To shrink clothes, start by washing the garment in hot water, then immediately transfer it to the dryer on a high heat setting. This method works best for cotton, wool, and denim, while delicate fabrics like silk require more care to avoid damage.

We’ve all been there—you buy that one shirt that fits almost perfectly or a pair of jeans that stretches out after a single wear. Enter intentional shrinking: the art of making your clothes fit like a glove without turning them into doll-sized disasters.

Yes, it’s possible to shrink your clothes the right way, without turning your wardrobe into a pile of sad, misshapen regrets. Whether you need to downsize a hoodie that’s too baggy or a pair of pants that need to slim down, we’ve got you covered with step-by-step tips to get that perfect fit.

Pro Tip: Always check the care label on your garment before trying any shrinking techniques.

How to Shrink Cotton Clothes

Cotton is the overachiever of the shrinking world—it’s easy to work with and gives reliable results. Here’s how to tame that oversized tee or baggy sweatpants:

1. 1. Start with Hot Water: Fill your washing machine with hot water, toss the cotton item in, and let it soak for about 10-15 minutes.
2. 2. Run a Normal Wash Cycle: Let your washing machine do its thing. The more heat, the better the shrink.
3. 3. Dryer Time: Transfer the damp item to the dryer and crank the heat up to high. Let it tumble until it’s completely dry. Warning: Don’t check it halfway—heat is your best friend here.
4. 4. Check the Fit: Try it on. If it’s still too loose, repeat the process until it’s just right.

How to Shrink Wool Clothes

Shrinking wool clothes requires a little finesse. Too much heat, and you’ll end up with felt. Too little, and it’ll stay saggy. Here’s how to get it right:

1. 1. Warm Water Soak: Fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a few drops of baby shampoo or conditioner. This helps relax the fibers.
2. 2. Gentle Agitation: Submerge the wool garment and swirl it gently. Wool shrinks when it’s agitated, so keep the motion slow and steady.
3. 3. Rinse and Repeat: Drain the water and refill with clean, lukewarm water to rinse out any soap.
4. 4. Lay Flat to Dry: Lay the garment flat on a towel and gently press out excess water. Shape it to your desired size. Air-dry or use a hairdryer on a low setting if you’re impatient.

How to Shrink Denim

Denim is the kind of fabric that loves to rebel against fitting perfectly. Here’s how to tame it:

1. 1. Pre-Soak: Fill a bathtub or sink with hot water and toss in your jeans. Let them soak for 20-30 minutes.
2. 2. High-Heat Wash: Throw the wet jeans in the washer on the hottest setting possible.
3. 3. Dryer Blast: Tumble dry the jeans on high heat. Pro tip: Sit on them while they’re still warm to mold them to your body.
4. 4. Repeat if Needed: Denim takes a couple of rounds to shrink significantly, so be patient.

How to Shrink Polyester Clothes

Synthetic fibers like polyester are stubborn, but it’ll shrink if you know how to work it:

1. 1. Wash on Hot: Use the hottest water setting on your washer.
2. 2. Dryer Heat: Toss the garment in the dryer on high heat. Polyester fibers will shrink under intense heat but be careful not to overdo it or you’ll end up with a melted mess.
3. 3. Repeat as Necessary: Try on your garment—if it’s still too loose, repeat steps one and two.

How to Shrink Silk Clothes

Shrinking silk clothes is a risky endeavor, but it can be done carefully:

1. 1. Cold Water First: Fill a basin with cold water and gently hand wash the silk to remove any dirt.
2. 2. Low-Heat Soak: Fill another basin with lukewarm water and let the silk soak for a few minutes.
3. 3. Towel Dry: Roll the silk in a towel to absorb excess water, then air-dry.
4. 4. Low-Heat Ironing: Use a low-heat setting on your iron to finish shrinking, pressing gently.

Common Questions About Intentionally Shrinking Clothes

Let’s tackle some common questions so you can shrink with confidence—and maybe even a little style.

Can You Shrink Clothes Without Damaging Them?

Yes, but it’s all about control. Too much heat or agitation, and you’ll damage the fibers. Stick to the recommended methods above to keep your clothes intact.

Which Types of Fabrics Can You Shrink?

Natural fibers like cotton, wool, and denim are the easiest to shrink. Synthetics like polyester and silk can shrink too, but they require extra care.

What’s the Fastest Way to Shrink Clothes?

Hot water and high heat in the dryer are the quickest. Just remember, speed sometimes sacrifices precision—proceed with caution.

Should You Shrink Clothes in the Washer or Dryer?

Both! Use the washer for soaking and agitating and the dryer to lock in the shrink. Just make sure you adjust the heat settings based on the fabric.

Shrink Smarter, Not Harder

While you're mastering the art of downsizing your clothes, why not elevate the process? Toss in a few Laundry Sauce wool dryer balls to speed up drying time (and reduce static), or slip in a few luxury-scented dryer sheets to leave your clothes smelling like they just got back from a spa retreat. If you’re going to shrink your clothes, they might as well come out smelling sexy too.