Just curious about the size range of 501 wearers. 
I'm a true 33w x 34l. This puts me in between shrink-to-fit lengths. I usually buy a 33 or 34 waist x 36 inseam, but I've got a couple pair of 38 inseams too, and they fit great after a few years of wear.
My best fit are 29x31, therefore I prefer the shrink-to-fit 501s. The 34 inseam shrinks nicely to a 31 inseam. If I couldn't get a 34 lenght, I simple bought a 36 and let two inches cut off before shrinking. I might try a 30x32 prewashed and put them in a hot drier, it might work to get a 29x31. A 30" waist is okay with me, but I like to wear no belt, so the 29" is great.
I'm approx 31x33. I have a pair that have perfect fit that are 31x36 and i'm breaking in a pair now that are 31x38 (big cuff presoak!)
Hi guys. I just joined the forum, and figured I'd jump in here.
My true size is 34x32, although I've fluctuated between a 32-34 waist over the past couple of years. I've lost about 10 pounds in the last two months, so I think my size is gonna change again.
I bought my first pair of STFs when I was in Seattle over the winter, and finally shrank them last week back home here in Australia. The warm weather was lovely for drying the jeans, by the way... it only took an hour or two!
Unfortunately, I was too cautious about shrinkage and overestimated the sizing. I bought a 35x34. They did shrink up a fair bit, but ended up too wide through the legs, and overly baggy in the seat and thighs. I just did a second shrink on them today (reluctantly, cos I love that dark indigo colour.. it's what led me to seek out 501 STFs in the first place) and they have gone down in bagginess somewhat, but not enough to satisfy me. Oh well, I can just wear them casually I guess. At least I didn't pay Australian prices for them! Levi's in Australia cost between $99.95-119.95, and that's just for the crappy 503s and 504s.
When I go back to Seattle in June I'm going to try my luck with some 34x34s, or possibly even some 33x34s if I'm considerably skinnier by then. (It's the American food that makes me gain weight anyway :D)
Anyway, I'm glad to meet you guys and thankful for all the info I've gathered from here so far. Cheers!
EDIT: I might try and post some pics of my STFs pre- and post-shrink a little later.
Welcome Daniel! Glad you are here and thanks for sharing your experience! I'd love to see your pics when you get the chance
I'm a true 32/32 and went with 32/34 for my first shrink. As long as the length doesn't shrink too much more I'll be OK, but the rear seems a little loose. I'm probably going to try a 31/36 as soon as I can find them (36" inseams seem to be rare in sores from what I've found).
Hey elrr, welcome aboard!
So I'm going to Seattle next Tuesday, and one of the first things I'm gonna do to take advantage of the summer weather (it's winter here in Melbourne) is grab a pair or two of STFs from Fred Meyer and shrink em up. I'll definitely post pics, unlike my first pair which were pretty much a bust and I only wear them around the house now.
The 35 waist was a big mistake, even though I was a true 34 at the time. I've lost 20 pounds (really) since then, so they look like clown pants on me now. I'm probably down to a 32 waist by now, so I'm gonna try those. Whatever fits fairly tight on me in the fitting room is what I'll go for, because I've learned that with the minimal washing and constant wearing, they're gonna be stretched out to the point where the initial shrinkage doesn't matter anyway.
I want to do some kind of creative shrinking like Ned did on vacation, but I don't think I'm brave enough to go for a dip in the chilly Northwest waters. Maybe I'll just soak in the bath and then head out for a picnic in the park while they dry.
welcome Dan from downunder, lots o luck on getting the right fit. I'm working with 3 pr of stf's in 3 different sizes for a year now. the seat and crotch areas just seem to baggy & loose, but they do keep shrinking a bit. my best luck is with 2 pair from a used clothing store. mfg 2004 & 2002 in USA. ( $8.00 ea). I do have some old 501s w/rips and holes to get rid of, PM me if curious.
I usually wear a 36x34, but I bought mine 38x36. I just shrunk em, and they seem to be fitting alright. I expect the waist to be bigger than I really want, But that alright, because I am a bit bigger in the thigh dept, and am hoping the extra room through the waist will allow me to access pockets with ease! I usually have trouble getting in and out of pockets because my thighs and butt pull the denim too tight against my skin! I gotta be able to get to my cell phone!
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