Why some clothes shrink in the wash – and how to 'unshrink' them

Re:Why some clothes shrink in the wash – and how to 'unshrin... by helterskelter on Wednesday January 14, 2026 @06:56PM (#46625837)

I used to swear by them but I ordered like half a dozen pairs of their standard double fronted work dungs and they fell apart in the washer after 2-3 cycles. This was 2022-2023. It was weird, seams weren't stitched properly, the fabric was lighter, etc. I saw comments on their site which shared my experience.

I think this around the time they shifted production outside the USA (memory is hazy). If you see a "helmets to hardhats" decal on the inside of your pants on the pocket lining, they're US production.

I've switched to Bailey's "Wild Ass" brand of denim work pants for my physical laboring needs, but you have to wear them with logging suspenders.

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Re:Why some clothes shrink in the wash – and how to 'unshrin... by inferiorhuman on Wednesday January 14, 2026 @07:17PM (#46626047)

Levis stuff has been made overseas for decades now. It's only with the more recent shift towards using cotton blends in nearly of their jeans that the longevity has suffered.

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Re:Why some clothes shrink in the wash – and how to 'unshrin... by stratosmacker on Wednesday January 14, 2026 @08:55PM (#46626952)

Commented elsewhere but you can still get the Union made USA pants; model B01. Avoid pretty much everything else

I will have to try these Baileys though, how do they fit?

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Re:Why some clothes shrink in the wash – and how to 'unshrin... by helterskelter on Wednesday January 14, 2026 @10:44PM (#46627760)

Good to know, I might give them a shot again. For Wild Ass, I'd go up probably two-four sizes from your Carhartts. If you're a 32 in Carhartt you'll want at least a 34 in WA. Go for 36 if the Carhartts are snug. WA will shrink slightly too.

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