How do you shrink jeans in the bathtub?

Shrinking jeans in the bathtub is a classic technique often used to help denim conform perfectly to your body shape.

The process involves wearing your jeans, soaking in a warm bath, and then letting them dry while you're still wearing them. This method is particularly effective for raw or rigid denim as it allows the fibers to shrink and mold precisely to your physique during drying.

The Bathtub Method Steps

The rumors about the bathtub method are true! This technique is a well-known way to achieve a custom fit. Based on the reference, here is how to do it:

1. Choose Your Jeans: Start with new denim jeans. It's recommended to buy your jeans true to size in the waist and two sizes up in length. This extra length accounts for potential shrinkage and allows the fabric to mold better around your legs.
2. Put Them On: Button and zip up your jeans as you normally would.
3. Get In the Tub: Put them on, hop into a warm bath. Ensure the water covers the jeans entirely while you are wearing them.
4. Soak and Relax: Then just kick back and relax for at least 30 minutes. Let the warm water thoroughly saturate the denim fibers.
5. Dry While Wearing: When you're done soaking, keep them on until they're dry. This is a crucial step as it allows the jeans to shrink and conform to your body shape during the drying process.

Here’s a quick summary table:

Step	Action	Details based on reference
Preparation	Select and put on jeans	Buy true to size waist, two sizes up length. Put on.
Soaking	Get into a warm bath	Hop into a warm bath.
Wait	Relax in the bath	Kick back and relax for at least 30 minutes.
Drying	Stay in jeans until they are dry after soaking	Keep them on until they're dry.

This method is often favored by denim enthusiasts for achieving a unique, personalized fit.