Bathing in Them and 5 Other Crazy Things People Do to Get Their Jeans to Fit Right
Anything for perfect denim.
Boil Them
The next you see someone go all Fatal Attraction on her Acne Needles, recognize that she's just doing her best to shrink them, but still back away slowly until you're out of the Splash Zone. The recommended method is to heat a large pot of water until it reaches a rolling boil, salt liberally then submerge the offending jeans. Simmer for 20–30 minutes, drain, and dry on high heat.
Take a Bath—While Wearing Them
Poll: more or less extreme than the above? Either way, it's a similar process, except you're lowering your denim-encased body into a tub full of hot-as-you-can-stand water, waiting until it cools, then keeping them on until the fabric dries. Sounds like a recipe for a yeast infection, but a small price to pay (?) for remolding your $1,395Vetements trousers to your legs.
Wash Them on the Forbidden Cycle
I won't pretend to be an expert laundress, but even someone who's never handled a drop of Tide in her life knows that the hot cycle = off-limits. If the stovetop and self-poaching options don't appeal to you, you could always let your washing machine do the contracting by turning up the dial to "scorching" on both the wash and the dry. Note that this works best with high percentages of cotton *without* fabric softener.
Get *Experimental*
Say you've got a Maartje Verhoef waist and a Nicki Minaj booty—how in the world do you selectively expand and compress your pants at home? Mix 3/4 cup hot water with 1/4 cup fabric softener, pour the mixture in a spray bottle, and shake to combine. Liberally spritz the area you want to make smaller with the mixture, then dry on the highest heat setting possible.
Low-key Perform Surgery on Them
"It's okay. I'm a doctor," you say as you give your scissors some practice snips. For those of us whose philosophy on things is more "whatever" than "myyyy preecioouussss," go ahead and cut perpendicularly to the waistband to loosen it. (You'll need to add fabric—unless your hipbones like a breeze.) To tighten the waist up, sew a length of elastic into the back using a zigzag stitch (beats me—here's a tutorial).
Actually take them to the tailor
CUH-RAZY. I know.
Follow Marie Claire on Instagram for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and an insider POV.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Chelsea Peng is a writer and editor who was formerly the assistant editor at Marie Claire. She's also worked for The Strategist and Refinery29, and is a graduate of Northwestern University. On her tombstone, she would like a GIF of herself that's better than the one that already exists on the Internet and a free fro-yo machine. Besides frozen dairy products, she's into pirates, carbs, Balzac, and snacking so hard she has to go lie down.
-
Chrishell Stause Will Play the Villain If She Needs To
The 'Selling Sunset' star has achieved what few (maybe no one) in the reality TV genre has: being a longtime fan favorite. But with her appearance on season 3 of 'Traitors,' she's ready to make enemies and get a little scrappy.
By Brian Moylan Published
-
This Unexpected Royal is Richer Than The King
The top three people on this list might surprise you.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Sydney Sweeney Winterizes a Plunging Mini Dress With a Sheer Turtleneck and a Fur-Lined Penny Lane Coat
The star layered all her favorite cold-weather trends for a night on Broadway.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Here's How Regular People Can Style Leggings Like a Miu Miu Model
Ten outfits that showcase the stretch pant's elevated everyday potential.
By Emma Childs Published
-
10 Must-Haves Marie Claire Editors Are Buying to Kickstart 2025
Our team's investing in these items to start the new year right.
By The Editors at Marie Claire Published
-
Angelica Hicks Can Turn Literally Anything in Your House Into High Fashion
The internet sensation recreates Zendaya and Taylor Swift’s iconic red carpet looks with everyday items.
By Emma Childs Published
-
30 Pieces Zendaya Would Probably Buy at the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale
From polished trench coats to sultry date-night dresses.
By Lauren Tappan Last updated
-
I’m Crafting a Cozy Winter Wardrobe With These Sale Finds From J.Crew
Not a single item exceeds $150.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
These Are the Luxury Fashion Items That Ruled 2024
A retail analyst, a high-end fashion sourcer, and two fashion directors weigh in.
By Emma Childs Published
-
We Just Simplified the Cocktail Attire Dress Code for You
From classic little black dresses to slip skirts to separates.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Top Five 2025 Denim Trends Call Back to Basics
Far-from-fleeting styles like straight-leg jeans and denim maxis are here to stay.
By Lauren Tappan Published