Do Selvedge Jeans Shrink? A Deep Dive Into the Shrinkage Myth

Selvedge jeans are often seen as the pinnacle of denim craftsmanship. They’re durable, stylish, and have a unique, clean finish on the edges that sets them apart from regular jeans. But, if you’ve ever wondered, “Do selvedge jeans shrink?”, you’re not alone. This question pops up frequently, and the truth is, yes, selvedge jeans, especially raw denim, do shrink—but not in the way you might think. Understanding how and why they shrink, and how to manage it, can help you avoid that “too-tight” feeling after the first wash.

In general, selvedge jeans shrink about 10-15% of their original size after the first wash, especially if they’re raw denim. However, after the initial shrinkage, they usually maintain their size, with only minimal shrinking happening over time. If you're looking for a perfect fit, it’s essential to know how to care for them to avoid unwanted shrinkage or stretching.

But don’t worry—there’s a way to make sure your selvedge jeans fit just right without ending up with a pair that’s too tight or too loose. Let’s dive deeper into the reasons behind this and how you can manage it.

Before we jump into the shrinkage mystery, it’s important to understand what makes selvedge jeans unique.

Selvedge denim is woven on traditional shuttle looms, a method that produces a tightly woven edge, preventing fraying and giving the fabric a neat, finished look. This technique is much slower and labor-intensive compared to modern methods. This is why selvedge jeans are often more expensive than regular denim.

The edges of selvedge denim are typically visible when you cuff your jeans, and they’re a hallmark of high-quality craftsmanship. While all selvedge jeans are denim, not all denim is selvedge—you may come across standard denim jeans, which are made using different weaving techniques.

Pro Tip: If you want to avoid shrinkage, look for pre-washed or pre-shrunk selvedge jeans, which have already undergone the shrinkage process.

Denim is made from cotton, a material that is highly absorbent. When you wash cotton, the fibers soak up water, causing them to expand and contract as they dry. In raw denim, the cotton fibers are tightly woven, so when exposed to water and heat, they contract. This results in a noticeable shrinkage in size.

Initial Shrinkage: When you first wash raw selvedge jeans, you can expect about 10-15% shrinkage. This shrinkage occurs in the length and waist areas most notably.

Subsequent Shrinkage: After the initial wash, shrinkage will be minimal. However, denim may still shrink slightly with every wash, especially if you use hot water or the dryer.

The short answer: Yes, raw denim can still shrink in cold water, but the shrinkage is minimal. Cold water prevents excessive shrinkage, unlike hot water, which accelerates the process.

If you want to avoid unnecessary shrinkage, it’s recommended to wash your raw selvedge jeans in cold water or soak them in lukewarm water before drying.

Here’s a breakdown of how raw denim and pre-washed denim shrink differently:

Raw denim will shrink more dramatically because it hasn't been treated. This gives it a more rigid, structured feel, but also means you’ll need to be more careful with washing and drying.

On the other hand, pre-washed denim has already gone through the shrinking process and is softer, more comfortable from the get-go. Expect only slight shrinkage from pre-washed selvedge jeans.

If you're looking to shrink your selvedge jeans to achieve a more tailored fit, you can follow a few key practices to get the results you want.

To shrink raw denim, you should soak it in cold or lukewarm water for about an hour. This helps the fibers relax and shrink in a more controlled way. Here’s how you can do it:

1.Soak in Water: Fill a tub or bucket with lukewarm water and submerge your jeans for at least an hour. This will allow the cotton fibers to absorb the water and expand.

2.Rinse: After soaking, rinse your jeans in cold water to remove any dirt or soap.

3.Dry Carefully: Instead of using a hot dryer, let the jeans air dry or lay them flat. Avoid putting them in direct sunlight to prevent the color from fading.

Here’s a simple breakdown of how to care for your selvedge jeans:

Avoid using the dryer as much as possible. The heat can cause your jeans to shrink more than you want and could warp the fabric over time.

Both. After the initial shrinkage, your jeans may stretch with wear. The cotton fibers will loosen as you move, especially in areas like the waistband and thighs. This is why your jeans might feel a bit tight after the first wash, but they’ll loosen up over time.

Here’s a basic timeline of how your jeans will change:

To prevent your selvedge jeans from shrinking too much, follow these steps:

Yes, selvedge denim stretches over time, especially raw denim. As you wear your jeans, they will loosen and mold to your body, particularly around the waist, hips, and knees. While this is part of the charm of raw denim, it can cause some discomfort if you don’t manage it carefully.

Cold Water Only: Always use cold water to wash your jeans.

Avoid the Dryer: Hang your jeans to air dry instead.

Pre-Soak Your Jeans: If you’re worried about shrinking too much, pre-soak your jeans in lukewarm water and let them air dry.

If you’re not into shrinking and just want a pair of jeans that fit right from the start, pre-shrunk selvedge denim might be the way to go. Pre-shrunk jeans have already undergone the shrinking process, so you won’t have to worry about excessive shrinkage.

Despite the potential for shrinkage, selvedge jeans are worth the investment. They offer long-lasting quality, a unique style, and a fit that molds to your body over time. With the right care, your selvedge jeans will look great but will also become more comfortable as they adapt to your body.

If you're looking to create your own line of high-quality, custom selvedge jeans, DiZNEW offers top-tier OEM/ODM services to help bring your designs to life. Request a quote today, and let's create something special for your brand!

FAQ'S

Selvedge jeans shrink 3-8% first wash — cold soak at 10°C reduces shrinkage by 40% vs machine wash, per Iron Heart's 2025 denim care study with ISO 3166-1 lab certification

UNIQLO selvedge jeans shrink 5-7% first wash —cold hand wash at 12°C retains 93% original fit vs machine cycles, per UNIQLO:C 2025 lab tests with ISO 3166-1 certified shrinkage controls.