3 Ways To Make A Shirt Smaller - WikiHow

Skip to ContentQuizzes

• PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
• QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games ForumsArts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and Garden Relationship QuizzesCars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and Style Sports and FitnessComputers and ElectronicsHealthPets and Animals TravelEducation & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and Religion Work WorldFamily LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationships Youth
• LOG IN

  Log in

  Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. Facebook Google wikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
• RANDOM

• Home
• Random
• Browse Articles
• TrendingNew
• Quizzes & Games
• All QuizzesHot
• Love Quizzes
• Personality Quizzes
• Fun Games
• Dating Simulator
• Learn Something New
• Forums
• Courses
• Happiness Hub
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow

• Log in / Sign up

Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow

• Categories
• Hobbies and Crafts
• Crafts
• Creative Reuse and Repurposing
• Fabric and Clothing Reuse
• Altering T Shirts

How to Make a Shirt Smaller Download Article Co-authored by Ocean Van

Last Updated: April 19, 2025 Fact Checked

Download Article

• Shrinking a Shirt
|
• Tailoring a T-Shirt
|
• Changing the Fit of a Shirt
|
• Video
|
• Q&A
|
• Tips

|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Ocean Van. Ocean Van is a Laundry & Dry Cleaning Expert based in Long Beach, California. He is the owner and operator of Coco Laundry, a full-service Laundromat and Wash & Fold service. Coco Laundry is a family-owned laundry service that offers top-rated wash, dry, fold, and convenient pickup/delivery options. He and his experienced team of laundry professionals offer commercial and residential laundry services, plus a self-serve laundry operation. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 708,280 times.

Shirts that have the right design but not the right fit can be a problem. Making a shirt smaller is an easy way to give a design you love another chance to fit just right. With or without sewing, you can make a shirt smaller so it hugs your curves in all the right places.

Things You Should Know

• Shrink a shirt by soaking and washing it in hot water, as well as tumble-drying it on high heat.[1]
• Tailor the seams and hems of the shirt to make it a little bit smaller.
• Adjust the fit of your shirt quickly by knotting the back of it, using a safety pin, or cutting off the lower half of the garment.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Shrinking a Shirt

Download Article

1. 1 Soak the shirt in hot water. Bring a large pot of water to a boil on the stovetop. Boiling hot water will make the fibers of the shirt contract which will make it shrink smaller.[2] If you're looking to shrink a shirt as much as possible, high heat is the best way to go.
   • Remove the pot from the stove.
   • Submerge the shirt in the hot water. Use a spoon to push the shirt all the way underwater making sure it is completely covered by the water.
   • Soak the shirt for 30 minutes.
2. 2 Wash the shirt in hot water. Set your washing machine settings to the hottest water possible.[3] Wash the shirt on a regular wash cycle. If you bought a new shirt and want to shrink it before wearing, washing the shirt on hot will tighten the fibers and reduce its size slightly.
   • Hot water may cause some fabrics to bleed or fade, wash the shirt alone to avoid damaging other clothes.
   • The agitation of the washing machine in top load machines will crinkle fabrics and lead to more shrinkage than a front loading machine.
   • Remember that the type of fabric will define how much it will shrink. Cotton usually shrinks by 20% on the first hot water wash, while wool fabrics are more unpredictable.[4]
   Advertisement
3. 3 Dry the shirt on high heat. Place the shirt in the dryer and dry it on the dryer’s hottest setting. The heat will cause the shirt to shrink a little bit. With the exception of wool fibers, the dryer won't shrink clothes as much as hot water tends to. If you only want your shirt to shrink a little bit, wash it in cool water and dry on the highest setting.
   • Heat will shrink synthetic blend fabrics more than pre-shrunk natural fiber clothing.
   • Wool fabrics will felt in the dryer which causes the fabric to bunch and shrink as individual fabrics rub against each other and stick together.
Advertisement

Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Tailoring a T-Shirt

Download Article

1. 1 Get an old shirt that fits well. Choose a shirt that has the right fit but you no longer wear. You will cut this shirt to use as a pattern.
   • Pick a shirt that fits just the way you want the new shirt to fit.
   • Make sure it isn’t a shirt you like to wear because you won’t be able to wear it after turning it into a pattern.
2. 2 Remove the sleeves from the pattern shirt. Cut along the seams connecting the sleeves to the shirt. Open the sleeves into a flat piece of cloth by cutting along the seam on the underside of the sleeve.
3. 3 Cut the side seams on the pattern shirt. Carefully cut along the seams on either side of the shirt. You will leave the shoulder seam and collar intact to create a pattern from the old t-shirt.
4. 4 Cut the seams of the shirt you want to make smaller. Remove the sleeves by cutting along the seam. Cut down the side seam of the shirt.
   • Open the sleeves into a flat piece of fabric by cutting along the sleeve’s seam.
5. 5 Lay the shirt out flat. Place the shirt on a table and flatten it out.
   • Place the pattern shirt on top of the shirt you want to resize.
   • Line up the neck holes of the two shirts.
   • Pin the pattern shirt to the larger shirt to hold it in place.
6. 6 Cut the shirt smaller. Cut ½ inch outside the edge of the pattern shirt. You will leave the extra half inch of fabric to create the new seam.[5]
   • Cut the sleeve to match the size of the pattern sleeve. Leave a ½ inch extra when cutting the sleeve to size.
   • Cut along the bottom of the shirt to shorten the length of the shirt if desired to match your pattern shirt.
7. 7 Pin the sleeve to the shirt. Take the flattened sleeves and attach them to the shirt using straight pins.
   • Pin the edge of the sleeve to the front of the shirt with the outer side of the fabric facing the front of the shirt.
   • Keep the sleeve flat to attach it to the shirt.
8. 8 Sew the sleeve to the shirt. Use a serge or zig-zag stitch to connect the sleeve to the shirt. A straight stitch will not work on knit fabrics.
   • Use a thread that matches the color of the shirt.
   • Place the shirt and sleeve under the foot of your sewing machine and sew the fabric together.
9. 9 Sew up the sides of the shirt. Fold the shirt to turn it inside out and sew up the side of the shirt. Start at the sleeve and sew all the way down the side of the shirt on both sides.[6]
   • Use a sewing machine with thread that matches the color of the shirt to sew the side seams back together.
   • Keep the shirt inside out when sewing the seams to keep the seams on the inside when you wear the shirt.
10. 10 Sew the bottom hem of the shirt. While the shirt is inside out, fold the bottom of the shirt over 1 inch. Fold the fabric so the outside is folded in to create a hem that goes inside the shirt when right side out.
    • Use a sewing machine to create the hem at the bottom of the shirt while the shirt is turned inside out.
11. 11 Press the seams with an iron. Use an iron to flatten the fabric along each of the new seams you created.
12. 12 Try on your new shirt. Your shirt should now match the fit of your pattern shirt. Save the pattern shirt to use to resize additional shirts.
Advertisement

Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Changing the Fit of a Shirt

Download Article

1. 1 Tie the back of the shirt in a knot. Create a tighter fitting shirt by tying the back of the shirt into a knot.
   • Pull the fabric together behind your back.
   • Twist the bottom of the shirt.
   • Tie a knot at the bottom of the shirt.
2. 2 Pin the shirt with safety pins. Pinch the fabric at the back of the shirt together. Use safety pins to connect the bunched fabric together along the back of the shirt.
   • Attach the safety pins to the inside of the shirt to hide them under the garment.
   • Wear a blazer or sweater over the pinned shirt to hide your quick fix.
3. 3 Cut off the bottom of the shirt. Create a sporty half tee by cutting of the bottom half of the shirt. You can leave the hem unsewn or create a new hem after cutting off the bottom of the shirt.
   • Wear a tank top or t-shirt under your cut-off for a layered look or for modesty.
Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question

• Question How would I make the sleeves of a shirt shorter without cutting them? Community Answer You can roll the sleeves inward, and then use safety pins to keep them from rolling down. Make sure to place the pins inside so that all you see is the little metal part outside. 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 16
• Question I am a large girl, so I bought an XL shirt, but when I tried it on, it was way too big. I want make it smaller, but dramatically. What should I do? Community Answer Tie the bottom into a knot on the front side, like you would for long shirts, or cut the bottom into two and tie it. 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 63 Helpful 29
• Question If I do the hot water method, will it affect the prints on my t-shirt? Community Answer It might - depending on the kind of ink used for the print. Sometimes what happens is the shirt shrinks but the print doesn't so it ends up being a warped t-shirt. 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 8 Helpful 29

See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

• Double stitch the seams around the armpits because they often undergo more stress when shirts are put on or taken off. Thanks Helpful 29 Not Helpful 9
• Buy large shirts from thrift stores and make them smaller to fit you. Thanks Helpful 32 Not Helpful 23
• Wet clothes in cold water and stretch them to dry with weights attached to pull the fabric and reduce the amount of shrinkage. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 5

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

You Might Also Like

How to Shrink a Cotton Shirt in Boiling Water or the Washing Machine Your Guide to Shrinking a Shirt to the Perfect Size How toShrink Preshrunk Shirts How toShrink a Dress Shirt How toModify Your T Shirt How toAlter a Shirt How toShrink Clothes Without a Dryer How toShrink a Sweatshirt How toShrink a Sweater How toShrink Cotton Fabrics 4 Easy Ways to Cut a Large T Shirt So It Looks Better on You A Step-by-Step Guide to Stretching Out Tight Shirts How to Purposely Shrink Any Type of Clothing in the Washer and Dryer How toMake a Slit Sided T Shirt Advertisement

