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Natural fibers, like cotton and wool, tend to shrink more easily than synthetic ones. 101cats/Getty ImagesEver pulled a piece of clothing out of the dryer and realized it seems better suited for a teenager than an adult? We've all been there. Fortunately, there are some tricks to restore your shrunken clothes, though they may only offer a temporary solution. Nonetheless, it might buy you a few more wears before giving up on it.
Certain fabrics, like cotton, wool, and animal hair-based materials, are prone to shrink more than others, explains textile expert Deborah Young. Rayon is another fabric that surprises many people, as it's often mistaken for synthetic, but it's actually a cellulose, just like cotton. "The more absorbent the fiber, the more likely it is to shrink. Rayon, being highly absorbent, is particularly affected," she says.
The way a garment is constructed and its type will also influence how much it shrinks. "The looser the construction, the more it will shrink. A bulky sweater will shrink more than a T-shirt," says Young. However, she also points out that knits shrink more than woolens because of the air within the knit structure, which allows it to compact. Combine heat and water, and the garment's structure will change in ways that are difficult to reverse.
So, if your beloved shirt fell victim to a laundry accident, is there any hope of restoring it to its original size?
Young suggests that you can massage a garment back into shape, no matter the fabric, by washing it with mild soap, such as baby shampoo. After gently rinsing out the water, avoid wringing the garment. (Use a towel to absorb extra moisture.) "You can gently encourage [the garment] to stretch back out," she advises, adding that this technique works best for garments you’re truly invested in, as it may shrink back after being washed normally and will require re-stretching.
If a T-shirt or cotton garment has shrunk, you can use this method from Cotton Incorporated to restore it:
- Mix 3 tablespoons of hair conditioner with warm water in a basin.
- Soak the shirt for about five minutes.
- Rinse it and then stretch the shirt out on a flat surface, like a countertop, until it reaches the desired size.
- Use cans or jars to hold the garment in place, and let it air dry.
Jeans tend to shrink in the dryer, but you can stretch them out by spraying water on the snug areas and gently pulling the fabric in all directions. This will help relax the denim. Allow it to air dry afterwards.
The most effective way to prevent clothes from shrinking is to wash them properly. "Wool and rayon can be washed, but never in a washing machine," advises Young. "Always check the labels — it makes all the difference."
Another tip is to remove shrink-prone clothes from the dryer before they're fully dry. Then, hang them up or lay them flat to finish drying naturally.
Just because a label says "pre-shrunk" doesn't necessarily mean the item was prewashed. It simply indicates that the fibers have been compacted to minimize shrinkage. However, even most "pre-shrunk" fabrics will likely shrink another 3 to 7 percent after laundering, though this usually doesn't affect the fit.
