How to Shrink a Shirt: Methods for the Perfect Fit 2024

I soon discovered that the shirt I had purchased was too big for me. At the time, it was my favorite shirt. I started looking for ways to shrink a clothing instead of returning it or putting it in my closet unworn. I wanted to find a way to enhance the fit of the shirt without compromising the quality of the material, as I was determined not to damage it. If I couldn’t find the correct method to shrink the shirt, I would end up with an unwearable item that didn’t fit me. I’ve discovered over time that shrinking a shirt can be a cost-effective way to personalize clothes to fit perfectly while maintaining style and comfort.

How To Shrink A Cotton Shirt At Home

Shrinking cotton shirts can be trickier than shrinking other types of apparel. Cotton reacts to heat and moisture rather well, but polyester resists shrinking more. Still, you can shrink your shirt size if you take the proper measures. To properly shrink your shirt, go to these comprehensive instructions:

Step 1: Examine the fabric blend

Examine the care label inside the shirt before beginning. This will provide you with the fabric’s percentage of polyester and cotton (or other components). It will shrink more readily the more cotton there is in it. Expect less shrinking if the polyester percentage is higher, and take care not to harm the fabric.

Step 2: Give the shirt a pre-wash

Prevent color bleeds and initiate the shrinking process by washing the shirt in cold water on a regular cycle. Additionally, this will aid in removing any oils or grime that might have accumulated on the fabric.

Step 3: Use a hot wash

Restart the washing machine with the shirt once it has been pre-washed. Select the hotter water setting on the machine. The fibers must contract in order to shrink, and hot water will promote this to happen. As usual, you can run a standard cycle and add a modest bit of detergent.

Step 4: Keep An Eye on the Wash Cycle

The heat will cause the cotton strands in the shirt to shrink as it goes through the hot wash cycle. This procedure may not be as useful for blends with a lot of poly, because polyester is more durable, but it is still required. Before continuing, let the shirt finish the wash cycle.

Step 5: Use High Heat to Dry

As soon as the washing is finished, take the shirt off and put it in the dryer. Adjust the dryer’s heat setting to the highest (heavy-duty or cotton). The key to shrinking the shirt’s size is to use high heat, which will further reduce the fibers. Make sure the shirt is completely dry before continuing.

Step 6: Examine Fit

Take the shirt out of the dryer after it has dried to see if the size has shrunk to your preference. Remember that shrinking after a single cycle might not be significant, particularly if a large portion of the fabric is polyester.

Step 7: Continue the procedure if needed

Try again with the shirt if it feels too big. A small amount of shrinkage will occur after each cycle of washing and high heat drying. But take care not to do this too frequently, as prolonged exposure to heat might eventually cause the fabric to deteriorate or alter the texture of your shirt.

Step 8: Let Delicate Fabrics Air-Dry

You can air-dry the shirt after the first shrinking cycle to avoid overshrinking or fabric damage if you’re concerned about breaking it or changing the texture too much. The shrinking process will be slowed down as a result, though.

Advice For Shredded Shirts

Heavy cotton shirts: These will shrink faster and easier than mixtures of polyester.

Heavy shirts made of polyester: It can take several cycles, so proceed with caution as the fibers can become weaker from frequent exposure to high heat.

Shirts featuring prints or graphics: To prevent any printed images from fading or cracking from the heat, turn the shirt inside out.

4 Steps To Shrink A Sweatshirt 

A sweatshirt can be easily shrunk by using heat to cause the fibers to contract. To get a better fit, take these easy steps:

Step 1: Bring the shirt to a boil

Pour some water into a saucepan and heat it until it boils. After turning off the heat, immerse the T-shirt. If you want to see some shrinkage, soak for five minutes, or up to ten minutes.

Step 2: Use a hot wash

Put the sweatshirt in the washer and use the highest water temperature. Employ a heavy-duty or regular cycle.

Step 3: Use high heat to dry

Place the sweatshirt in the dryer and adjust the heat to the maximum level. To get the most shrinking, dry throughout the entire cycle.

Step 4: Assess Fit

Put the sweatshirt on. Proceed with step two if it’s still too loose. Sweatshirt can shrink 5 to 20% with this procedure, depending on heat and repeat.

How To Make A Shirt Smaller

I have identified various ways that might help you if you have a too-big shirt and you want to make it smaller without depending just on heat (which can occasionally harm the fabric). These range from implementing some basic home DIY changes to consulting a professional tailor. Depending on the fabric, how much you wish to shrink it, and the tools you have on hand, every method has benefits and drawbacks. Let me dissect some choices:

Tailoring

One of the best ways to ensure a shirt fits just right is by taking it to a professional tailor. I’ve had great experiences with this method because it offers precision and it keeps the shirt’s original look intact—especially useful for delicate or expensive fabrics.

Simple Sewing

If you’re comfortable with basic sewing skills and have access to a sewing machine, you can make a shirt smaller at home through DIY alterations. This method is cost-effective and allows you to have complete control over how much smaller the shirt becomes.

Tip: If you’re not confident in your sewing skills, start with an old shirt to practice before altering a more expensive or cherished item.

Read more: How to Crop a Shirt: A Complete DIY Guide

Naturally Shrinking

Shirts made from natural fibers like cotton will often shrink a little over time with regular washing and drying. If you’re not in a hurry, simply washing your shirt on warm or hot cycles might gradually reduce size.

Just a heads-up: This method isn’t as effective for fabrics like polyester, which tend to resist shrinking from heat.

FAQs: How to Shrink a Shirt

Conclusion

Shrinking a shirt is a simple and effective way to adjust the fit of your clothing, but the method you choose will depend on the fabric type and how much you want the shirt to shrink. Whether you prefer using heat, like washing and drying on high, or opt for professional tailoring for a more precise adjustment, understanding the material is key to achieving the best results. Always approach the shrinking process carefully, as too much heat can cause damage or uneven shrinking, especially with synthetic fabrics. With the right technique, you can easily give your favourite shirts a perfect, custom fit without compromising their quality.

And if you’d like to see a step-by-step guide in action, check out this video for a visual walkthrough!

Estelle Krattinger

I am Estelle Krattinger, a multi-talented creative artist from Paris, France. Known for my captivating photography and enchanting storytelling, I have garnered a dedicated following on Instagram, where I share glimpses of my artistic journey and creative pursuits. With an impeccable eye for detail and a passion for exploring the beauty in the mundane, my work showcases my unique perspective and artistic vision.