It’s true that the perfect T-shirt is not always the perfect size. We all have that one perfect T-shirt in our drawers that we surely love but actually wear because it’s too large. Instead of tucking it into a pair of jeans, you can shrink it to fit you excellently in the comfort of your own home. Do you know how to shrink a t shirt? If not, follow the simple step-by-step guide to say goodbye to swimming in a T-shirt.
Check the Label for Fabric Material
Applying heat to the garment will help it reduce its size. Each type of fabric has a certain shrink. Some shrink faster than others. Most cotton shirts, not pre-shrunk, will shrink up to 20 percent its size. Wool, linen, and silk can also shrink but may take a little more time and effort. Synthetic fabrics such as nylon, spandex, and polyester are usually tightly woven, so they won’t shrink as much. But it doesn’t mean that you can’t make them smaller.
For delicate, vintage, or printed fabrics, ensure to turn them inside out so you can reduce any damage done to the top. So, make sure you take the fabric of your shirt into consideration before putting in the attempt to shrink it.
How to Shrink a T Shirt
How to Shrink a T Shirt in Hot Water
There are various methods for shrinking a shirt, and one of the simplest ways is to soak it in hot water. Simply heat up a pot of water, drop the shirt as soon as it boils, and shut off the stove. Let the shirt sit for about five minutes, then remove to let it cool. You can leave the tee in the water for up to 20 minutes.
Once the shirt has cooled off enough to touch, wring, dry it and check on your progress. The boiling process can be repeated as many times as needed to get the desired results.
How to Shrink a T Shirt in a Washing Machine
You don’t always need a pot and boiling water to shrink your clothing and get a perfect size. It’s just easy as a piece of cake to use a washing machine. Simply set it to the hottest temperature and put the shirt inside. The heat of the water will have the same result as boiling water, but you can accomplish it while you’re out at work or sitting on the sofa. If you’re washing your shirt with other items, be sure that you only include similar colors, and avoid anything that’s easy to bleed.
Make sure to turn graphic tees inside out, and beware of thin or vintage tees. This washing method can be damaging to fragile fabrics.
How to Shrink a T Shirt in a Dryer
Once you’ve washed the tee, it is best to put it in a washing machine, lay it in the clothes dryer. Make sure it’s switched to the high heat setting, otherwise it won’t have the required effect. For vintage and delicate items, you should use gentle settings for softer drying. That’s so easy, right?
Conclusion
Obviously, t-shirts are one of the indispensable items in our wardrobe. If you have a lot of old t-shirts, there’s no reason not to turn them into something trendy and new. Wondering how to cut a t shirt? We’ve got covered for you.
If your cool and favorite T-shirt is too big, why not apply one of these methods to shrink it quickly. Don’t throw them away or cut them if they’re new.
If you’ve never thought about shrinking a shirt before, you’ll now know how to shrink a t shirt. Knowing how to shrink a t shirt can be an excellent way to customize your dresser, but be careful as ultra-high temperatures can be tough on fabrics. The key, actually, is experimentation. What works for one tee may not work for another. So, be open to the process and you’ll find a lot of interesting things. Happy shrinking!
