Make Your T-Shirts Bigger: Easy Ways To Resize Your Wardrobe

There are several ways to make a T-shirt bigger, depending on your skill level and the type of material. For those who are new to altering clothing, stretching the fabric is the easiest method. This can be done by washing the T-shirt and then stretching it while it is still wet. Alternatively, the T-shirt can be soaked in a solution of water and hair conditioner before being stretched. For those with sewing skills, a T-shirt can be made bigger by cutting up the side seams and adding fabric from another T-shirt or a skirt/trousers.

Stretching the fabric

Step 1: Prepare the T-shirt

Before stretching the T-shirt, it is important to check the label and make sure it is washable and suitable for stretching. Some fabrics, such as silk and wool, require dry cleaning and are not ideal for this process. Cotton shirts are ideal for stretching as the fibres relax and expand when wet. It is also important to determine which areas of the T-shirt need to be stretched, such as the collar, sleeves, bust or waist.

Step 2: Wash the T-shirt

Wash the T-shirt in a washing machine on a cold setting or soak it in cold water. Remove the T-shirt from the water and lay it on a dry towel without wringing it out, as this might damage the fabric.

Step 3: Stretch the Fabric

Gently stretch the fabric in the areas that need to be enlarged. For example, if the sleeves are too short, hold the shoulder and cuff and pull gently but firmly. Be careful not to stretch too much, as some fabrics can expand quite a bit when wet. Leave the T-shirt to dry and then try it on to check if it has reached the desired size.

Alternative Method: Using Conditioner

Fill a basin or sink with cold water and add a couple of tablespoons of hair conditioner. Soak the T-shirt in this solution for 15-20 minutes. Rinse the conditioner out by draining the water and refilling the sink. Repeat this step until the T-shirt no longer feels slimy. Lay the T-shirt between two dry towels and press down to soak up the excess water. Finally, lay the T-shirt flat and gently stretch it in the necessary areas.

Tips:

• This method is ideal for rugby shirts, soccer jerseys or any sports uniform.
• If you are stretching a polyester shirt, it is recommended to put on the wet shirt and let it dry on your body, as polyester fibres do not absorb moisture.
• To stretch a shirt without getting yourself wet, you can use a stretching tool such as a collar or hatband stretcher, or collar extenders.
• Weights can also be used to stretch a shirt. Simply place them on the edges of the shirt to keep it stretched out as it dries.

Sewing in side panels

Step 1: Gather Supplies

You will need a shirt that is too small, coordinating knit fabric (you can cut this from an old sports shirt), a sewing machine, a measuring tape, scissors or a rotary cutter, and thread that matches your shirt.

Step 2: Prepare the Panels and Shirt

Measure the side of your shirt from the bottom hem to the underarm hem. Add two inches to this measurement for the hems, and that will be the length of your panels. Decide how much extra fabric you need to add to the sides of the shirt for it to fit as desired. This will be the width of your panels. Add an extra inch to the width for seams. Cut two panels according to your measurements.

Step 3: Cut Open the Sides of the Shirt

Cut open the sides of your shirt along the side seams from the bottom hem up to the underarm hem. You can either unpick the seams or cut them off, whichever is easier.

Step 4: Sew the Panels to the Shirt

You can choose to hem the ends of your panels before sewing them into the shirt, or you can hem as you sew. Pin your panel to one side edge of the shirt, with the right sides of the fabric together. Fold up the end of the fabric on each end to match the shirt's hem, and baste stitch the panel to the shirt using a long basting stitch. Sew 1/4 to 1/2 inch from the edge of the fabric. Repeat this process for the other side of the shirt and the other panel.

Step 5: Try on the Shirt and Adjust if Needed

Try on the shirt to check the fit. If it is still too small, take out the panels and cut wider ones, then sew them in. If it is now too big, make the panels thinner and re-sew them.

Step 6: Finish Up

Once you are happy with the fit, sew over your basting stitch with a regular-length straight stitch. Sew the bottom hem and underarm hem to match the shirt.

And that's it! You now have a bigger shirt that fits you comfortably.

Using a conditioner solution

Step 1: Prepare the Conditioner Solution

Fill a sink, bucket, or tub with lukewarm or cold water. Avoid using hot water as it can shrink the fabric further. Add a capful or a tablespoon of hair conditioner to the water and mix it well. You can use any type of hair conditioner, and if you don't have one, you can substitute it with baby shampoo. For wool shirts, you can also add a tablespoon of vinegar along with the conditioner to provide extra protection against damage.

