Shopping Cart
(0)
Shrinking a hoodie is simple and can be done at home with basic methods. First, washing the hoodie in hot water helps to loosen the fibers, which leads to shrinkage. Following this, drying the hoodie on high heat in a dryer can cause it to shrink by 10-20%, depending on the fabric. Cotton hoodies, in particular, respond well to this method. For more control over the shrinkage, you can use a steam iron or a hairdryer to apply heat directly to specific areas. It's essential to monitor the process closely to avoid over-shrinking.
Shrinking Preparation: Fabrics & Precautions
Before attempting to shrink your hoodie, it's crucial to understand its fabric composition and take necessary precautions:
Identify Fabric Type
Check the label to determine the fabric composition. Cotton and cotton blends are more likely to shrink than synthetic fibers like polyester. Cotton can shrink up to 5-10%, while polyester has minimal shrinkage.
Understand Shrinking Properties
Cotton shrinks more readily in heat and moisture. Polyester is heat-sensitive and shouldn't be exposed to temperatures above 178°F (81°C). Blends will shrink according to their cotton-to-synthetic ratio.
Pre-Washing Considerations
Many fabrics are pre-shrunk by manufacturers. Do an initial wash in warm or hot water (20-30 minutes) to gauge potential shrinkage.
General Precautions
Follow care instructions specific to your hoodie type. For light shrinkage, limit heat exposure to about 5 minutes. If the hoodie is over 50% polyester, use a cotton cloth when ironing.
Washing Machine Shrinking Method
1. Sort Laundry to Prevent Bleeding
Before you throw your hoodie in the washing machine, sort your laundry by color. This straightforward step cures the bleeding.
This step is important to prevent color from bleeding onto your hoodie in the process of shrinking.
2. Set Machine to Hot Water
If you want to shrink your hoodie, set your washing machine to the hottest water temperature the fabric can handle.
Hot water relaxes the fibers and assists in reaching the amount of shrinkage you want for your item.
3. Add Detergent and Start Cycle
Once you've sorted your laundry and set the water temperature, add the appropriate amount of detergent to the machine.
For a small load like a hoodie, use about half a cap of detergent.
Start the wash cycle to start the shrinking process.
4. Check Size After Washing
After the wash cycle completes, check the size of your hoodie.
If it has shrunk to the size you want, move on to drying.
If more shrinking is necessary, repeat the washing process or move on to other shrinking techniques.
5. Dry on High Heat if Needed
If your hoodie still needs to shrink some, move it to the dryer and set it to high heat. Pay attention to the piece while it's drying so it doesn't over-shrink.
Keep in mind that natural fabrics such as cotton can shrink much more than synthetics, such as polyester.
Boiling Water Shrinking Method
1. Fill Pot with Water and Boil
Add water to a pot and boil it. The amount of water should be enough to completely cover the hoodie you want to shrink.
2. Prepare Hoodie Inside Out
Make sure you turn the hoodie inside out before dunking it in the boiling water.
This step protects the outside of the hoodie from hot water. It also limits the chance of harm.
3. Submerge and Boil Hoodie
Carefully lower the hoodie into the boiling water, ensuring it is fully submerged.
Boil the hoodie in the water for 5 to 10 minutes. Adjust the time based on how much you want it to shrink.
4. Duration and Post-Boiling Steps
- To shrink by 1 size, leave the hoodie in boiling water for 10-15 minutes.
- For it to shrink by up to 2 sizes, let it cool to room temperature after boiling.
- Allow the hoodie to cool slightly for a few minutes before pulling it off.
Dryer Shrinking Method
1. Pre-Washing Steps for Dryer Use
Before putting the hoodie in the dryer to shrink, there are a few steps to take during the washing stage.
Check the care label on your hoodie to ensure it can safely be machine dried.
Then, you'll want to wash the hoodie in hot water to prepare it for shrinking.
2. Remove Excess Water Before Drying
After washing, gently squeeze excess water out of the hoodie. Be sure not to wring it harshly, as this can damage the fabric.
The key is to make sure that the hoodie is damp and not dripping wet before it goes in the dryer.
3. Set Dryer to High Heat and Time
Get rid of the excess water.
Set your dryer on high heat and adjust the drying time according to how much shrinkage you want. If it's just a bit of shrinkage, a shorter cycle — say, 20-30 minutes — will do the trick.
Keep in mind that cotton fibers will shrink more easily than synthetic fibers such as polyester.
4. Monitor Drying Process
Periodically check on the hoodie during the drying process. If you're trying to achieve certain levels of shrinkage, be conscious of how much time the item spends in the dryer.
Keep in mind that if it dries too much, you'll end up with too much shrinkage, so you do need to pay attention to it along the way.
Ironing Methods to Reduce Size
Ironing is a precise and effective technique for shrinking a hoodie, particularly useful for hoodies that fit well in some areas but are loose in others. This method allows for more control over the shrinking process compared to using a washing machine or dryer.
1. Identify Problem Areas
Determine which parts of the hoodie need shrinking. Common areas include the sleeves, waistband, or hood.
2. Prepare Boiling Water
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Ensure you have enough water to submerge the desired areas of the hoodie.
3. Submerge Specific Areas
Carefully dip the chosen sections of the hoodie into the boiling water. Hold them submerged for 3-5 minutes, allowing the fabric to absorb the heat thoroughly.
4. Remove and Cool
Using tongs or a wooden spoon, carefully remove the hoodie from the water. Let it cool slightly until it's safe to handle.
5. Squeeze Out Excess Water
Gently squeeze the soaked areas to remove excess water. Avoid wringing or twisting, as this can damage the fabric.
6. Air Dry
Hang the hoodie to air dry completely. As it dries, the heat-treated areas will contract, resulting in a tighter fit.
7. Check and Repeat if Necessary
Once dry, try on the hoodie to assess the fit. If more shrinkage is needed, repeat the process, being careful not to over-shrink the fabric.
Aftercare for Shrunken Hoodies
Maintain New Size Tips
Once you've gone through the process of fixing a shrunken hoodie, you'll want to make sure to keep it in its newly sized state. To do this, always wash your hoodie in cold water to prevent further shrinking.
Avoid using a dryer and instead use an air-drying method, since heat causes fabrics to shrink. To make sure that the size of your hoodie lasts, consider giving it a light hand wash every couple of months.
Prevent Further Shrinkage Strategies
If you've gone too far and they're still shrinking, there are things you can do to help prevent any more shrinking.
First of all, don't use an iron on your hoodie, as the heat can cause even more shrinkage. If you have to iron the hoodie, place a piece of cotton fabric over it first. This is particularly important if the hoodie is made of more than 50% polyester.
Try that shrinking method on an old or less valuable hoodie first. This will give you an idea of the possible results before you try it on your favorite clothing items.
Conclusion
Understanding the fabric, preparing the hoodie, and choosing the right shrinking technique are pivotal steps in this process. Remember, caution is out of hand for over-shrinking risk. Post-shrinking care is just as important to keep your hoodie looking its best. Enjoy that perfectly fitted garment! Happy shrinking!
