It's a lot better to buy the jeans a little bit tighter. It'll be tight the first couple of wears but it will eventually stretch. My N&F Skinny's we're really tight the first time I got them at the waist (couldn't get 1 button done) but now they have stretched out and fit perfect. They've stretched about 1" since I've gotten them. Haven't soaked them or washed them yet.
Depends on what you want, if you want it to fade a little quicker dont soak it just yet, wear it out and then wash/soak it after a few months of wear.
Keep in mind though, the more often wash, the "healthier" your jeans will be. ie: the fibres will be a lot stronger since bacteria won't live on the jeans for a long time.
A hot soak will result in shrinking the jeans.
I personally like Vans #2. But if you can get a pair of DBs
