Q&A for How to Take the Stretch Out of an Elastic in Clothing

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  • Question
    Is there any way to stretch elastic?
    Chloée Ohayon-Crosby
    Costume Designer & Wardrobe Specialist
    Chloée Ohayon-Crosby is a Costume Designer and Wardrobe Specialist in Los Angeles, California. With over eight years of experience in fashion consulting, Chloée specializes in personal, film, theater, and commercial styling as well as image consulting and costume design. Chloée has worked as an assistant designer for the distinguished fashion house Chloée and as a freelance stylist with Glamour Italia. Chloée studied Fine/Studio Arts at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts and Fashion Design and Merchandising at the world renowned ESMOD École Supérieure des Arts in Paris, France.
    Costume Designer & Wardrobe Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Yes, for a quick fix I would take a pair of scissors and make very small snips here and there around the waist where the elastic is situated. That should allow the fabric to loosen up.
  • Question
    Can I stretch the elastic of my socks?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you may stretch the elastic in your socks following the same steps here.
  • Question
    How do I stretch the elastic in the waist of my jacket?
    Community Answer
    Having the jacket zipped closed (if it's a zipper jacket) and following any of these methods will stretch the elastic.
  • Question
    How do I stretch elastic in shoes?
    Community Answer
    In the answer regarding stretching elastic in clothes, one of the methods is to leave the item stretched over something (they used example of a chair) for 24 hours, or even up to several days. They also recommended leaving it in a warm area, as the heat will help the stretching. So for shoes, stuffing something into them so they are in the desired stretched out position, left in a warm area, for a day or more, ought to do it. Note while elastic can be stretched, it can be unstretched, so go easy, a little at a time. Don't overdo it.
  • Question
    How do I stretch the elastic in socks?
    Community Answer
    Stretch the wet socks over a pool noodle, wine bottle, or whatever is a little larger than the tight socks around your leg.
  • Question
    How do I stretch the elastic on my pullover?
    Community Answer
    Turn on the iron and dampen a cloth. You want your iron on and set to the highest setting. Prepare your pants. You can either pin each side of your pants to the ironing board—stretched to the desired length. Place the damp cloth over your elastic. Iron the elastic. Repeat as necessary.
  • Question
    How do I loosen the elastic around the bottom elastic of a bra?
    Community Answer
    Consider buying an “extender”. They have hooks at either end, and come in a number of sizes and colors. They are sold online and in many stores. This will help to give your bra more space.
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