Cotton clothes are an excellent option for any wardrobe. They’re comfortable, durable, and stylish. But if you buy something too big, you may wonder how to shrink cotton clothes. It’s easy enough to do if you follow the proper steps – and we’re here to help!
How To Shrink Cotton Clothes Quickly and Easily
Keep reading for our guide on how to shrink cotton clothes, from why you might need to do it to tips for successful shrinking.
Reasons Why You Might Need To Shrink Cotton Clothes
Cotton is a fantastic fabric – but it can be not easy to get the right size when buying new items. If you purchase something too big, it can look sloppy and unflattering.
The good news is that cotton is relatively easy to shrink at home without damaging the fabric or losing the shape of the item.
Tips For Successful Shrinking
It’s important to remember that cotton shrinks more in length than width (so keep this in mind when shopping). Always check the care label on your garment before attempting to shrink it, as some kinds of cotton may not respond well and should only be dry-cleaned or washed by hand.
When shopping, always err on caution – it’s better to buy something slightly too large rather than too small so you have room for shrinking.
How To Shrink Cotton Clothes?
The best way to shrink cotton clothes is by washing them in hot water and then drying them in a hot dryer.
This method works best with 100% cotton garments, as other fabrics may not respond well or even become distorted during the process. Here are some simple steps:
- Turn your garment inside out and pre-soak it in warm water for 10 minutes before washing it according to instructions on the care label (generally machine wash warm).
- Once finished washing, put your garment into a hot dryer and set it on high heat for 30 minutes (longer if needed). Check periodically, as you don’t want your item to become shrunken or misshapen! After 30 minutes, remove your garment and allow it to cool before trying it on.
- If necessary, repeat step two until the desired fit has been achieved.
Suggestions For Shrinking Cotton Clothes
A few quick tips can make all the difference when shrinking cotton clothes:
- Use vinegar – adding a cup of white vinegar during the wash cycle will help lock in color while also helping reduce static cling, which can cause unwanted wrinkles in clothing once dried;
- Pre-shrink – if possible, pre-shrink your garment before wearing by soaking it overnight in warm water and then machine washing it;
- Stretch – after removing from the dryer, stretch gently with your hands while still damp so the fabric doesn’t become misshapen;
- Dry Clean – some cotton may not respond well or could even become distorted through regular laundering, so always check the care label first;
- Label Carefully – once shrunken, label each item carefully with a permanent marker noting what was done so that future cleaning instructions are followed correctly!
Shrinking cotton clothes is easy once you know how – follow our simple steps above and watch those oversized garments go from baggy and shapeless into perfectly fitted pieces! Always check care labels before attempting any shrinking methods, as cotton may require special attention, such as dry cleaning.
And remember, err on the side of caution when shopping – better choose something slightly larger than smaller, as there’s nothing worse than ending up with an item that won’t fit regardless of how much time is spent trying to shrink! Happy shrinking!