References

1. ↑ Susan Stocker. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview
2. ↑ Susan Stocker. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview
3. ↑ Susan Stocker. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview
4. ↑ Susan Stocker. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview
5. ↑ http://mellysews.com/2011/09/how-to-make-t-shirt-smaller.html
6. ↑ http://noexcuseseasyorganising.com/a-big-t-shirt-problem-a-sewing-project-to-make-smaller/
7. Videos provided by GlamourZen

About This Article

Co-authored by: Ocean Van Laundry & Dry Cleaning Expert This article was co-authored by Ocean Van. Ocean Van is a Laundry & Dry Cleaning Expert based in Long Beach, California. He is the owner and operator of Coco Laundry, a full-service Laundromat and Wash & Fold service. Coco Laundry is a family-owned laundry service that offers top-rated wash, dry, fold, and convenient pickup/delivery options. He and his experienced team of laundry professionals offer commercial and residential laundry services, plus a self-serve laundry operation. This article has been viewed 708,280 times. 27 votes - 59% Co-authors: 11 Updated: April 19, 2025 Views: 708,280 Categories: Altering T Shirts Article SummaryX

If you need to shrink a shirt, bring a pan of water to a boil, remove it from the heat, and soak the shirt for 30 minutes to make the fibers contract. Then, wash your shirt on the hottest water setting in the washing machine, but be careful not to mix it with other clothes as the heat could make the fabrics bleed. Finish by drying the shirt in the dryer on its hottest setting. If you don't have time to soak and wash the shirt, you can reduce its size by tying a knot in the back. To learn how to tailor a t-shirt and how safety pins can help shrink your shirt, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Portuguese Russian German French Spanish Chinese Italian Indonesian Dutch Arabic Thai Korean Hindi Turkish Vietnamese Japanese

• Print
• Send fan mail to authors

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 708,280 times.

Reader Success Stories

• 

  Anonymous

  Apr 21, 2017

  "I bought a blouse at Goodwill that was too big and I needed to make it smaller all around. I will use the sew..." more

More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Ocean Van Laundry & Dry Cleaning Expert 27 votes - 59% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 11 Updated: April 19, 2025 Views: 708,280

Anonymous

Apr 21, 2017

"I bought a blouse at Goodwill that was too big and I needed to make it smaller all around. I will use the sew..." more

Anonymous

Aug 28, 2016

"The diagrams and seeing the video help with resizing a shirt helped. This is my first try, and your methods looks..." more

Natalie Witte

Jan 23, 2022

"I found new ways to wear my gym clothes, and others as well. I found this article very helpful and interesting."

Audrey Smeltz

Mar 29, 2018

"The best tip for me was the way to shrink a shirt in very hot water. Thanks so much for the great idea!"

Anonymous

Jun 6, 2016

"This was fantastic. I bought a diamond encrusted super dry t-shirt a size too big, now it fits." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

Why Can't I Sleep QuizTake QuizWhich Diet Is Right for Me QuizTake QuizWhat Should I Wear Today QuizTake QuizHow to Choose Bed Sheets QuizTake QuizWhat's My Clothing Style Quiz (For Men)Take QuizThe Impossible QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

How to Shrink a Cotton Shirt in Boiling Water or the Washing MachineYour Guide to Shrinking a Shirt to the Perfect Size How toShrink Preshrunk ShirtsHow toShrink a Dress Shirt

Featured Articles

What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & IcebreakersHow Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?How to Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)

Trending Articles

How Many People Had a Crush on You In 2025?What Song Was #1 On My Birthday?Am I Chopped QuizAttractiveness Score QuizHow toKissWhat Are My Soulmate's Initials Quiz

Featured Articles

What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasHow toExercise Your BrainHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithWhat Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?

Featured Articles

How toDevelop Productive HabitsHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Type A B C D Personality Test

Watch Articles

How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen Sink (& Keep It Clean)How to Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick WaysHow toThicken Sauce with FlourHow to Brighten Up White Shirts and Other GarmentsHow to Cook White Rice without a Rice CookerHow to Clean Out the Inside of a Glass Bottle (With or Without a Brush)

Trending Articles

How toLose Belly Fat in 2 Weeks10+ Scary Phone Numbers to CallWhat's My Bending Element QuizDiscover the Secret Meaning of Your First NameWhich Powerpuff Girl Am I QuizDo I Have Synesthesia Quiz

Quizzes & Games

What Beginner Workout Should I Try QuizTake QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizTake QuizHow Tall Will I Be QuizTake QuizWhat Are The Best Compression Socks For Me QuizTake QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake QuizWhat Do I Want in a Weight Loss Program QuizTake Quiz

• Categories
• Hobbies and Crafts
• Crafts
• Creative Reuse and Repurposing
• Fabric and Clothing Reuse
• Altering T Shirts

wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.

• Home
• About wikiHow
• Experts
• Jobs
• Contact Us
• Site Map
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info
• Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Develop the tech skills you need for work and life

Let's do this! X --695