How to wash an item so that it shrinks?

While some people worry about their favorite sweater or hat shrinking after washing it in the washing machine, others, on the contrary, want to wash it to make it shrink. This is understandable if, after exercising, dieting, or giving birth, your weight has returned to normal, and many of your clothes no longer fit. Fortunately, there's no need to spend money on updating your wardrobe – there are many safe ways to shrink sweaters and pants by 3, 5, and even 10 cm. Let's take a closer look.

Temperature contrast and steaming

Temperature contrasts and steaming are key tools for shrinking clothing. For example, if a cotton dress has become one size too big, alternating hot and cold water washing can shave off a few centimeters without unnecessary risk or hassle. If the item is clean, you won't need any powder or gel: just soak the item in boiling water, then squeeze it out and place it in a bowl of ice after it cools. After 20-30 minutes, take out the laundry, squeeze it lightly and dry it horizontally on a terry towel.

Another option involves using a washing machine. Load the item into the drum, select a program that heats the water to 60 degrees Celsius, set the spin cycle to a standard 800-1000°C, and start the cycle. Then turn the dryer on high and wait the specified time.

The fabric will shrink if washed at a contrasting temperature or if artificially dried with steam.

Another method is steaming. Almost all modern irons have a steam vent, which can shrink clothing by one size. Set the temperature to maximum, wait until it's fully heated, and then carefully iron the dress or trousers while steaming.

The principle of forced shrinkage is the same, but the general instructions don't apply to all materials. Synthetics and silk don't tolerate boiling water, while denim and linen require a more individual approach. Therefore, it's best to choose your approach based on the type of fabric you have.

Shrinking a wool item

When a wool item requires shrinking, predicting the resulting shrinkage can be difficult. This is because wool sweaters and hats shrink significantly with both standard machine and hand washing, making it virtually impossible to control. However, if the risk is justified, we recommend trying, following these guidelines:

• check the tag on the item and do the opposite (soak it in hot water for 20-30 minutes, then rinse it in ice water);
• After washing, do not wring out woolen items, but wrap them in a terry towel;
• Dry wool only on a horizontal surface;
• Dry the item with a hairdryer, giving it the desired shape.

Wool items shrink easily when dried intensively.

The easiest way to shrink a hat to the desired size is to stretch it, still wet, over a suitable jar or salad bowl, then blow-dry or let it air-dry.

Cotton clothing

Cotton clothing also shrinks well when exposed to temperature fluctuations, but only if the garment is sewn correctly. Simply set the washing machine to the highest heat and spin cycle, load the dress or suit, and run the cycle. However, this only works for white and light-colored items, as colored cotton garments are hand-washed.

Washing time is calculated based on the rule: for every 5 minutes, an item shrinks by 1 size. Therefore, if you soak a dress or blouse in boiling water for 15 minutes, it will shrink by 2-3 sizes. To avoid mistakes, it is recommended to reduce the size of clothing gradually.

After hand washing, it is better to use an electric dryer to consolidate the effect and prevent the opposite effect.

If the item doesn't shrink after the above steps, there's no point in trying again. The fabric is likely of poor quality and won't shrink. Remember that recklessly boiling cotton can damage the fibers, especially if it's colored.

Synthetics and denim

Most synthetic garments don't shrink. Lycra, acrylic, spandex, and polyester can't be reduced to the desired size by washing or steaming. It's easier to take the garment to a tailor for alterations or buy a new one. The first option is cheaper and more convenient: your favorite blouse or dress will remain the same, just slightly adjusted by experienced tailors.

If the garment tag says "shrink to fit," then it won't be possible to shrink the fabric.

High-quality denim can be shrunk, but only by half a size, or one size at most. Place the jeans in the washing machine, set the temperature to 60-90 degrees, spin on the maximum setting, and run the full cycle. When hand washing, alternating hot and cold water is effective. The material will likely fade slightly, turning everything black or blue, but this is acceptable. Dry the pants in a dryer or on a radiator.

But shrinkage only affects regular jeans. Not only does it shrink in width, but it also becomes significantly shorter—this should be taken into account when planning your size. Stretch denim cannot be shrunk. This is indicated by a special note on the tag: "shrink to fit."

Linen and silk fabrics

Silk products can be transformed, but it is not advisable to use an automatic machine for this task. When machine washed, silk fades significantly and loses its characteristic shine. It is better to do the shrinkage manually: rinse in warm water and hang on the balcony until completely dry.

Linen items can also be washed in the washing machine: set the cycle to delicate and set the appropriate temperature. If you prefer, the old-fashioned method of "simmering" the item in a saucepan directly on the stovetop will also work. There's no need to bring it to a boil—80-90 degrees Celsius (176-194 degrees Fahrenheit) is sufficient. Linen shrinks exactly one size after being soaked in hot water.

When washing linen, extreme caution should be exercised, especially when choosing detergents. This material does not tolerate chlorine or oxygen bleach, which can strip the color from the fabric and any embellishments too quickly. It's also important to ensure sufficient water for rinsing.

   

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