How to SHRINK CLOTHING – Safe and Easy Methods!

Before I start to explain how to shrink different garments, it is necessary that you take into account something fundamental: before starting with each shrinking process, you will have to read the label of the garment well. This is essential because depending on whether the clothing is made of one material or another, you will have to avoid one method or another, as some steps could damage certain fabrics.

Although later we will see in detail the steps you must follow for each type of garment, from UNCOMO we want to present you a small introduction to the different fabrics that you can find in garments to shrink.

How to shrink cotton clothes

You can shrink cotton both by hand washing a garment and by putting it in the washing machine. Normally, boiling water is used to shrink the fibers of the garment and the dryer is used at high temperatures to finish ensuring shrinkage. However, in the next sections we will explain how to shrink cotton for different garments.

How to shrink polyester clothing

Like cotton, polyester can shrink quickly with the use of hot water (either in the washing machine or by hand). For polyester garments, the dryer with high temperatures is also a great ally, as you will see below.

How to shrink wool clothes

Wool is one of the most delicate fabrics that exist, so from UNCOMO we recommend that you avoid using dryers and washing machines to shrink it. While it is true that the process with these machines is faster, your garment can end up with a caked and unpleasant touch if it shrinks through washers and dryers. So, below we will explain how to wash these garments by hand.

How to shrink nylon clothing

Nylon is very difficult to shrink, as it is a synthetic garment that does not receive heat well. The safest method of trying to shrink the nylon without completely damaging the garment is to use a saucepan of hot water and soak the piece inside for an hour. After this time, remove the moisture from the garment with a towel (always very carefully) and dry little by little with a dryer.

How to shrink lycra clothing

Lycra, also called elastane, It is very similar to polyester, so you can follow the same steps that you would use with a garment of that other material. Below we show you some examples.

How to shrink viscose clothes

Does the showy shrink? The answer is yes, viscose or rayon is a man-made fiber that can shrink both in washing and drying. To shrink viscose clothes, we recommend washing with hot water (better if it is in the washing machine) and drying the garment with a towel to remove moisture. If you do not want it to shrink too much, it is best to let the garment dry naturally, but if you want to lose a size or two, put your garment in the dryer on a gentle program.

The first thing to do before shrinking a shirt is to check its label to see what material it is made of. Most T-shirts are made of polyester and especially cotton. Does cotton shrink? The answer is yes, since its fibers are very sensitive to heat and narrow when in contact with it directly. You ask yourself how to shrink a cotton t-shirt? Follow these steps:

1. Take a pot big enough to fit the shirt in question.
2. Fill it with water, put it on the fire and wait for it to come to a boil before removing the pot from the heat. If you want to shrink your piece a lot, it would be better to submerge the shirt while the water is still boiling instead of removing the pot from the heat, as you prefer.
3. Immerse the piece in the water and leave it for 10 minutes (if you need more time because the shirt is very large, you can leave it for up to 20 minutes, always being careful not to go overboard).
4. Take the shirt out of the pot and wait a few minutes so you don’t burn yourself. Then drain it carefully and let it cool on a flat surface. Do not hang it up, as the fabrics could stretch again.

If you want to know how to shrink cotton clothes by hand, this is one of the fastest and safest options. If your shirt has not shrunk enough, you can always repeat the process and / or leave it in the boiling water longer.

How to shrink a t-shirt in the washing machine

We have already explained how to shrink clothes without a dryer, however, you may prefer to use this machine or the washing machine to shrink your shirt. Below you will see how to shrink clothes in the washing machine Step by Step:

1. The reduction of cotton and polyester garments occurs when the piece in question collides with the walls of the machines, since the movement, together with the temperature, determines the reduction of the fabric.
2. Put the shirt you want to shrink in the washing machine and wash with hot water.
3. When the program has finished, put the shirt in a dryer and select a medium heat. Keep in mind, if you are wondering how to shrink your clothes in the dryer, that it is not the high temperature that makes the garment smaller, but the movement of it against the walls of the machine. Therefore, a very high temperature is not necessary and could end up damaging the fabric of the shirt.

We have already seen how to shrink cotton or polyester clothing In the previous section, however, there are some more elements that you should take into account:

• Polyester shrinks the same way as cotton, however for these methods to work, you must ensure that your garment is made with a minimum of 70% cotton.
• Turn the garment over before washing to better protect the colors.
• Check that the garment have no spots, because the boiling water would make them fixate on the fabric completely.
• Also note that hot water tends to greatly weaken the fibers fabric, so your garments will need more care.
• If the shirt is colored, we recommend adding a cup of white vinegar to the washing machine to maintain the tones.

If you are going to wash your shirt in the washing machine, we recommend selecting a normal cycle with hot water. Then, put the garment in the dryer (if you don’t have it, you can leave it in the sun) and select a medium-high temperature. If you are going to wash your shirt by hand, that is, with boiling water, we recommend that you follow the steps in the previous section.

You may wonder how to shrink clothes one size if your goal is to be able to wear those pants that you have never worn for being too big. If you want to know how to shrink dress pants, you must take into account the material from which they are made.

If they are cotton pants, you can follow the steps that we have discussed in the previous sections. However, if they are made of polyester, you will have to learn how to shrink polyester clothing safely so as not to damage the pants. Take note:

1. Flip the pants over to prevent fading.
2. Put it in the washing machine and select the longest wash cycle with the maximum load of hot water.
3. Use liquid fabric softener and detergent so your pants aren’t too stiff.
4. Once the cycle is complete, tumble your pants on a long cycle and high heat. If not, you can let them dry in the sun.
5. Finally, you can iron the garment to fix the fit, using a medium temperature without steam.

If the pants you want to shrink are jeans, you will have to follow other steps, so follow the instructions below. We explain how to dwarf this garment in the washing machine:

1. Select a long wash cycle with hot water and insert the jeans. To avoid being too stiff, you can add a little detergent and fabric softener.
2. When you’re done, put it in the dryer immediately and select a high heat on a long cycle.
3. Let the jean sit in the dryer for about 10 minutes when the cycle has finished.
4. Try on the garment and repeat the process if you think it is necessary.

How to shrink jeans without a dryer

Many people do not have a dryer at home or do not dare to put certain clothes in there. Therefore, below we explain how to shrink clothes without a dryer and enjoy your jeans again.

1. Bring a pot full of water to a boil and when you see that it reaches the boiling point, submerge the jeans.
2. Do not turn off the heat at any time, as they should be boiling for approximately 25 minutes (it will also depend on the power of your fire).
3. Do not cover the pot and make sure the pants are always soaked. For this you can help yourself with a wooden spoon.
4. Let it…