How to Restore Shrunken Clothes After a Laundry Fumble

Oops! Honey, I Shrunk My Favorite Clothes! Here’s How to Rescue Your Wardrobe After a Laundry Mishap

Accidents happen, so here’s how to fix them.

by Jamie Peterson
Updated: May 25, 2022
Originally Published: July 8, 2021

Uh-oh! You’ve done it again. That cashmere sweater that once fit perfectly is now shrunk to the size of a doll’s outfit. Those beloved jeans that hugged you in all the right places? After a few too many rounds in the dryer, they’ve transformed into a fit that could only be described as Steve Urkel chic — and you deserve better than that. We understand that these laundry disasters can occur at home. That’s why we’ve compiled expert tips on how to unshrink clothes.

By now, you likely know that it all comes down to the fabric. Synthetic materials tend to resist shrinking, while natural fibers like cotton, wool, silk, and linen are more susceptible to shrinkage when exposed to heat. Why is that? Well, synthetic fibers are composed of petroleum-based polymers, and the washing machine doesn’t generate enough heat to change their molecular structure. Natural fibers, however, must undergo twisting and pulling to become usable fabric, which can create tension at the molecular level. Subjecting them to hot water or a high-heat dryer can lead to severe shrinkage.

According to Whirlpool, a leading authority on laundry tips, washing on a gentle cycle and adhering to the recommended water temperature is crucial to prevent shrinkage. “If you remember one rule to avoid shrinking clothes, let it be this: keep it cool,” Whirlpool advises. “Clothes are far more likely to shrink when exposed to hot water or high dryer settings.” They also mention that while cold water may not stop all shrinkage, it can help maintain the garment’s overall size. Additionally, it’s best to avoid heavy-duty cycles or fast spins with fabrics prone to shrinking. Instead, opt for delicate cycles and place fragile items in mesh laundry bags for extra protection. When drying, consider using a ‘low heat’ or ‘air dry’ option.

Despite all the preventative measures, mishaps happen — like when a partner with no laundry sense tosses everything into the washer on high. Or perhaps you meant to take your jeans out after a few minutes, but life got in the way. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for tips on reversing laundry shrinkage.

How to Unshrink Cotton Clothes

Good news! Cotton is easy to stretch back out. Fill a bowl or sink with lukewarm water and a couple of tablespoons of baby shampoo or conditioner. Submerge the shrunken garment and let it soak for 30 minutes to loosen the fibers. Rinse it out, then lay the garment flat on an absorbent towel, rolling it up to eliminate excess water. Finally, gently stretch the clothing back to its original size and let it air dry.

How to Unshrink Polyester

You can also restore synthetic fabrics! Polyester and rayon can be reshaped similarly to cotton. Mix a tablespoon of conditioner in a basin of warm water and let the garment soak for 30 to 45 minutes. Afterward, gently stretch the fabric back to its original dimensions.

How to Unshrink Cashmere

If you own a cashmere piece, you might be wondering how to unshrink it. You can follow the same steps as with cotton, or try a tip from stylist Lila Jones. “Moisten the top half of the sweater with cold water from a spray bottle and lay it flat on a towel,” Jones suggests. “Then stretch the shoulders out and place a book covered in plastic or a towel on each side to hold them in place. Leave it overnight in a cool spot to dry thoroughly. When you try it on again, it may even fit better than before! If it’s still snug, repeat the stretching process to ensure both sides are even.”

How to Unshrink Denim

Stretching out jeans is a breeze. The key is to dampen them and then wear them while they dry to mold them back into shape. If you only need a slight adjustment, a spray bottle filled with water might do the trick. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even take a bath while wearing your jeans to get them wet enough to stretch them comfortably! For a more thorough approach, soak the jeans in baby shampoo or conditioner to relax the denim fibers. After soaking, wring out excess water with a towel and pull them on to stretch them back to size.

Unshrink Clothes: Q & A

Does ironing unshrink clothes?
Absolutely! Irons can be quite effective in stretching out shrunken fabric. The heat and weight of the iron can pull and stretch fibers back to their original state. Use the steam setting to help loosen the fabric or lightly spray it with water before pressing.

Does drying on low heat shrink clothes?
Using the dryer on low heat doesn’t guarantee that clothes will remain unshrunken. Heat is the main culprit for shrinkage, but dryer settings can vary widely. If you need to dry items quickly, consider drying them for a short time and then allowing them to air dry to minimize shrinkage.

This article was originally published on July 8, 2021.

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In summary, laundry mishaps can be disheartening, but with a few simple techniques, you can restore your clothes to their original size. Just remember to always treat different fabrics appropriately and take care during washing and drying to prevent future shrinkage.