IH-555-03 - 21oz Selvedge Denim Super Slim Jeans - Superblack (Fades To Grey)
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Maybe someone can offer some advice? I'm about to (FINALLY) pull the trigger on my first pair of IH, and I'm doing it all by measurement.
I'm a true size 30 waist, but I also like super tight jeans, especially concerning a more fitted top block. I hope not to catch too much crap for this but all I really know is Levi's, so the best way to explain it is that I generally go with 510's/ 511's fits: slight taper, but very slim throughout.
Do you guys think 28 will stretch out too much/little for what I'm looking for? Based on the sizing chart I'll be able to fit them for sure, and I'm a stick so I'm not worried about fitting the thigh or calf; I've just been reading the IH-555 forums for about two hours now and seeming to get some mixed messages on the IH-555-03 after a few weeks of wear.
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My best advice is to measure your best fitting Levi using the Iron Heart method. If it turns out that you're a tts 30, by sizing down you will eventually stretched the waist to a 30. But should you choose to go with a size 30 wearing a belt will prevent further stretch.
But I see that you are looking for a fitted top block then going 1 size down might be your best bet. All the best and wait for other senior members responses.
Welcome to the IH family.
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I don't have experience with the 555 cut, but the 21oz. denim has some give to it, and is very breathable. It will stretch a bit, especially in the waist, but really only about an inch–I'm not sure you would get two inches of stretch.
That said, Levi's 510 and 511 cuts both have elastane or lycra or something added. This means that the legs and waist are stretchy, but will go return to their shape somewhat when your legs aren't in 'em. If you're as skinny as it sounds, then the thigh and leg shouldn't be a problem for you with fit, but they won't feel the same as Levi's! Although there is stretch in the 21oz. selvedge, it sure isn't elastane-type stretch.
If you're a true 30, it sounds like size 29 would be what you're after.
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^29 sounds the way to go if you are able to pull off the thighs and after you measured a good fitting worn in pair the IH way. A 28 might work with a bit of suffering at the beginning when you are really sure about your actual measurements. But others having this pair might be of better help. Good luck
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When I get home I'm gonna retake my measurements with the Iron Heart method and take a look at the charts again, thanks everyone!
I'll update when I figure it out, and hopefully get some photos up whenever they get in.
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Worth noting that, in my experience, the 21oz SBG denim has nowhere near as much give in it as the signature 21oz indigo denim.
In this cut, from my perspective, it's all about the thigh measurement - get that wrong and you'll struggle no matter how the waist comes out. I am a keen cyclist though, so probably have chunkier thighs than average!
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So I measured my 510's with the IH method, and really what it comes down to is the thighs and knees for me as well (I'm a lanky drummer: emaciated waist, small thighs, big knees and slim calves). That said it'd be too easy to get a diaper butt with a15" rear rise.
I always have issues with the waist size getting too big on me, regardless of any make/wash/finish. I was hoping for a perfect no-belt fit, but based on measurements and the need for me to be able to bend my legs, I'm starting to think a 29 would work better, just with a belt. The IH-555-03 tapers pretty significantly it looks like, but bottom line these guys have smaller thighs and knees than what I'm wearing, AND it's selvedge. Still debating because bone will always force stretch the denim over enough time…
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EDIT: I'm an idiot, 510's sit on the low hip and these are mid-rise.
29 it is! Let's see what happens. Thanks again, cheers!
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Got them in too late for pics, I'll put them up tomorrow. Gotta thank my contrarian grandfather, who put a new pair of jeans for me in his will!
After some more email-based advice, I went with the 28, glad I did. They are WAY tight (I will certainly be suffering at first), but the waist is on point, and the knee and thigh are gonna stretch out perfectly. Anyone have any tips on expanding the calf at all? I have some ideas myself but just curious if anyone's ever really tried to do something like that; I'm going to try to get it maybe just a quarter inch looser so it's not too "fitted-to-legging" down the leg once they're broken in.
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Sleep in them a few nights and the calf with stretch
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I gave mine a cold soak, it'll soften the denim and make them feel more comfy. I thought the calves were much too tight in the beginning and the knees did hurt, but that's all over now.
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Right, it will feel stiff after the soak, so wearing them dry might be a good hint.
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Tried for a candid shot. Can't cross my legs.
More soon after my buddy is out of class
