How to Make Your Windbreaker Smaller

Windbreakers, typically crafted from synthetic materials like nylon and polyester, don’t shrink as effectively as natural fibers such as cotton or wool. However, you can attempt to shrink your windbreaker using heat from a washer and dryer, although there is a risk of damaging your garment. For optimal results, consider taking your windbreaker to a tailor for alterations to ensure a proper fit.

Check the care tag on your garment before washing or drying it. Review the care tag on your windbreaker to determine the materials it is made from and the recommended care instructions. If it is constructed of nylon, polyester, or a blend of these fabrics, you can attempt to wash and dry your windbreaker to reduce its size. However, avoid washing the garment in hot water or drying it in a clothes dryer if the care tag advises against it, as disregarding these instructions could damage the garment.

Initiate a hot water washing cycle. Place your windbreaker in the washing machine alone. No need for detergent unless you intend to cleanse the garment—it's the heat of the water that prompts shrinkage. Adjust settings for the hottest water and longest duration to effectively shrink the fabric.

• To safeguard your windbreaker's color from fading, consider adding ¹⁄₂ cup (120 mL) of ammonia to the washer.
• Always launder polyester at 60 °F (16 °C) or above.

Employ a high-temperature drying cycle. Once the washing cycle concludes, allow the garment to cool before handling or use tongs to transfer it to the dryer. Opt for an extended dryer cycle utilizing the highest heat setting available. Then, allow your windbreaker to cool before retrieval.

• If your windbreaker hasn't shrunk adequately, you may repeat the process. However, prolonged exposure to heat could stiffen or discolor the fabric.

Schedule an appointment with a reputable tailor. A quick online search should yield numerous tailors in your vicinity. Peruse reviews or seek recommendations from acquaintances rather than settling for the initial option. Contact them to arrange an appointment for altering your windbreaker.

• Opt for an established entity with proficiency in tailoring various fabrics and garments.
• During scheduling, elucidate your desire to alter a windbreaker, ensuring the tailor's familiarity with the fabric and required adjustments.

Don your windbreaker and allow the tailor to pin it. Upon arrival for your appointment, don your windbreaker and specify the desired adjustments to the tailor. Typically, they can shorten sleeves, hem, and adjust the jacket's size, contingent upon fabric type and garment construction.

• Heed the tailor's recommendations regarding necessary alterations and their extent. Remember, they possess expertise in this domain!

Anticipate spending $65-$130 for windbreaker alterations. Alteration costs vary based on location, tailor experience, and the complexity of the garment. Typically, sleeve shortening ranges from $15-$40, taking in the jacket costs $20-$50, and hem shortening may be $30-$40.

• If your windbreaker was reasonably priced, buying a new one might be more economical than alterations.

• Avoid immersing a windbreaker in boiling water or using an iron to shrink it, as both methods can stiffen the fabric.