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Fabric types shrink in different ways, so it’s important to check the care label before washing your clothes. Image credit: Darren Robb/Getty ImagesEver purchased a wool sweater that felt too big? Or a cotton T-shirt that was way too loose? Don't worry—there’s a solution, and we're here to show you how to shrink your clothes. However, not all methods will work for every fabric.
Each material has its own method for shrinking, so it's crucial to understand the fabric composition before attempting to shrink it. For example, cotton shrinks well, polyester shrinks minimally, while leather and fur will only get damaged instead of shrinking.
While most people try to prevent their clothes from shrinking, we’ll explore some methods for shrinking garments. Note: For fabrics like cotton, wool, and polyester, if the usual process doesn’t shrink the item enough, be sure to check the instructions for pre-shrunk and older clothes further along in this article.
How to Shrink Cotton
Cotton is notorious for shrinking. Many have been frustrated when a once-perfect T-shirt shrinks into something too small, or when underwear shrinks to the point of no longer fitting. This can be a blessing for those who actually want to shrink a piece of clothing, and the good news is it’s quite simple! Here’s how [source: Reader's Digest]:
- Wash the cotton item in hot water using a hot wash cycle. Cold water won't shrink it.
- Place it in the dryer. Set the dryer to high heat—this is essential.
- Check the size of the item periodically during the drying process. This step is especially crucial if it’s your first time washing the garment and it's not pre-shrunk. If the item has shrunk to the desired size, set the dryer to low heat or air dry it until it's fully dry.
- Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause fading.
Cotton’s natural fibers make it more prone to shrinking than many other fabrics, as plant fibers lack significant elasticity. When washed, the fibers absorb water, swell, and become thicker, which causes the material to shrink. Nowadays, many manufacturers account for this by using pre-shrunk cotton (cotton that has already been shrunk before it’s made into clothes). However, even pre-shrunk cotton can shrink further, though less so than untreated cotton [source: Britannica].
How to Shrink Wool
Wool has a remarkable tendency to shrink quickly, so it's important to approach this process carefully. Take it slow and let the wool sweater shrink just enough. Steamy heat is your best friend in this task.
- Begin by washing the wool item in hot water.
- Next, put the garment in the dryer. Set it to medium heat and dry until it's completely dry, checking periodically to ensure it’s shrinking at the right rate for your preference.
- If you don’t have access to a dryer, after washing, lay the garment flat and use a hair dryer set to high heat to dry it.
Wool tends to shrink so easily because the fibers from animal hair mat together when wet. Add in some agitation from the washing machine, and the fibers rub together, condensing into a much smaller material than originally [source: Herdy]. This same principle applies to cashmere, which is why you’ll find strict care instructions for such fabrics.
If you accidentally shrink your wool sweater too much, there is hope for restoring it. One simple solution is to use hair conditioner, which—just like it works with human hair—relaxes the wool fibers, loosening them up. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by filling a sink or bucket with clean water, then mix in about one-third of a cup of any hair conditioner you have available. Stir it thoroughly.
- Soak the wool item in the solution for approximately 10 minutes.
- Drain the water and gently press the garment to expel excess moisture. Do not twist or wring it.
- Take a clean, dry towel and roll the wool garment inside. This step will absorb most of the water.
- Finally, lay the garment flat to dry on another fresh towel. Stretch it out gently as needed [source: Silver Bobbin].
How to Shrink Polyester
Next, let's explore polyester, one of the most common synthetic materials. In fact, polyester is the leading fiber worldwide, making up about 50% of all fibers and around 80% of all synthetic fibers. This fabric is essentially a type of plastic, commonly derived from petroleum [source: CFDA].
Polyester is more resistant to shrinking than many fabrics due to its composition. However, it is still possible to shrink it, whether by accident or on purpose. Here's the method to shrink polyester:
- Wash the polyester garment in hot water.
- Place the garment in the dryer and set it to high heat until it is fully dry.
- If you want more shrinkage, iron the garment on a high heat setting.
Be cautious when applying excessive heat to your clothes, as it may result in burning the fabric. Iron at your own discretion [source: Aanya Linen].
How to Shrink Pre-Shrunk and Older Garments
Even if a garment is made from pre-shrunk cotton or has undergone multiple washes, there's still hope for shrinking it further. It may require a more intense approach, but it's definitely possible [source: A Cleaner World].
- Start by boiling a pot of water on the stove.
- Once it reaches a boil, turn off the heat and add the garment to the water.
- Let the garment soak in the hot water for about 5 to 20 minutes, ensuring the entire piece is submerged.
- Carefully remove the garment from the water (it will be hot) using tongs or a spoon, and allow it to cool down.
- Either air-dry or use the machine to dry the garment on high heat.
- Once dry, check if the garment has reached the desired size. If it's still too large, repeat the process until it shrinks enough.
Shrinking clothes intentionally always carries some level of risk, whether it's shrinking too much or damaging the fabric. Take your time, follow each step carefully, and avoid using this method on valuable items, as working with textiles can be unpredictable.
