How to fix garment shrinkage

Shrinking can happen when clothes are exposed to heat, but don’t worry—there are ways to help restore their shape and size. 

Please note that high spin cycles or tumble drying can cause fibers to become tangled or matted, making it harder to reverse shrinkage. The shrinkage in such cases may become permanent, so always use low heat and select a gentle cycle when washing.

For minor shrinkage, you can often restore the fit with gentle steaming and stretching. Steaming the garment softens the fibers, making it easier to gently pull the fabric back to its original size.

1. Soak in Lukewarm Water and Conditioner

  • Fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a tablespoon of hair conditioner or baby shampoo. These help relax the fibers, making the fabric more pliable.
  • Submerge the garment in the water and let it soak for 15–30 minutes. This allows the fibers to loosen and stretch out.
  • Gently massage the fabric to loosen any tightness.

2. Gently Stretch the Fabric

  • After soaking, carefully remove the garment from the water, being careful not to wring or twist it. Lay it flat on a clean towel.
  • Begin gently stretching the fabric back to its original shape. Focus on areas that have shrunk the most.
  • For shirts or sweaters, stretch them lengthwise. For pants or skirts, focus on the waist and leg length.
  • If needed, use your hands to pull and stretch the fabric gently while damp, but avoid overstretching it.

3. Use a Towel to Absorb Excess Water

  • Once the garment has been gently stretched, lay it flat on a clean, dry towel.
  • Roll the towel and the garment up together to remove excess moisture. Press gently to absorb the water.
  • This will help avoid further stretching or distorting the garment’s shape during drying.

4. Dry the Garment Carefully

  • Lay the garment flat to dry on a flat surface like a drying rack or towel. This will help it maintain its shape as it dries.
  • Avoid hanging garments to dry, as this can cause them to stretch out further in certain areas.
  • Be patient: air-drying is best for maintaining fabric integrity.

5. Repeat the Process if Necessary

  • If the garment still feels too small after the first attempt, repeat the soaking and stretching process again.
  • Be mindful that some fabrics, especially cotton, may not return to their original size completely, but they should loosen up enough for a more comfortable fit.

6. Prevent Future Shrinkage

  • To prevent shrinkage in the future, wash garments in cool water and avoid high heat when drying.
  • Always check the care label for specific washing instructions and avoid washing garments with fabrics that are more prone to shrinking.

For garments with significant shrinkage, professional dry cleaners can use steamers and their expertise to reverse shrinkage and restore your garment’s shape.