Altering selvedge denim

[asleepfordays]

I just picked up my first two pair of selvedge (APC Hipsters and Skull 5508XX 6X6).

I like my jeans pretty tight and while both of these fit well in the waist and seat, the thigh isn't as tight as I like, especially taking into account how they will stretch. I haven't washed either pair yet. I don't know if I should have them altered & hemmed before or after their first wash? Also, does chainstitching make THAT much of a difference? I've had plenty of good quality jeans altered w/out it and never experienced any problems, but none of those were ever this raw or selvedge. Any advice?

[Miles]

To save yourself angry responses in the future, read the encyclopedia. If that doesn't help, take small questions like this to the small questions thread. That said, your answers are:

1) Soak/shrink prior to making alterations. Once you've got the shrinking out of the way (or a good amount of it), then you'll know how much more you have to take off.

2) Chainstiching is very important to a lot of board members for several different reasons (flexibility, heritage, looks). Since none of these seem too important to you, you might as well get a regular hem. Nobody (outside of SF) will notice the difference.