LPT Request: $30 Shirt shrunk after washing, anyway to get it back to normal length?

fernguts · 3 months

If it is 100% cotton, it definitely can be stretched. Do it when it is wet and warm, and do it very gently. The gentle part is important, as you don't want to tear the seams. If it is length you're after, I find it easiest to do it with the shirt on me. Then let it air dry.

sputty · 3 months

I bought a sweater and accidentally threw it in the dryer after washing, it shrunk like crazy. Then I tried this method and it worked:

Put your shirt into a warm (not hot) bucket of water with some soap or conditioner. Soak for 10 minutes. Remove and put on towel on flat surface. Stretch shirt to normal lengths. Let dry while patting shirt dry with other towel. (don't wring it however!!)

Zekohl · 3 months

No no, you got it wrong, you spent 30$ on education. Next time you will read the label and wash the shirt accordingly ;)

Depending on the fabric used, there is a small chance to stretch the material, but unshrinking usually isn't possible.

kayzingzingy · 3 months

Ha! You're in luck! I was just thinking the other day of posting this to lpt. One of my favorite shirts shrunk a while ago and I got the idea to hang it up tie the bottom of it and then put two cans of beans (unopened) in the shirt. After about 24 hours the shirt was at least 3in longer.

wuzizname · 3 months

Give the shirt to one of your fat friends, ask him to wear it while soaking in a hot bath. Works every time.

pebbo · 3 months

Why don't you try calling this gentleman?

He can possibly help you out!?

Secret_Agent_Dodgson · 3 months

could try this. Unshrinking Clothes with Julia Probably NSFW

ConformOrElse · 3 months

Put it in the refrigerator for 3 days. You won't see much progress the first day and a half, but after that, it will be popping back into it's original shape/length pretty quickly.

The heat shrinks cotton, but the cold (over a period of a few days) expands the cotton.

colbyok · 3 months

I let my clothes dry over rope hung up in my laundry room. they dry in 24 hrs at room temp and they wont stretch. Saves energy too.

AutoBach · 3 months

Soak in a solution of hair conditioner and water for 10-15 minutes then rinse. The shirt should easily return to nearly the same size as before with light stretching and will stay that way unless/until you wash it improperly again.

jjswee · 3 months

Wondering the opposite. Is there a way to selectively shrink a shirt? Say you want to keep the sleeves and shoulders the same size, but make the waist skinny?

gowidaflo · 3 months

Soak it in vinegar for 30 minutes. Wash it in cold water and fabric softener. Hang to dry. Works wonders! Goodluck! :)

Spaghettihouse · 3 months

Cotton will always shrink. The problem is that some weaves and cotton yarns are more likely to shrink than others - these are often also the cheapest ones. Often they will shrink in length and become wider, this is a result of how the clothes are woven.

Basically, there isn't any way to safeguard against shrinkage, most clothes will shrink, the question is just how much - and you can safeguard yourself against that by:

Checking the care label. Does it state the the clothes will shrink? How many per cent?
Buying quality. It can take some training to recognize quality and craftsmanship, and while you may not become an expert, you will learn to recognize the shit that will shrink.

If it shrinks a lot, and the care label did not clearly state so, you can return it.

Dareiask · 3 months

If you have a steamer, steaming it works too

Cubedesigner2 · 3 months

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRDx0voZFSw

You're welcome.

tonypepperoni · 3 months

I've heard you can use a sponge to dab on a diluted mixture of vinegar and water and then wash it afterwards. Also never dry it completely. I've never tried this however so if anyone has and it works, please verify.

Synth3t1c · 3 months

I heard 20% vinegar and 80% water would do the trick. No idea, though.

Alexanderh86 · 3 months

Time machine?

tubbynerd · 3 months

I get the impression that $30 to spend on a shirt is a lot for you.

that1robbie · 3 months

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRDx0voZFSw

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