Q&A for How to Shrink Polyester

Don't hang it up after you wash it. Just fold it up and store it in your closet or dresser.

Yes—first, wash it in very hot water using normal laundry detergent. Then, put it in a tumble dryer on high heat.

Yes, absolutely! Putting your polyester in the dryer after boiling it will help it shrink more.

Yes, you can shrink 100% polyester, although it won't shrink as much as clothing made from polyester mixed with other types of fabrics.

A common combination of synthetic materials, this is often found in leggings and exercise wear. While shrinking is possible, it does carry a risk of garment damage due to the high heat needed. To try to shrink, wash the garment at the hottest water setting of your washing machine (only this garment, nothing else). After washing, place the garment inside a garment laundry bag or tied pillowcase and tumble in the dryer at its hottest setting for 10 minutes. Remove and try the garment on; if it fits, great. If not, you can repeat the whole process but remember it isn't meant to be subjected to high heat. To finish, wash as the care tag recommends, without laundry detergent to set the garment at its new shrunken size. Shrinkage will occur both lengthwise and widthwise.

It's unlikely; the purpose of pre-shrinking is to discourage further shrinkage of a garment. The garment may also have been further treated with shrink-proofing treatment. You can try the process outlined in the article but don't be surprised if there is no difference. If there are iron-on letters or logos, it's not advisable to use this process as the heat may melt or damage them.

Yes, polyester can be placed in the dryer, as long as you use the lowest setting (minimum heat) and balance it with garments of a similar weight, without overcrowding the dryer (to discourage wrinkling). Too much heat risks shrinking polyester, so double check before setting the dryer to work. However, given the speed at which polyester usually dries, you may not even need to use the dryer but just hang to air-dry––this saves money and wear and tear.

During the drying stage, if you’re using a dryer, add some dryer sheets––these can help to reduce or eliminate wrinkles in the first place. To remove wrinkles from a dry garment, dampen the garment with a little water spray and place a pressing cloth (e.g., a thin towel) over the garment, then iron out the wrinkles using the "synthetics" setting. You can also wash the garment again on a permanent press cycle (if possible, otherwise use a warm wash), ensuring it is well balanced with other clothes but not crowded, then shake it a little before adding to the dryer to dry on permanent press (if available, otherwise use warm) or add dryer sheets; do not overcrowd the dryer and dry with items of a similar weight only. If you have a garment steamer, this can be used too, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

You may be able to shrink a polyester and cotton blend but it will be a lot harder because the polyester addition is meant to help prevent shrinkage as well as ensure an easy-care garment. Use a hot wash followed by drying on the hottest dryer setting; you may be able to get a small amount of shrinkage. However, do not be surprised if the garment either doesn’t shrink or shrinks very little because that is the whole point of a polyester and cotton blend––to not shrink! If shrink-proofing treatment has been added to the garment, then shrinkage is very unlikely.

Yes, because the fabrics will get tighter and then the cloth will also get tighter. But usually the shrinking is in all aspects (length and width), so be careful.

About 2 sizes down, if you do it correctly and boil water and then wash it hot.

Heat some water in a large stock pot over the stove to 180 degrees F. Then, let the garment soak in the water with the lid on for 1 hour. Take the garment out of the water, squeeze the water out, and then proceed with the iron drying method described above.

Try to use water that is about 180°F. Water simmers at 195°F, so put the shirt in before the water simmers.

Turn the pants inside out and dip them in hot water and let it boil for about 10 minutes. You can also use the hot water setting in your washer. When they've soaked in the hot water, carefully, without burning yourself, twist the excess water out of the pants in the sink and then put them in the dryer, still Inside out. You can repeat this process until you have the desired size you are looking for.

It shouldn't, unless the embroidery is an iron on. Then I'd be cautious. If it's sewn on then it should be fine.

It will hardly make a difference, I did this process with a big branded jacket and it worked fine.

Probably nothing that good. It'll come out of the hot cycle as a crumpled, shapeless shadow of its former glory. Furthermore, even if the jacket should shrink, the lining won't.

It shouldn’t ruin it. Since cotton shrinks with heat as well, it should be fine. Just be careful and read the directions on the label.

Yes. Cotton can be shrunk with the same methods as polyester.

It will work on certain clothing articles, like an athletic shirt. Jackets, for example, will most likely not shrink. It will not have the same shrinkage effect as it would with cotton, so keep that in mind. If your clothing article is waterproof, you are likely to ruin it. If at all possible, your best result would to be return/exchange said clothing article for a more appropriate size.

You could try to stretch it out, but be careful. You could end up with rips or abnormalities with the actual piece of clothing.

Follow the same steps. Cotton shrinks more than polyester, so you wouldn’t have to do it as long.

Yes, if you do it correctly using the right amount of heat. If the process doesn't work, try repeating the steps.

The same way. Polyester can be shrunk the same way that cotton can be.

Yes, just follow the same steps as they’re written. Be sure not to leave it outside-in. Remember, the hottest water is best for this fabric.

This degree of shrinkage is not possible.

Turn the polyester jersey inside out and follow the instructions on this page. The instructions will work to give you what you want.

Use a pair of playground balls. Safety pin or stitch a piece of stiff thick woven fabric to the seams to either side to prevent the front from stretching. You will have to alternate inflating each ball a little at a time. Wet the area you want to stretch. Be careful not to overdo.

It really depends on what the zipper is made of. If it's made of good quality metal, it shouldn't affect anything, however, if it's made of a lightweight, cheap plastic, then you may want to try the ironing method. Doing this could also cause wear and tear to all aspects of your clothes, so just be careful.