Most of us have mastered the art of accidentally shrinking clothes in the washing machine. But if someone were to ask, chances are, you couldn’t tell them how to shrink a shirt—the right way, at least.
Perhaps you’ve stumbled upon the thrift store gem of your dreams, but alas, it’s two sizes too big. Or, you received a well-intentioned gift that doesn’t fit quite right. Or, like me, you’ve outgrown your oversized tee phase, leaving you with a wardrobe dilemma of epic proportions.
Don’t bid adieu to these treasures just yet; we’re shrinking them! (We’re on a mission to save the planet, one garment at a time, after all.) Many people take precautions to protect our clothes from accidental shrinkage, so it’s understandable if this feels counterintuitive or if you’re unsure where to begin.
Below, we’ve broken down the steps for how to shrink a shirt—along with other garments—to your perfect size, covering everything you need to know, from the different methods to how to unshrink a shirt in case you ever need to reverse the process.
What’s the first step?
Always, always, always start by reading the garment’s label to identify its fabric composition. Different fabrics shrink at varying rates, and not all fabrics can endure every method.
Can I shrink an XL down to a medium?
The short answer is no. Anticipate your shirt reducing by no more than one size—but it depends on the type of fabric. Natural fibers like cotton, wool, silk, linen, and hemp are more prone to shrinking than synthetic fibers. Cotton fibers, being the most amenable, can shrink up to 20 percent, depending on the quality and cotton blend. Polyester, on the other hand, shrinks less than three percent. Fabrics like nylon, acetate, and acrylic also typically shrink around three to four percent, while rayon, derived from wood pulp, can contract by up to 10 percent.
What is the right way to shrink a shirt?
Here are three DIY methods, each tailored to specific fabric types and personal preferences.
Wash, dry, and repeat.
This shrinking process is most effective with cotton, denim, and synthetic fabrics like polyester and spandex. Launder your garment with your washing machine’s hottest setting to prompt the fabric threads to relax and subsequently shorten. Opt for the longest washing cycle, as a lengthier wash allows the fabric to shrink more. When dealing with graphic or vintage tees, turn them inside out to protect the prints.
Next, tumble dry using your dryer’s highest heat setting, and with the longest cycle available. Leave the shirt in the dryer until it completely cools off to maximize shrinkage. If it’s still not the perfect fit, repeat this method.
Boil in water.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then turn the stove off. Immerse your t-shirt in the boiling water for five to 20 minutes. The longer the garment sits in the hot water, the more it will shrink. Use kitchen tongs or a wooden spoon to fish it out, and let it cool in the sink. Once it’s handleable, wring it out, and let it air-dry. Repeat if you desire more shrinkage.
Use a garment steamer.
For delicate fabrics like silk, linen, or wool, steam on a high heat setting. Make sure to do this while the clothing is hung onto a hanger and in an open space. Keep the steamer head about an inch or two away from your wool sweater. This approach also works well if you’re aiming to shrink specific areas rather than the whole garment.
Can I shrink a shirt with vinegar?
White vinegar won’t accelerate the shrinking process, but adding a half to one cup can serve as a natural fabric softener, and prevent colors from bleeding out—a likely repercussion when washing clothes in hot water. (Something to consider.)
Can I shrink a preshrunk shirt?
Yes! Preshrunk simply means that the fabric underwent a controlled pre-shrinking process during manufacturing to minimize further shrinkage during wear. (Some labels will mention if a shirt is preshrunk, but not all.) So, intentionally shrinking is possible, but the effect will be less pronounced. If you’ve attempted the process twice, it’s likely the blouse won’t shrink much more.