
If you've got a T-shirt that's just a little too big, you can shrink it down to size. The best fabric for shrinking is cotton, which can reduce in size by up to 20%. Wool, linen, silk, and denim can also be shrunk, but it may take a few attempts. Synthetic fabrics like polyester and spandex won't shrink much, if at all. To shrink your T-shirt, you can use the boiling method or the washer/dryer method. For the boiling method, place your T-shirt in a pot of boiling water for 5–20 minutes. For the washer/dryer method, wash your T-shirt on the hottest setting, then tumble dry on high heat.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Fabric | Cotton, wool, linen, silk, polyester, denim |
Maximum shrinkage | 20% of original size |
Boiling water | Leave shirt in boiling water for 5-20 minutes |
Washer/dryer | Wash on hottest setting, then dry on high heat |
Air drying | Preserves shrinkage |
Graphic tees | Wash inside out to protect print |
Boiling water
First, check the label on your T-shirt to see if it is pre-shrunk. If it is, it is unlikely to shrink much further.
Next, fill a large pot with water and place it on the stove. The pot should be large enough to completely submerge your T-shirt. Bring the water to a rolling boil, then turn off the heat. Using tongs or a wooden spoon, carefully place your T-shirt into the water, ensuring it is fully immersed. Leave the shirt to soak for at least five minutes, or until the water has cooled enough for you to handle the fabric comfortably. The longer the shirt is left in the hot water, the more it will shrink.
Once the shirt has soaked, remove it from the pot with tongs and allow it to cool. When it is cool enough to handle, gently squeeze out the excess water, being careful not to stretch the fabric. Then, lay the shirt on a clean towel or drying rack to air dry.
If your shirt still looks too big, you can repeat the process, or try machine drying on high heat to shrink it further.
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Washer/dryer method
This method is most effective with cotton, denim, and synthetic fabrics like polyester and spandex.
First, 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 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.
When washing multiple t-shirts, wash them in batches of like colours as the hot water can cause colour bleeding.
Front-loading washers produce less agitation (and therefore slightly less shrinkage) than top-loading machines.
If your shirt only needs a little more shrinkage, pull it out of the dryer every couple of minutes to check on its progress.
Once the dry cycle is complete, you’re done! Pull out your shirt and inspect your work.
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Fabric types
The effectiveness of shrinking a T-shirt depends on the type of fabric it is made from. Certain types of fabric will shrink much faster than others.
Cotton
Cotton is a natural fabric that is widely considered the best fabric for everyday T-shirts thanks to its softness, breathability, and ability to absorb moisture. It is praised as the best material for T-shirts and other products we use daily. It is also great for hot weather, but items made from cotton have little-to-no wrinkle resistance. Cotton is also biodegradable.
Cotton T-shirts can be made from several types of cotton, including:
- Ringspun cotton: This is more expensive than regular cotton, but it is a bit softer, smoother, and more durable due to a tightly woven fabric and the spinning process.
- Combed and ringspun cotton: This type of cotton is even softer than ringspun cotton because it has been combed to remove impurities, giving a smoother surface for print.
- Organic cotton: This is grown with minimal fertilizers and pesticides and is usually softer and more expensive than treated cotton.
- Slub cotton: This is a light and airy fabric that makes high-quality cotton T-shirts that don't cling to the body. It has a great feel and doesn't require much ironing.
- Pima cotton: This is one of the finest varieties of cotton in the world, smooth, soft, and durable. The material is resistant to tearing, wrinkling, and fading.
Wool, Linen, and Silk
Wool, linen, and silk can also shrink but may take a bit more time and attempts. Linen is a natural fabric best suited for summer and formal wear, like traditional dress shirts in solid colors. It is made from flax plant fibers with a textured tight weave. It gets softer with every wash and there’s no need for fabric softeners.
Synthetic Fabrics
Synthetic fabrics like nylon, polyester, and spandex won't shrink as much, if at all. Polyester is a synthetic fabric, usually made from plastic, that is the most popular and versatile synthetic fabric for garments. It is durable, quick-drying, and holds printed designs very well. However, it is not very breathable or comfortable, and it is not biodegradable.
Blended Fabrics
Blended fabrics, like cotton-polyester or cotton-spandex, combine natural and synthetic fibers to offer enhanced durability, stretch, and comfort. For example, a cotton/spandex blend is more elastic and wrinkle-resistant than cotton alone.
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Avoiding damage
If you want to shrink a t-shirt without damaging it, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, always check the care label on your garment and follow the instructions provided. Different fabrics have different levels of shrinkability, so it's important to know what your t-shirt is made of.
Cotton is known to be a flexible and shrinkable fabric, so it's a good candidate for shrinking. Wool, linen, and silk can also shrink but may take a bit more time and effort. On the other hand, synthetic fabrics like nylon, polyester, and spandex are less likely to shrink, so you may not get the results you're looking for with these materials.
