For example, cotton easily shrinks, as does cotton and polyester blends. Synthetic fabric like rayon and nylon do not shrink.
If you are satisfied with the amount your sweatshirt shrinks, you can launder it as normal. If you want to shrink your sweatshirt even more, use boiling water, your washing machine, and/or your dryer. To check the size, hold the shirt up to your torso and examine it in the mirror. Be careful doing this with wool. Wool is going to shrink like crazy with hot water. [3] X Expert Source Susan StockerCleaning Professional Expert Interview. 8 November 2019.
If you want to shrink your shirt 1 size, leave it in the water for 10-15 minutes. If you hope to shrink your shirt 2 sizes, let it cool to room temperature. Do not do this if washing a polyester sweatshirt. The high temperatures can make the fabric rough or stiff. Polyester should not be heated above 178 °F (81 °C). Alternatively, put your sweatshirt in your sink and pour boiling water over top the garment. Then, let it cool to room temperature.
To maximize your shrinkage, use the longest washing size. If you just want to shrink it 1 size, you can use a normal wash cycle. If you are washing a small load of laundry, you only need one half of a cap of detergent. When checking the size, hold the wet sweatshirt in front of your torso and eyeball the size in the mirror. Once the sweatshirt is dry, you can try it on to check the fit.
If your sweatshirt is shrunk to your liking, follow the drying directions on your garment tag. Most list a medium heat setting and normal drying time.
If your sweatshirt did not shrink adequately, try using an iron to shrink it another size.
Using an iron can shrink your clothes up to 1 additional size.
If you are ironing a cotton sweatshirt, you do not need a layer of protection.
If the iron stays in 1 place for too long, it can burn your sweatshirt.
If your sweatshirt is still damp, you can hang it to dry or put it in your dryer for 10-20 minutes.
