When it comes to clothing, shrinking a shirt is a simple way to get the right fit. A t-shirt can be stylish but not the right size, throwing off the balance in your outfit. Whether you have an oversized shirt you want to make smaller or a preshrunk top that’s still too big, shrinking your clothes can be a daunting task that requires patience and delicate handling.

The best way to shrink a cotton shirt is to place it in the washer and dryer on a high heat setting. This method should make your clothing smaller a size or two without damaging the garment. Some methods are more effective for a shirt with a print or logo, while others will work on a sweatshirt or hoodie without causing any fading.

To help you with the process, we’ve compiled this guide on how to shrink a shirt. From preshrunk shirts to oversized sweaters, explore the most effective ways to shrink a cotton t-shirt to fit you perfectly.

Contents

• 1 Check The Label For Fabric
• 2 Shrinking A Cotton Shirt
• 3 Polyester and Synthetic Fabrics
• 4 How To Shrink A Shirt
  • 4.1 Shrink A Shirt in Boiling Water
  • 4.2 Shrink A Shirt in The Washing Machine
  • 4.3 Shrink A Shirt in The Dryer
  • 4.4 Shrink A Shirt with A Hair Dryer
  • 4.5 Shrink A Shirt with A Wet Sheet
• 5 How To Shrink A Preshrunk Shirt
• 6 Best Way To Shrink A Shirt
• 7 Shrinking Your Clothes

Check The Label For Fabric

Before shrinking your clothes, you’ll want to check the label for information on the fabric and material. Knowing what type of fabric your shirt is made of will prevent any unnecessary damage. Natural fabrics such as cotton, linen and satin are easy to shrink, and most cotton shirts can get up to 20% smaller in the washing machine and dryer. While 100% cotton clothing will shrink fast, items with lower percentages may not reduce in size as much.

Nylon, polyester and spandex are more difficult to work with because they contain synthetic fibers that are tightly woven. Some designers also incorporate thermoplastic materials, which are plastic polymers that can be heated and cooled without any change in their chemical or mechanical structure. This results in clothing that is resistant to wrinkling and shrinking. Although some synthetic materials can be made smaller, you will need high temperatures and plenty of effort, often resulting in a damaged piece.