How to Shrink Spandex

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Spandex is a great choice for clothes that are form-fitting for fashion and sports. But unfortunately, it can become stretched out over time. This saggy, stretched out Spandex is neither fashionable nor functional! To restore your Spandex to its original fit, you can try shrinking it at home.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Shrinking Your Spandex in the Washing Machine

PDF download Download Article
  1. Many garments are made of a blend of fabrics. Depending on the blend, the shrinking process will be less effective. Most garments made with Spandex will recommend washing in lukewarm water and air drying. In order to shrink them, you will need to wash them on a higher temperature setting. [1]
    • Natural fibers, such as cotton, tend to be more prone to shrinkage than synthetic materials, such as Spandex. [2]
  2. Washing fabrics with hot water can fade the color. Turning your garment inside out can help to lessen this effect.
    Advertisement
  3. Spandex does not shrink under normal wash conditions, so you'll need to use the hottest setting. This is often the setting for "heavy duty." [3] Turn the machine to its hottest setting and let it run a full cycle.
    • You do not need to use detergent unless you also want to clean the garment.
    4. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Drying Your Spandex in the Dryer

PDF download Download Article
  1. Placing the Spandex in a pillowcase prevents it from become unnecessarily stretched during the dryer cycle.
    • Tie a knot in the top of pillowcase to make sure it doesn't come out.
  2. The high heat and vigorous tumbling while it dries will shrink the garment even more. You should select the "heavy" setting if your dryer has one. [4]
  3. Wait an additional 15 minutes after the dryer cycle has stopped before taking the Spandex out of the dryer. This way it will have time to cool so you do not burn yourself. If the garment has not reached the desired size, repeat this process. [5]
    4. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Does polyester shrink?
    Spaceship
    Community Answer
    No polyester does not shrink. The polymer it contains is a man-made synthetic that is resistant to shrinking.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 14 Helpful 15
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • If you're still not happy with the fit after several rounds of washing and drying, bring your Spandex to the tailor. You'll want to bring your garment to a tailor you trust. Find a reliable tailor by asking friends or doing research online. [6]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Some clothing blends are delicate and dry clean only. You should not attempt to shrink a garment that is dry clean only, as you may damage it.
        Thanks
        Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
      • Washing and drying your garment at high temperatures repeatedly will wear it out more quickly.
        Thanks
        Helpful 5 Not Helpful 1


      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Apply to Be a Shein Tester at Home
      3 Quick and Easy Ways to Fix a Broken Zipper
      How to
      Wrap Clothes for Gifting
      How to
      Take the Stretch Out of an Elastic in Clothing
      3 Simple Ways to Starch Jeans
      How to
      Stop Fabric from Fraying
      How to
      Wear a Short Scarf
      How to
      Dress when You Have Broad Shoulders
      How to
      Spot a Fake vs Real Louis Vuitton Belt
      What Clothes Do Guys Like on a Girl? 13 Outfits He'll Love
      How to
      Fix Felted Wool
      How to
      Fix and Restore a Leather Coat
      How to
      Dress for 50 Degree Weather
      How to
      Stretch Pants Out
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about fabric care, check out our in-depth interview with David Reeves .

      References

      1. ↑ http://users.iems.northwestern.edu/~bea/articles/EVALUATION%20OF%20COMFORT%20STRETCH%20KNIT%20FABRICS%20%287-18-06%29.pdf
      2. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/laundry/fabric-care-101
      3. ↑ https://www.cnet.com/how-to/washing-machine-settings/
      4. ↑ https://www.bestpickreports.com/blog/post/perm-press-dryer-settings-for-dummies
      5. ↑ http://users.iems.northwestern.edu/~bea/articles/EVALUATION%20OF%20COMFORT%20STRETCH%20KNIT%20FABRICS%20%287-18-06%29.pdf
      6. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/clothing-care/alterations-tailoring

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 90,964 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement