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Get more life and more comfort out of your favorite cotton T-shirt
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Whether you pulled a blunder with the clothes dryer or the shirt was never big enough in the first place, there are ways to stretch a tight cotton t-shirt to fit more comfortably. Cotton does have some give, especially when wet, so before you throw it out in frustration, try out a few of the ideas below. Keep reading as we walk you step-by-step through stretching a shirt with hair conditioner, an iron, weights, and more.
Easy Way to Stretch Out a Tight Shirt
- Fill a sink with lukewarm water and swirl in a capful of hair conditioner.
- Place the shirt in the water and let it soak for at least 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse the shirt in cold water for about 5 minutes, removing all the conditioner.
- Put your arms inside the shirt and push outward, stretching the fabric.
- Lay the shirt flat and allow it to air dry completely.
Steps
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Fill a sink with lukewarm water and add a capful of conditioner. The T-shirt’s fibers won’t stretch properly if the water is too hot or too cold. Fill the sink (or a large bowl) with enough water to completely cover the shirt, then add your conditioner. A capful will generally be enough, but if you want to measure, add 1 tbsp (15 ml) for every 1 quart (1 liter) of water. Swirl the conditioner with your hands to make sure it fully dissolves. [1] X Research source
- Hair conditioner softens the shirt’s fibers, making them easier to stretch.
- A cheap conditioner is fine; don’t waste your fancy hair products on your T-shirt.
- If you don’t have hair conditioner, baby shampoo will also work.
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Submerge the T-shirt for 10-15 minutes. Place the T-shirt on top of the bowl or sink, then gently press it into the water, keeping it as flat as possible so the conditioned water gets into every fiber of the shirt. If it’s wadded up, areas of the shirt will shrink differently. [2] X Research source
- Hold the shirt flat toward the bottom of the bowl for a minute or two. This will keep it from gathering or bunching up and will ensure every fiber gets infused with the conditioned water. The more saturated it gets, the more it will stay on the bottom of the bowl or sink on its own.
- To really saturate the shirt, laundry specialist Ayad Mirjan recommends “letting it sit for 25-30 minutes.” [3]
X
Expert Source
Ayad Mirjan
Dry Cleaner & Laundry Specialist Expert Interview. 11 August 2021.
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Rinse the shirt with cold water for 5 minutes. Take the shirt out of the sink and either submerge it in another bowl of clean, cold water, or rinse it under cold running water. Work the shirt with your hands to remove all the conditioner, or it will be covered in a sticky residue. Spend about 5 minutes rinsing the T-shirt, making sure the clean water penetrates every fiber. [4] X Research source
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Place your forearms inside the shirt to stretch it. Choose the area you want to stretch, like the torso, and put your arms inside, stretching outward. Be careful not to put too much pressure in one spot, as this can leave a “dent” and make the shirt look awkward. If your arms aren’t strong enough to get a good stretch, try using your legs, a sturdy pole, or getting someone with more arm strength to help you. [5] X Research source
- If you just want your T-shirt to be longer, stretch from the neck and the bottom, pulling it in opposite directions. Work from left to right, making sure all sides are equally stretched.
- Squeeze out excess water to keep the shirt from dripping everywhere as you work. Try not to wring it, however, as this could alter the shape.
- If your shirt has a graphic you don’t want to stretch, iron it before stretching so the image doesn’t get distorted. Dry fabric won’t stretch as much as wet fabric.
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Spread the stretched shirt on a towel to dry. It may be helpful to place weights on the edges of the shirt to help prevent shrinking. If you’re looking for a larger bust or stomach, place objects within the t-shirt to stretch those areas out even more. For best results, lay the shirt flat to dry. [6] X Research source
- The shirt will retain its shape until it is washed and dried again. To keep the new size, make sure not to put it back in the dryer.
- Mirjan says it’s important to dry your shirt “away from direct sunlight.” [7]
X
Expert Source
Ayad Mirjan
Dry Cleaner & Laundry Specialist Expert Interview. 11 August 2021. Strong sunlight can cause the shirt’s colors to fade, and the UV rays can even break down fabric bonds.
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Wet the entire T-shirt in cool or cold water. Hold the shirt flat towards the bottom of a bowl or sink filled with cool water and make sure every fiber is soaked. The shirt doesn’t need to soak for a certain amount of time; just make sure it’s evenly wet. [8] X Research source
- This stretching method also works well for collared shirts and button-downs.
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Squeeze out excess water and lay the shirt on a flat surface. Gently wring out the shirt to prevent it from dripping and soaking your ironing surface. An ironing board is best, but a countertop or the floor will also work if you’re careful. If you aren’t using an ironing board , make sure whatever surface you’re using can withstand heat. [9] X Research source
- If you’d like, give the shirt a few tugs to start the stretching process. You’d be surprised just how much you can do with only your bare hands.
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Set your iron to medium-low and begin ironing. Hold the iron in one hand and keep the shirt in place with the other, then start pulling and pressing the shirt out. Be sure to use pressure as you run the iron over it so it stretches properly. Stretch and iron in every direction, pulling up, down, and to the sides. Then, flip the shirt over and iron the back in the same way. [10] X Research source
- This method isn’t great for significant stretching; it’s best used if you just need the shirt to fit a little better or a little longer.
- The heat from the iron helps loosen the shirt’s fibers, making it easier to stretch.
- Don’t use a higher heat setting, as this could damage the shirt.
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Hang the shirt up or lay it flat to dry. After ironing, give the T-shirt one final tug. Hang it up to dry, or if you prefer, lay it flat and place weights around the edges to ensure it maintains its stretch. [11] X Research source Don’t machine dry it or it will revert back to its original size.
- From now on, the shirt should be air-dried after you wash it. It may occasionally need to be stretched out again, but avoiding the dryer will help keep it larger.
Revive an old favorite with stretching tricks.
"I had an old band t-shirt from high school that didn't fit anymore. I was bummed because it had great sentimental value. Using the conditioner soak method, I was able to revive this shirt and enjoy wearing it again. The steps were easy to follow."
- Marisol L.
Customize shirt size with targeted stretching.
"The shower stretch technique let me tweak a store-bought t-shirt to fit just right. I focused the stretching on the sleeves and width. Now, I have a perfectly customized shirt. Targeted stretching works wonders."
- Deminica R.
Salvage an ill-fitting gifted shirt.
"My aunt got me a T-shirt as a gift that was too small. I was hesitant to alter a present, but the iron stretch method subtly enlarged it just enough. With some light iron tugging, I salvaged the shirt and can actually wear it now."
- Rhyann W.
Stretch kids' hand-me-down shirts.
"Old t-shirts from my son's early years are like new again, thanks to these techniques. A quick conditioner soak stretches them out perfectly for my daughter to get more use. Hand-me-downs feel brand new with strategic shirt stretching."
- Teresa R.
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Wear the T-shirt in a hot shower. Turn on your shower and make sure the water is warm-to-hot (the hotter, the better). Clothes stretch more when they’re wet, so if your T-shirt fits, put it on and get in the shower. Make sure the entire shirt is thoroughly wet so you can stretch it properly. [12] X Research source
- This method also works for stretching wool sweaters.
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Tug the shirt with your hands to stretch it. By wearing the shirt, you’ll be able to choose which areas need stretching, rather than stretching the entire thing. Use your hands to pull the shirt outward to stretch it. Repeat this for every area you want to loosen. [13] X Research source- For example, this method would work well if you need a shirt that’s longer or only bigger in the bust.
- If your shirt doesn’t fit or you’re stretching a shirt for someone else, it may still be possible to stretch it in the shower. Simply hold the shirt in your hands under the shower stream until it’s thoroughly soaked. Then, place your arms inside the shirt and press outward to stretch it.
- From now on, when you wash your shirt, let it air dry. If you put it in the dryer, it will likely shrink back to its original size.
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Soak the T-shirt in warm water. This method is similar to the shower method, but can be done without getting yourself wet. Saturate the shirt with hot water, either by running it under the tap or soaking it in a sink or bowl. Make sure every fiber is wet so the shirt will stretch properly. [14] X Research source
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Tug the fabric with your hands. Place your arms inside the shirt and push outward to stretch the torso, or grab a specific area of the shirt (like the sleeves) and pull to stretch them. Use gentle force so you don’t accidentally rip the shirt. This process may need to be repeated a few times to get the desired result. [15] X Research source
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Alternatively, tug on the shirt while it’s dry. Cotton shirts are pretty malleable, so if you tug on it repeatedly, the T-shirt will eventually stretch. If you wear it all the time, constantly pulling on it will stretch it out bit by bit. Just be careful not to overdo the stretching, or it will eventually look out of shape. [16] X Research source
- Like other stretching methods, don’t dry your T-shirt in the dryer after you’ve stretched it. Allow it to air dry so it doesn’t shrink back up.