Once you've determined that your t-shirt can be shrunk, there are a few methods you can use. One popular method is to use hot water, either in a washing machine or by boiling water on a stovetop. If using a washing machine, set it to the hottest water setting and wash your t-shirt with like colors to avoid colour bleeding. If your t-shirt has any prints or graphics, turn it inside out before washing to avoid damage.
If you're boiling water on the stovetop, place your shirt in a pot of boiling water for 5-20 minutes, depending on how much shrinkage you want. Again, make sure the shirt is fully immersed in the water for even shrinkage. After removing the shirt from the water, allow it to cool, and then gently squeeze out the excess water without stretching the fabric. Always air dry your shirt after shrinking to avoid further shrinkage.
Another option for shrinking a t-shirt is to use a dryer. Set your dryer to a high heat setting and tumble dry your shirt until it reaches your desired size. For more delicate fabrics or shirts with prints, use a medium heat setting to avoid cracking or melting. As with the previous method, air dry your shirt after tumble drying to prevent further shrinkage.
It's important to note that not all t-shirts are meant to be dried in a dryer, so always check the care label first. Air drying is often the best way to prevent shrinkage and prolong the life of your garment. Additionally, excessive heat can be damaging to fabrics, so it's recommended to remove your clothes from the dryer while they're still slightly damp and allow them to air dry the rest of the way.
By following these tips and techniques, you can successfully shrink a t-shirt while minimising the risk of damage.
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Spot shrinking
Step 1: Identify the Fabric
Before attempting to shrink your T-shirt, it is crucial to identify its fabric composition by checking the garment's label. Different fabrics shrink at varying rates, and not all fabrics can withstand every shrinking method. Natural fibres like cotton, wool, silk, linen, and hemp are more prone to shrinking than synthetic fibres. For example, cotton fibres can shrink up to 20%, while polyester shrinks less than 3%.
Step 2: Prepare the T-shirt
Turn your T-shirt inside out to protect the colours and prints on the outer layer of the fabric. This step is especially important if you are shrinking a graphic T-shirt.
Step 3: Choose Your Shrinking Method
There are several methods to spot-shrink a T-shirt, and the choice depends on the fabric type and your personal preference. Here are three common methods:
Method 1: Washing Machine and Dryer
This method is suitable for cotton, denim, and synthetic fabrics like polyester and spandex. Set your washing machine to its hottest setting and longest cycle, as a lengthier wash allows for more shrinkage. After washing, tumble dry the T-shirt on high heat and use the longest cycle available. Leave the shirt in the dryer until it cools off completely to maximise shrinkage.
Method 2: Boiling Water
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Turn off the heat and immerse your T-shirt in the boiling water for 5 to 20 minutes. The longer it sits in the hot water, the more it will shrink. Use tongs or a wooden spoon to remove the shirt, then let it cool in the sink. Once it's cool enough to handle, wring out the excess water and let it air-dry.
Method 3: Garment Steamer
This method is ideal for delicate fabrics like silk, linen, or wool. Hang the T-shirt on a hanger in an open space. Use the garment steamer on a high-heat setting, keeping the steamer head about an inch or two away from the fabric. This method is excellent for shrinking specific areas rather than the whole garment.
Step 4: Repeat if Necessary
If your T-shirt hasn't reached the desired size, you can repeat the chosen shrinking method. However, always be cautious not to over-shrink the garment.
Additional Tips:
- For maximum shrinkage, combine methods. For example, after treating with boiling water, use the washer and dryer method to shrink the T-shirt even further.
- When using the boiling water method, completely submerge the T-shirt in the water and use a utensil to keep it immersed for maximum shrinkage.
- To prevent colours from bleeding, add half a cup of white vinegar to the hot water during the washing machine or boiling water methods.
- Always check the lint filter in your dryer before tumble drying and remove any buildup to prevent fires.
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Frequently asked questions
Natural fibres are best for shrinking. Cotton is the best fabric for this method and can shrink up to 20% of its original size. Other fabric types like polyester, linen, wool and denim can still be shrunk but may need more attempts.
There are two main ways to shrink a T-shirt: boiling or using a washer and dryer. For the boiling method, place the T-shirt in a pot of boiling water for 5-20 minutes, depending on how much you want to shrink it. For the washer/dryer method, wash the T-shirt on the hottest setting and then dry it on a high heat setting.
While it's not always possible, many shirts can be unshrunk by washing them again and gently stretching them back into shape while wet.
Shirts made from natural fibres like cotton, denim and linen will shrink in both the washer and dryer when there is a high heat setting.
Yes, you can fill a sink with hot water and let your shirt soak for around 5 minutes. Then wring it out and lay it out to dry on a flat surface.