Denim Size Catalog

Denim sizing is notoriously inconsistent. A waist 32 from one brand may measure 33 or even 34 inches at the actual waistband. Rise depth, thigh room, and leg opening vary just as much — two pairs of 32×32 jeans from different makers can fit completely differently on the same body. DEGABOO collects real-world measurements from wearers and lists them by brand and model so you can compare before you buy.

What We Measure

For each denim product, we track the measurements that actually determine fit — not just the tagged size on the label.

Raw, One-Wash, and Washed Denim

The wash type affects not just the look but the sizing. Understanding it is key to ordering the right size.

Raw (Unsanforized)

Raw unsanforized denim has not been pre-washed or pre-shrunk. It will shrink significantly — typically 1–2 inches in the waist and 1.5–3 inches in the inseam — after the first wash. Most brands recommend sizing up 1 size in the waist for unsanforized raw denim. The DEGABOO catalog lists measurements in both the before-wash and after-wash state where community data is available.

Raw (Sanforized)

Sanforized raw denim has been mechanically pre-shrunk and will have minimal additional shrinkage after washing — typically under half an inch. Most wearers size true-to-waist for sanforized raw denim, though some size up half a size for extra thigh room.

One-Wash

One-wash denim has been washed once at the factory after weaving. The major shrinkage has already occurred, so sizing is more predictable. Measurements in the catalog for one-wash products reflect the post-wash state.

Washed / Vintage Wash

Heavily washed or vintage-finished denim has been through multiple washes and treatments. Size is stable — what you see is what you get — and the fabric is softer and more broken-in from the start.

Fit Types

Beyond measurements, fit silhouette tells you how the jeans are shaped from hip to hem.

• Slim: Fitted through the hip and thigh, tapered toward the ankle. Little room for layering.
• Straight: Consistent width from thigh to leg opening. Classic workwear silhouette.
• Tapered: Fuller through the hip and thigh, narrowing below the knee. More modern silhouette with practical thigh room.
• Wide: Generous throughout, often with a high rise. Suits both casual wear and the current fashion moment.
• Relaxed: Comfortable through the seat and thigh without being wide-leg. The everyday workhorse cut.

Japanese Selvedge vs. American Heritage Denim

Japanese denim makers and American heritage brands share a love for raw selvedge denim but differ in how they size it. Japanese brands typically size more conservatively — a Japanese waist 32 often has a true waist of 32–32.5 cm, while some American heritage brands cut looser. Japanese rises also tend to be slightly shorter at the front than American workwear-inspired cuts. When comparing across these two traditions, always check the actual measurements rather than relying on the tagged size.

How to Use the Catalog

• Find the brand you're considering and open the product page.
• Compare the actual waist and thigh measurements to your own body measurements or a pair of jeans that already fits you well.
• Check the wash type to understand if further shrinkage is expected.
• Read community fit feedback to see if the model runs tight, true-to-size, or large.
• Use the Compare tool to place two products side by side if you're deciding between brands or models.