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Wet the shirt with warm water. In most cases, it’s best to soak your shirt in water before stretching, as water helps loosen the fibers of the fabric. Either soak your shirt in a sink or bowl filled with warm water or run it under the tap until it’s properly saturated. Make sure the entire shirt is completely wet. [17] X Research source
- This method also works well for stretching sweaters.
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Place weights or heavy objects on top of the T-shirt. Almost any heavy object can be used for this process, like actual gym weights, books, or bags of rice. Lay the shirt flat and place the weights around the edges, pulling the shirt out slightly as you do so to help stretch it. The weights will hold the shirt down and keep it in its stretched-out position. [18] X Research source
- Place items inside the shirt, as well, to stretch it that way. For example, if the chest needs to be looser, place a couple of baseballs inside. For wider arms, put a cylinder or small bowl in the sleeves.
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Let the shirt dry overnight, then stretch it. Leave the shirt under the weights until it dries completely, usually overnight. [19] X Research source Then, remove the weights and tug the shirt with your hands to stretch it. Use gentle pressure so the T-shirt doesn’t rip, and try to pull every area equally so the shirt doesn’t have any awkwardly stretched areas.
- Remember to let your shirt air dry whenever you wash it. If you put it in the dryer, it will likely shrink to its original size.
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Wet the shirt with warm water. When water saturates the T-shirt’s fibers, they become looser, which allows the shirt to stretch more easily. Warm water works best, so soak your shirt in a sink or bowl or run it under the tap until it’s completely wet. [20] X Research source
- This method works best for shirts that may have shrunk in the wash.
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Wear the shirt to stretch it. This might be a bit uncomfy, but try to put the shirt on while it’s still wet or damp. The fibers of the fabric will be looser than when they’re dry, so it will be easier to stretch the shirt. For additional stretch, tug the shirt outward with your hands. [21] X Research source
- It may be possible to stretch the shirt without getting it wet first. Depending on how small it is, try wearing the dry T-shirt for a few hours or overnight to see if you can get the desired stretch.
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Alternatively, have a larger friend wear the T-shirt. If you don’t want to walk around in a damp T-shirt, another way to body stretch it is to have a larger friend wear it. Choose a friend who is a size or two larger than you and see if they’ll wear the dry T-shirt for an hour or two, or sleep in it overnight. This should provide the adequate stretch you need.
- A friend who is too close to your size won’t stretch the shirt enough, and a friend who is much larger than you either won’t be able to put it on or will stretch it out too much.
- As usual when stretching a shirt, let it air dry from now on whenever you wash it. A dryer might cause it to shrink back up.
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Get the entire T-shirt wet. This method works well for small or fitted T-shirts. Either use the washing machine, dunk it into a tub or sink of warm water, or run it under the tap until it’s fully saturated. The water will loosen the fibers, which makes it easier to stretch. [22] X Research source
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Place the wet shirt over the back of a chair. Choose a chair that won’t be damaged by water, like a dining chair and make sure it’s large enough to properly stretch the shirt. Slide the shirt over the back of the chair, ensuring that the arms are stretched out in opposite directions. Like the weights method, the chair will hold the shirt in place so it dries in a stretched position. [23] X Research source
- If the chair is too small or narrow, it won’t give you the stretch you want, and if it’s too big, the shirt might not fit over the back or it will stretch it out too much.
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Gently tug on the shirt and allow it to dry. The chair alone will stretch the shirt, but pulling on the fabric with your hands can help the process along. [24] X Research source Then, leave the shirt alone until it air dries completely. When it’s dry, take it off the chair and it should be properly stretched. If it isn’t, repeat the process until you get the fit you desire.
- Don’t put the T-shirt in the dryer after it’s been stretched, or it will likely shrink back to its original size. Instead, let it air dry after you wash it.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow do you stretch a cotton shirt with conditioner?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).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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QuestionIf I use the shower method, will it affect the graphic writing on my T-shirt?Community AnswerIf 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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QuestionWhat is the size of the chair on the chair method?Community AnswerUse a chair that is big enough to stretch the shirt to the size you want it.
