Can You Shrink sweatshirts? Here's What You Need to Know

Sweatshirts are one of the most comfortable pieces of clothing you can own. They are perfect for lounging around the house or running errands on a chilly day. The only downside is that sometimes they can become too oversized or baggy. If you have a sweatshirt that you love but wish it was a little more snug, you might be wondering if you can shrink it. The answer is yes, but there are few things you should know before attempting to shrink your sweatshirt.

Understanding the Materials

The first thing you need to consider is the materials your sweatshirt is made out of. Sweatshirts are typically made from a blend of cotton and polyester. Cotton is a natural fiber that shrinks easily, while polyester is synthetic and doesn't shrink as much. It's important to check the label on your sweatshirt to determine the exact materials it's made from. If your sweatshirt is made from a high percentage of polyester, you may not be able to shrink it much.

Preparing Your Sweatshirt

Before you start shrinking your sweatshirt, you need to prepare it. Wash your sweatshirt in hot water, using the highest heat setting on your washing machine. Hot water will cause the fibers in your sweatshirt to contract and shrink. It's important to note that if your sweatshirt has any print or embroidery, it may fade or crack in the hot water. So, if you want to keep the print or embroidery intact, you may want to avoid shrinking your sweatshirt.

Drying Your Sweatshirt

After washing your sweatshirt, you need to dry it using the highest heat setting on your dryer. The heat from the dryer will continue to shrink the fibers in your sweatshirt. If you're worried about potential damage to the print or embroidery, you might want to consider air drying your sweatshirt instead. However, air drying won't shrink your sweatshirt as much as using a dryer will.

Checking for Size

After you've washed and dried your sweatshirt, it's time to check for size. Try on your sweatshirt and see how much it has shrunk. If it's still too big, you can repeat the washing and drying process until you achieve the desired size. However, keep in mind that there is a limit to how much you can shrink your sweatshirt. If you've repeated the process several times and it's still too big, it's probably not going to shrink any further.

Preventing Further Shrinkage

If you've achieved the size you want, it's important to take steps to prevent further shrinkage. Avoid washing your sweatshirt in hot water or drying it on the highest heat setting. Instead, opt for cooler temperatures to maintain the size of your sweatshirt. It's also a good idea to avoid wearing your sweatshirt too often between washes. Sweat, dirt, and oils from your body can cause the fibers in your sweatshirt to shrink further over time.

In Conclusion

Shrinking a sweatshirt is possible, but it's not always the best option. It's important to consider the materials of your sweatshirt and the potential damage to any prints or embroidery. Additionally, there is a limit to how much you can shrink your sweatshirt, so it's important to have realistic expectations. If you follow the steps outlined above and take proper precautions, you can successfully shrink your sweatshirt and enjoy a more snug, comfortable fit.