chosen waist and inseam.

What do buyers say about the Levi's 501 Original Shrink-to-Fit Men's Jeans, 38 x 32?

Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 20,000 ratings.

Where can I buy the Levi's 501 Original Shrink-to-Fit Men's Jeans, 38 x 32?

9 stores we checked sell it, including Kohl's, Macy's, Lyst, Levi's, Millennium Clothing.

Levi's 501 Original Shrink-to-Fit Men's Jeans, 38 x 32

Best price now

$59.46at Kohl'sChecked 21 h ago

Compared across 9 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Kohl's

Levi's 501 Original Shrink-to-Fit Men's Jeans, 38 x 32

Best price now

$59.46at Kohl'sChecked 21 h ago

Compared across 9 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Kohl's

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Price facts

Last seen at $59.46 at Kohl's on Nov 13.
Checked at 9 stores.

Our take on the Levi's 501 Original Shrink-to-Fit Men's Jeans, 38 x 32

The Levi's 501 Original Shrink-to-Fit is the raw, unsanforized version of the 501 straight-leg jean, cut from 100% cotton non-stretch denim with a button fly. It is not pre-washed, so it shrinks after the first soak and then molds to your body over months of wear. That makes it a project jean for people who want a personal fade and a stiff, old-school feel, not a soft out-of-the-box fit. Against sanforized 501s and stretch straight-leg rivals, it offers more character and durability but demands more effort and a careful size choice.

Best forDenim enthusiasts who want raw, fading denimBuyers who prefer a stiff, non-stretch straight legPeople willing to soak and break in their jeansA classic button-fly, all-cotton wardrobe staple

Pros

100% cotton non-stretch denim that holds its shape
Shrinks and molds to your body for a personal fit
Fades develop uniquely with wear and washing
Iconic 501 straight cut and button fly
Heavyweight feel that wears in rather than out

Cons

Shrinks noticeably after the first soak, so sizing is tricky
Stiff and uncomfortable until broken in
No stretch, so little give at the waist and thighs
Needs careful washing to control further shrinkage

Levi's 501 Original Shrink-to-Fit Men's Jeans, 38 x 32 prices at every store

Kohl'sNew
In stock
$59.46Checked 21 h ago
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Macy'sNew
In stock
$59.46Checked 21 h ago
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LystNew
In stock
$59.46Checked 21 h ago
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Levi'sNew
In stock
$59.47Checked 21 h ago
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Millennium ClothingNew
In stock
$59.99Checked 21 h ago
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Cali Wear SDNew
In stock
$64.99Checked 21 h ago
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Xtreme WearNew
In stock
$67.99Checked 21 h ago
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ShopNew
In stockSold by Shop app
$69.50Checked 21 h ago
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eBayNew
In stockSold by vkiwear
$74.99Checked 21 h ago
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Levi's 501 Original Shrink-to-Fit Men's Jeans, 38 x 32 price history

Lowest price we've seen: $59.46 on Nov 13 at Kohl's. Tracked across 9 stores since Nov 13.

What reviewers say

4.8 / 520,000 ratings

Owners rate the 501 Shrink-to-Fit highly and treat it as a long-term denim project. Most praise the sturdy cotton, the classic straight fit and the fades it develops, while warning that the shrink and stiff break-in catch first-timers out.

What people mention

ShrinkageMixedBuyers say the jeans shrink after the first soak, so getting the size right takes care and research.
Break-inMixedOwners describe the denim as stiff and rough at first, softening only after weeks of wear.
FadingPraisedReviewers like that the raw denim develops personal fades and character over time.
BuildPraisedThe heavyweight 100% cotton is described as durable and long-lasting.
FitCriticisedSome find the non-stretch straight cut tight and unforgiving at the waist and thighs.

From Lyst

Iconic Levi's 501 Original Shrink-To-Fit jeans
Timeless straight fit
Premium denim construction
Iconic button-fly design
Non-stretch denim
Black color

Sizes: 42x30
Materials: 100% cotton
Fit: Straight fit
Sizing: Page says to check directly with the retailer for up-to-date size availability and fit information.
Shipping: Free shipping from Macy's, 3-6 business days.

About the Levi's 501 Original Shrink-to-Fit Men's Jeans, 38 x 32

These Levi's 501 Original Shrink-to-Fit jeans are men's jeans with a straight fit and a button fly. They are made of premium denim.

The denim is 100% cotton and has no stretch.

Brand: Levi's
Style: 501 Original Shrink-to-Fit
Fit: Straight fit
Material: 100% cotton, non-stretch denim
Closure: Button fly
Color: Black

Questions and answers

How much do the 501 Shrink-to-Fit jeans shrink?: The unsanforized denim shrinks after the first soak or wash, mostly in length and somewhat in the waist. Levi's advises buying your true waist size and a longer inseam to allow for it.
Should I size up or down?: Most owners buy their normal waist and add length, then let the shrink do the rest. Sizing up too far leaves a loose fit once the denim has shrunk.
How do I break them in?: Soak them in cold water, wear them damp until they dry, and wash sparingly. The denim softens and molds to your body over several weeks.
Are these the same as regular 501s?: No. Regular 501s are pre-shrunk and soft out of the box. Shrink-to-Fit is raw, unsanforized denim that shrinks and fades with you.
Is the denim stretchy?: No. It is 100% cotton non-stretch denim, so there is little give at the waist and thighs.
What is in the box?: One pair of Levi's 501 Original Shrink-to-Fit jeans in the chosen waist and inseam.
Where is the Levi's 501 Original Shrink-to-Fit Men's Jeans, 38 x 32 cheapest?: At Kohl's, for $59.46, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Levi's 501 Original Shrink-to-Fit Men's Jeans, 38 x 32?: Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 20,000 ratings.
Where can I buy the Levi's 501 Original Shrink-to-Fit Men's Jeans, 38 x 32?: 9 stores we checked sell it, including Kohl's, Macy's, Lyst, Levi's, Millennium Clothing.