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Tips
- Stretch the arms or neck hole on a shirt using these methods. The neck tends to stretch a little easier, so be careful not to stretch too far on your first try.Thanks
- Stretching works best on 100% cotton shirts. While it is still possible to stretch polyester shirts , they will be stiffer and harder to stretch.Thanks
- If you truly like a shirt and want to keep wearing it, stretch it regularly. Just remember that the dryer will reverse all of your work if you ever use it on the shirt again.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-unshrink-clothes/
- ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/tiktok-laundry-hack-shrunk-clothes-36804302
- ↑ Ayad Mirjan. Dry Cleaner & Laundry Specialist. Expert Interview. 11 August 2021.
- ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/tiktok-laundry-hack-shrunk-clothes-36804302
- ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/tiktok-laundry-hack-shrunk-clothes-36804302
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-unshrink-clothes/
- ↑ Ayad Mirjan. Dry Cleaner & Laundry Specialist. Expert Interview. 11 August 2021.
- ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/laundry/prevent-cotton-shrinking
- ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/life-design/how-to-iron-without-an-ironing-board
- ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/clothing/a35301390/how-to-iron-a-shirt/
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-unshrink-clothes/
- ↑ https://sewguide.com/does-cotton-stretch/
- ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/za/laundry/how-to-unshrink-and-stretch-clothes.html
- ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/laundry/prevent-cotton-shrinking
- ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/za/laundry/how-to-unshrink-and-stretch-clothes.html
- ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/laundry/prevent-cotton-shrinking
- ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/laundry/prevent-cotton-shrinking
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-unshrink-clothes/
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-unshrink-clothes/
- ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/laundry/prevent-cotton-shrinking
- ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/za/laundry/how-to-unshrink-and-stretch-clothes.html
- ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/laundry/prevent-cotton-shrinking
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-unshrink-clothes/
- ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/za/laundry/how-to-unshrink-and-stretch-clothes.html
About This Article
Article Summary
X
To stretch a cotton t-shirt, soak the shirt in a tub of warm water mixed with hair conditioner for 10-15 minutes. Then, rinse the shirt, stretch it out with your arms, and lay it somewhere flat to dry. You can also stretch a cotton t-shirt by wetting it with cool water and then ironing over it. If you're in a rush, just wear the shirt while you take a hot shower, which will cause it to stretch out. You can also try tugging on the shirt with your hands when it's dry, which may stretch it out a little bit. If you want to learn how to stretch a shirt over a chair or with weights, keep reading the article!
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Reader Success Stories
- "I used the conditioner method and it worked great! I purchased a t-shirt I'd been wanting so badly but couldn't find anywhere in my size. So I opted for one two sizes down in the hopes that I could stretch it. The shirt measured 17 pit to pit and I was able to stretch it to 20 using the first method. Its totally comfortable, looks great and feels great. Because of the success, I'm working on another shirt that needs stretching. I'm very grateful for this article! " ..." more
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"I used the conditioner method and it worked great! I purchased a t-shirt I'd been wanting so badly but couldn't find anywhere in my size. So I opted for one two sizes down in the hopes that I could stretch it. The shirt measured 17 pit to pit and I was able to stretch it to 20 using the first method. Its totally comfortable, looks great and feels great. Because of the success, I'm working on another shirt that needs stretching. I'm very grateful for this article! "
..."
more
"I had an old band t-shirt from high school that didn't fit anymore. I was bummed because it had great sentimental value. Using the conditioner soak method, I was able to revive this shirt and enjoy wearing it again. The steps were easy to follow.
"
..."
more
"Old t-shirts from my son's early years are like new again, thanks to these techniques. A quick conditioner soak stretches them out perfectly for my daughter to get more use. Hand-me-downs feel brand new with strategic shirt stretching."
..."
more
"My aunt got me a T-shirt as a gift that was too small. I was hesitant to alter a present, but the iron stretch method subtly enlarged it just enough. With some light iron tugging, I salvaged the shirt and can actually wear it now.
"
..."
more
"The shower stretch technique let me tweak a store-bought t-shirt to fit just right. I focused the stretching on the sleeves and width. Now, I have a perfectly customized shirt. Targeted stretching works wonders.
"
..."
more
