I don't wash my jeans hardly at all- maybe once or twice per year. It's not necessary to wash them more often than that if they aren't getting particularly dirty. Besides, that way they wear beautifully to match your knees, wallet, phone lines, etc. It's a good, worn look. Each time I wash them, I have to get them back into shape because they tighten up. I just put them on, squat a few times, do a couple lunges, and they're back to a comfortable elasticity! They're a little long so I cuff them at the bottom, which looks sharp and is practical. When I buy a new pair (which only happens every year or two), I don't wash them at first. I break them in just by wearing them. I wash them on a regular cycle with cold water, and dry them on low to medium heat, and that seems to work out fine. I wear almost exclusively dark-wash Levi 511's. They are affordable, durable, and they fit perfectly. I find that my proportions- smaller than most men- make it difficult to find jeans that aren't too big or way too tight, but the 511's in a slim fit are perfect. When I buy a new pair (which only happens every year or two), I don't wash them at first. I break them in just by wearing them for at least a month. I wash them on a regular cycle with cold water, and dry them on low to medium heat, and that seems to work out fine. I can't speak to the freezer or boiling methods because I've never tried them! While the 511's are up there as one of my favorite pieces of clothing, I'd say a well-fitting crew neck sweatshirt or a warm flannel are also top contenders.