Shrinking Your Sport Coat: A Simple Guide

If your sports coat is too big, there are a few ways you can shrink it. Firstly, check the tag to see if it's machine washable. If it is, put it in the washing machine on the hottest and longest cycle, then hang it up to dry in the sun. If it still needs shrinking, put it in the dryer on a low heat setting, increasing the temperature gradually. Alternatively, you can place the coat in a bathtub or sink of boiling water for 5-7 minutes, then hang it up to dry. However, it's worth noting that wool sports coats cannot be shrunk at home and should be taken to a tailor.

How to Shrink a Sport Coat

Using a washing machine

To shrink a sports coat using a washing machine, start by checking the tag of the jacket to ensure it is machine washable. If your coat is made of natural fibres such as wool or cotton, it is more likely to shrink when exposed to heat and moisture.

Once you've determined that your coat is machine washable, place it in the washing machine, ensuring the pockets are empty. It is important to wash the coat alone, as other clothes may ruin it. Set the machine to the hottest and longest cycle, and start it.

After the cycle is complete, take the coat out and examine whether it has shrunk to the desired size. If it has, hang it on a hanger and place it in direct sunlight to dry. If you want to shrink it further, place the coat in the dryer and start the dryer on a low heat setting, gradually increasing the temperature until you reach the highest setting.

It is important to note that the amount of shrinkage may vary depending on the fabric and construction of the coat. Additionally, there is a risk of damaging the fabric or altering the shape of the coat, so proceed with caution.

Boiling water

• Start by checking the care label on your sport coat to ensure it is safe to proceed with this method. It is crucial to determine the fabric composition and follow the specific instructions provided.
• Fill a large pot with water and place it on the stove. The pot should be big enough to completely submerge your sport coat.
• Bring the water to a rolling boil.
• Carefully place your sport coat in the boiling water. Make sure it is fully submerged and use a wooden spoon to keep it underwater if needed.
• Turn off the flame. Constantly stir and fold the jacket so it stays underwater and fits inside the pot.
• Let the jacket soak in the hot water for 5 to 7 minutes. For more significant shrinkage, you can leave it in the water for up to 15 minutes.
• Remove the jacket from the pot using tongs or a similar tool, being cautious as the water is extremely hot.
• Hang the jacket on a hanger and place it in direct sunlight or a well-ventilated area to air dry.
• Check if the jacket has shrunk to your desired size. If not, you can repeat the process.
• Remember, the boiling method can cause significant shrinkage, so it is recommended to allow the jacket to recover from the heat treatment before repeating the process to avoid damaging the fabric.

It is important to note that boiling water can cause color bleeding, so it is recommended to treat one item of clothing at a time. Additionally, always exercise caution when handling boiling water to prevent accidents or injuries.

Drying

If you have washed your coat in a washing machine, the next step is to dry it. Place the coat in the dryer with an anti-static dryer sheet and start a full cycle on medium to high heat. The more heat you use, the more shrinkage you will achieve. Remove the coat periodically to check the fit and to monitor the level of twisting and warping. If you are happy with the level of shrinkage, remove the coat and hang it on a hanger to finish drying. If you want to shrink it further, return it to the dryer and increase the heat setting.

If you washed your coat by hand, you can either hang it on a hanger or lay it flat to air dry. If you choose to hang it, place the coat in direct sunlight to dry. If you lay it flat, reshape it to its normal shape as it dries. Lightweight coats and wools with looser knits will only shrink minimally when air-dried.

It is important to remember that wool has a memory, so once you have shrunk it, it will return to that size after each wash.

Visiting a tailor

• Call your tailor or visit them in person: Let them know about the adjustments you need for your sports coat. It is helpful to bring the sports coat with you and wear it during the consultation so the tailor can assess the fit and determine the necessary alterations.
• Discuss the desired fit: Explain to the tailor how you would like the sports coat to fit. Be specific about the areas you want to be adjusted, such as the shoulders, sleeves, waist, or length. The tailor will examine the sports coat and provide their expertise on what alterations are possible and how much they can adjust it.
• Provide detailed instructions: Clearly communicate your requirements and expectations. For example, if you want the sleeves shortened, specify the desired length or show them on your arm where you would like the sleeves to end. The more precise your instructions are, the more likely the tailor will be able to meet your needs.
• Ask about the cost: Before proceeding with the alterations, be sure to inquire about the cost. The price will depend on the complexity and extent of the adjustments needed. It is always good to get an estimate beforehand to avoid any surprises.
• Leave the sports coat with the tailor: Once you have discussed the alterations and agreed on the cost, leave the sports coat with the tailor. They will carefully measure, cut, and adjust the garment according to your specifications.
• Pick up and try on the altered sports coat: When the tailor has completed the alterations, return to their shop to try on the sports coat. This is an important step to ensure that the adjustments were done correctly and that the sports coat fits you comfortably. If any further adjustments are needed, communicate them to the tailor, and they will be happy to make the necessary tweaks.

Remember, a skilled tailor can make significant improvements to the fit of your sports coat, but there are limitations to what can be altered. It is always best to provide them with as much detail as possible about your expectations so they can deliver the desired results.

Dry cleaning

Sports coats are typically made from multiple layers, including the shell, lining, and other fabrics, which may shrink at different rates when exposed to the chemicals and processes used in dry cleaning. This can result in an uneven finish, with some areas shrinking more than others, leading to bunching and a disheveled appearance.

Therefore, it is advisable to avoid dry cleaning as a method for shrinking a sports coat. Instead, it is recommended to seek the expertise of a professional tailor, who can make precise adjustments to ensure a well-fitted finish. Tailors are skilled in altering garments and can provide guidance on the best approach to achieve the desired fit while maintaining the coat's integrity.

While dry cleaning may seem like a convenient option, the potential risks associated with shrinking a sports coat through this method outweigh the benefits. It is always best to consult with a tailor first to discuss the specific requirements and determine the most suitable approach for achieving the desired results.

In conclusion, dry cleaning is not the ideal solution for shrinking a sports coat. The complex construction of sports coats requires specialized handling, and a tailor is the best professional to provide the necessary alterations while maintaining the coat's overall structure and aesthetics.

Frequently asked questions