Q&A for How to Stretch a Cotton T Shirt

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Question

How do you stretch a cotton shirt with conditioner?

Ayad Mirjan
Dry Cleaner & Laundry Specialist
Ayad Mirjan is a Dry Cleaner and Laundry Specialist and the Founder of OrangeBag®, a toxin-free, sustainable, Los Angeles-based laundry and dry cleaning delivery service. Ayad has over four years of experience in the industry and he specializes in providing easy laundry and dry-cleaning solutions to professionals, families, and businesses. Ayad received his Bachelor's degree from The University of California, San Diego, and an MBA from Henley Business School. He is also a board member of the Entrepreneur's Organization Accelerator (EOA).

Ayad Mirjan

Dry Cleaner & Laundry Specialist

Expert Answer

Submerge your shirt in a bowl of warm water. Then, stir in 1/4 cup (59.1 mL) of hair conditioner. Let the shirt soak for 25-30 minutes, squeeze out the extra water, and hang-dry it away from direct sunlight.

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Question

If I use the shower method, will it affect the graphic writing on my T-shirt?

Community Answer

If you're pulling the shirt right where the graphic is, there's a chance you'll get some cracks in it; since you're using the shower method, you can just avoid pulling too close to that area.

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Question

What is the size of the chair on the chair method?

Community Answer

Use a chair that is big enough to stretch the shirt to the size you want it.

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Question

How long do I need to keep the shirt on the chair while using the "chair stretch" method?

Community Answer

Leave the shirt on the chair for however long it takes for the it to dry. If you're worried that the shirt is becoming too distorted, pull it off while it's still somewhat damp, and lay it flat to dry.

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Question

I know this might be a dumb question, but if I am using the "chair stretch method", will the graphic or image on the shirt be distorted?

Community Answer

It could be. Use the shower method if you want to avoid that.

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Question

Which method will stop it from shrinking if I put it back into a dryer?

Community Answer

None of the methods will prevent your item of clothing from shrinking once back in the dryer. This is because the heat from the dryer makes the shirt warm, causing the fibers and particles in the shirt to shrink. If you want to keep the shape of the shirt, let it air-dry instead of putting it in the dryer.

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Question

How should I dry my shirt after using the shower example?

Community Answer

Let it air dry. Lay it flat. If you tumble dry it, it will just shrink again.

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Question

After using the shower method and air-drying it, will I be able to wash and dry it normally?

Community Answer

You should be able to wash it normally, but try to avoid the dryer as it may shrink the shirt again. Air-drying is best.

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Question

Can I inflate a T-shirt to stretch it?

Community Answer

This requires a special pump sold in fabric/haberdashery stores. Ask for the "Bump-pump" brand - it's the best. It's designed to adjust clothes to fit women when they are pregnant and as their bump grows, but there's no reason you can't use it to stretch other parts of clothing, too.

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Question

I want to stretch the collar. What should I do?

Community Answer

Wet the collar, then pull on it gently in all directions to stretch it out.

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Question

When using the shower stretch, do I air dry the shirt afterwards or put it into the dryer?

Community Answer

You should always air dry it afterwards. The heat from the dryer can cause it to shrink again.

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Question

If i just wet the shirt and stretch it, would it work in the same way?

Community Answer

Yes. Wash it in cold water, and when the cycle is done, take it out. Pull on the areas you would like stretched, and let it dry.

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Question

Can this work with a hoodie?

Community Answer

Yes. You may just have to stretch a little harder if it is a heavier material.

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Question

Can I inflate my shirts to stretch them?

Community Answer

This requires a special pump sold in fabric/haberdashery stores. Ask for the "Bump-Pump" brand - it's the best. It's designed to adjust clothes to fit women when they are pregnant and as their bump grows, but there's no reason you can't use it to stretch other parts of clothing, too.

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Question

How do I make the sleeves of a t-shirt longer?

Community Answer

Use the iron method and wet the sleeves, then take some heavy objects and place them on the shoulder areas of the sleeves, then stretch the sleeves to the desired length. Then put the heavy object on the wrist area of the sleeve, wait for it to dry, and then it should be good.

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Question

I have a graphic t-shirt from school that is too tight. What method would work the best?

Community Answer

The shower stretch method should work the best without destroying the graphic. However, remember to air-dry it after, because using the dryer may cause the shirt to shrink.

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Question

Will the shirt stay stretched?

Community Answer

The shirt will stay stretched until you wash it and then put it in the dryer. If you want it to stay stretched, air dry the shirt after washing.

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Question

Should I use warm or cold water with the chair method?

Community Answer

Be sure to use cool water. If you use hot or cold water, the fibers won't be prone to stretching. They tend to loosen up more with warm water.

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Question

I need to stretch a graphic t-shirt in the shoulder area, which method works best?

Community Answer

Use the conditioner stretch, but only stretch the shoulder area. Iron the graphic after rinsing the shirt, though.

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Question

Will my shirt shrink back to its original size if I wash it?

Community Answer

It depends on how you wash it. If you use a drying machine, it may shrink but maybe not back to its original size. If you can, use air-drying.

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Question

Will a cotton sweater become bigger if i just wear it regularly?

Community Answer

Over time, it should become bigger, but if you don't want to stretch it drastically, you could use any gentle method from above.

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Question

How can I evenly stretch the sleeves of a shirt?

Community Answer

You can try slipping a large bottle of equal size to each other inside the sleeves of the shirt. Leave overnight to stretch.

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