Step 2: Soak the Shirt

Completely submerge the shirt in the conditioner solution. Make sure the shirt is kept as flat as possible to ensure that all areas are evenly saturated. Let the shirt soak for at least 10-15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for better results.

Step 3: Rinse the Shirt

Drain the conditioner solution and refill the sink with fresh water. Rinse the shirt in the fresh water to remove any excess conditioner. You can also gently squeeze the shirt to help remove the conditioner. Repeat this process until all traces of conditioner are gone.

Step 4: Stretch the Shirt

Lay the shirt flat on a towel and begin stretching it. Stretch the fabric in the areas where you want it to be larger. You can stretch the shirt by placing your hands on opposite sides and pulling gently. Be careful not to stretch too much, especially if the fabric is wet, as it can tear. For the torso, put your arms inside the shirt and push outward. If you want to make the shirt longer, stretch it from the neck and bottom, pulling in opposite directions.

Step 5: Dry the Shirt

After stretching, lay the shirt flat on a fresh towel and allow it to air dry completely. Avoid hanging the shirt, as it can cause unwanted bumps in the shoulders. You can also place weights on the edges of the shirt to help prevent shrinking as it dries.

Additional Tips:

• For better results, you can leave the shirt to soak for a longer period, up to 30 minutes.
• After stretching, you can wash the shirt in a standard wash cycle or by hand to remove any remnants of conditioner.
• Always wash your shirts in cold water and avoid using the dryer to prevent shrinkage.
• If air drying is not feasible, you can dry your shirt in the dryer on a low setting and remove it when it's still slightly damp. Finish drying it by laying it flat.

Adding a shirt gusset

Adding a gusset to a shirt is a great way to add a bit of length and strengthen the stress point where the two shirt tails meet. It's also an opportunity to add a splash of colour or pattern to a classic shirt style. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to add a shirt gusset:

Prepare the Gusset Pattern:

Download and print a free gusset pattern piece or create your own. The gusset is typically a small triangle or diamond shape that will be added along the side seam of the shirt. Cut out two diamond shapes for each gusset you plan to add.

Fold and Stitch the Gusset:

Take one of the diamond-shaped pieces and fold it in half along the fold line. Stitch one side edge with a 1/4" seam allowance. Then, trim the corner and turn the resulting triangle right side out, pressing the edges flat. You should now have one stitched edge, one folded edge, and one open edge.

Prepare the Shirt Hem:

Get the hems of your shirt folded and pressed, ready for stitching. Before stitching the hem, slip the unfinished edge of the triangle (open edge) into the folded edge of the hem, pinning it in place. Make sure the folded edge of the triangle is pointing down, and the stitched edge is at the top.

Sew the Hem and Gusset Together:

Sew the hem, catching the edge of the triangle in the seam. Pivot at the side seam and continue stitching to the next side of the hem. Press the gusset away from the hem towards the other side of the shirt, ensuring it lies smoothly and covers the opposite hem.

Re-stitch the Hem:

Once the gusset is pinned and pressed in place, re-stitch the hem on the opposite edge of the shirt to secure the gusset and hold it firmly in place. You can stitch on top of or immediately next to the original stitching row to finish the gusset.

Now you've successfully added a gusset to your shirt! This technique can be applied to various shirt patterns with side seams, adding both functionality and a unique design detail.

Hang-drying the T-shirt

Hang-drying a T-shirt is a simple way to stretch a slightly undersized shirt. After washing your T-shirt in cold water, skip the tumble dryer and hang it on a clothesline to dry. The added water weight will allow the fabric to elongate and stretch while hanging, so there's little work on your part. Place the pins along the bottom of the shirt, hanging it upside down, for more pressure.

If you want to stretch out a wool shirt or sweatshirt, use vinegar in the wash instead of fabric conditioner. The vinegar naturally softens the fabric and protects it from damage. Fill the sink or bathtub with cold water, add one or two tablespoons of vinegar to the water, and submerge your shirt for 15 minutes. Rinse with fresh water, then soak the shirt for another five minutes. Lay the shirt flat to pull each side, then allow your shirt to air dry overnight.

Frequently asked questions