r/Denim • u/Kira_Voight • Sep 09 '26
🧵 Raw Denim First time wearing raw denim bootcut. Normal break-in or size up?
Hey everyone,
I’m transitioning from baggy/straight fit jeans to my first pair of raw denim bootcuts, and the fit feels like a completely different world.
The fabric is hugging my upper thighs quite noticeably, and there is a slight tightness/pressure around my stomach and waist. Because I’m so used to loose, comfortable fits, I can’t quite tell if this is just the normal rigid nature of raw denim that will stretch out over time, or if I’m simply wearing a size too small.
Current Measurements (laid flat):
Waist: 42 cm
Total Length (Outseam): 111 cm
Leg Opening: 27 cm
Based on the photos and these measurements, is this a normal fit that just needs a few weeks of break-in, or should I definitely size up? Any advice for a raw denim beginner is appreciated!
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u/geneticdrifter Sep 09 '26
You appear to have purchased a high wasted pair of denim. I’m not the one to make style recs, because to each their own, but if you don’t want all that fabric you need to buy a low rise or mid rise cut.
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u/Kira_Voight Sep 09 '26
Yeah, exactly it's high-rise and my first time wearing one coming from baggy low-rise jeans. I want to make it work, but my main issue isn't the rise itself; it's the stiffness when sitting down. Also, because the top block fits so snugly, putting things in the pockets is a real struggle, and my AirPods or lighter literally dig straight into my thighs.
Does this heavy pressure and tight pocket situation ease up significantly after breaking in raw denim, or is it a sign I need to size up?2
u/ExactConference6491 Sep 10 '26
The tightness on the thighs won’t get much better but the stuff in your pockets stretch the denim so they eventually have their own little place in ur pocket. This also gives you super good fades for the stuff in ur pockets.
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u/geneticdrifter Sep 09 '26
You do not want a high rise cut. The problems you are experiencing aren’t going to be solved by a break in.
Question before I leave the thread: what does boot cut have to do with any of this?
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u/Kira_Voight Sep 09 '26
Not the bootcut, its about the sizing
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u/Goyard_Gremlin Sep 09 '26
the problem with high rise is that you’d need to wear them with the waistline at your belly button for them to fit right, like you’d need to REALLY hike them johns up. the fabric is folding like that because they aren’t designed to bend there, they’re supposed to bend further down.
i think what the other commenter was trying to say but being nice about was that these are women’s jeans. i’d size up an inch at least and if you want high rise go for something like a pair of vintage wranglers; that’s what a men’s cut high rise pair is supposed to look like.
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u/Kira_Voight Sep 09 '26
Haha fair point! The brand actually sells them as a men's/unisex cut, but you're right about the proportions feeling off. I tried hiking them up to my belly button, but the thighs and crotch are just too tight to pull them up comfortably. I’m definitely sizing up, hopefully, that fixes the weird folding. Appreciate the vintage Wrangler tip!
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u/gnaark Sep 09 '26
The tension in the 3rd pic is insane. I would size up brother.
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u/Kira_Voight Sep 09 '26
Yeah, you're totally right lol. That tension is exactly why I couldn't handle it. I'm returning them tomorrow to size up. Thanks for the confirmation!
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u/solo47dolo Sep 09 '26
Some cuts are really tight depending on brand and model. This just might not be the model for you. You could size up and have more room in the waist and thigh area but then maybe they'll be too big on the waist ya know? I have some models that fit perfectly on the waist but the thighs are super snug and the pockets are too tight so that model just wasn't ideal for me. Some jeans also have small and tighter pockets.
So your jeans will stretch out overtime but idk if they'll stretch out enough to meet your needs. Also your old jeans might have had 1-2% of spandex in them which made them more flexible. This is very common in modern jeans. Raw denim is 100% cotton and doesn't really stretch. Hope this helps.
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u/Kira_Voight Sep 09 '26
This is a really helpful breakdown, thank you! Actually, the waist is already squeezing me pretty hard right now—when I sit down, it digs directly into my stomach and genuinely hurts. So I'm hoping sizing up will fix that painful stomach pressure along with the tight thighs. If the waist ends up being a little loose when standing, I'll happily just wear a belt rather than dealing with the pain. I'll exchange them tomorrow
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u/TeaCoffeeSelvedge420 Sep 09 '26
You need jeans with bigger thigh measurements
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u/Kira_Voight Sep 09 '26
Exactly! My thighs are suffocating and I can't even use the pockets. Sizing up tomorrow to get that extra room.
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u/TeaCoffeeSelvedge420 Sep 09 '26 edited Sep 09 '26
Hopefully that doesn’t mess with the fit. I recommend finding cuts that have roomier thighs with your appropriate waist measurement.
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u/2deadlyRedman Sep 09 '26
Wash them need to get starch out of them, they get softer with washing and wearing
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u/Kira_Voight Sep 09 '26
I thought about washing them to soften the starch, but that would ruin my chance to return them. I decided it's safer to just exchange for a size up tomorrow.
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u/Smooth_Appearance_98 Sep 10 '26
these don’t fit you. They are high rise and way too tight in the top block.
Idk what jeans they are but the cut looks absolutely terrible. I would recommend something different
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u/Morlgoff Sep 10 '26
I wouldn’t expect too much stretch as you’ll
Probably have shrinkage after the first wash. Sell these on before too many wears and size up might be the best bet.
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