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 Arts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and GardenRelationship Quizzes Cars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and StyleSports and Fitness Computers and ElectronicsHealthPets and AnimalsTravel Education & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and ReligionWork World Family LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationshipsYouth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow 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
Personal Care and Style
Clothing
Clothes by Type
Pants and Shorts
How to Shrink Leggings Download Article Co-authored by Rani Gorgis
Last Updated: February 24, 2025 References
Download Article
Using a Washing Machine and Dryer
|
Using an Electric Iron
|
Shrinking without Washing
|
Q&A
|
Tips
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Rani Gorgis. Rani Gorgis is a Laundry and Cleaning Specialist and the Owner of Park Blvd Laundry & Dry Cleaners in San Diego, California. With several years of experience in the laundry and cleaning industry, Rani specializes in dry cleaning, wash-n-fold, shirt laundry, and servicing smoke-damaged clothes. He holds a BS in Accounting and a CPA certification. This article has been viewed 103,775 times.
So, your favourite leggings are stretched out and you want to shrink them back to size. Save money and time by shrinking your leggings yourself instead of taking them to a tailor or buying a new pair. There are several easy ways to shrink leggings with what you have at home.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 3:
Using a Washing Machine and Dryer
Download Article
1 Wash them in hot water. Choose a hot water wash and hot water rinse cycle.[1]X Expert Source Rani GorgisLaundry & Cleaning SpecialistExpert Interview The hot water makes the fabric yarns and threads shorten up so they are not as relaxed out. Although most items these days come pre-shrunk, using a combination of heat, water, and friction will allow the fabric to bind back together and shrink your leggings.[2]XResearch source
You can use detergent if you want to wash the leggings at the same time. Detergent won’t interfere with the shrinking process.
2 Choose the longest wash cycle setting available. Allowing the leggings to have as much heat, water, and friction as possible will result in the best possible shrinkage. Longer wash cycles generally have a pre-soak time which can allow for the hot water to soak into your fabric and start the shrinking process. Advertisement
3 Dry your leggings on high heat. The combination of heat and friction is what allows your fabric to shrink back together as the water is removed from your leggings. If you are unsure how much you want to shrink them, and this is the first time you’ve tried to shrink this pair of leggings, check the leggings regularly to make sure they don’t shrink too much.[3]XResearch source [4]X Expert Source Rani GorgisLaundry & Cleaning SpecialistExpert Interview
Shrinking will make the leggings both tighter and smaller, so remember that the length and width will both change.
Polyester is a synthetic material that requires higher heat to shrink and therefore might need several runs through the entire process. Polyester requires temperatures of 155 - 178°F to shrink.[5]XResearch source
It can take 5-10 cycles to shrink an item sufficiently so don’t give up after the first try.[6]XResearch source
If needed, lower the heat setting to make sure that the garment dries completely but doesn't shrink.[7]X Expert Source Rani GorgisLaundry & Cleaning SpecialistExpert Interview
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 3:
Using an Electric Iron
Download Article
1 Wash your leggings in hot water. With the heat and hot water of both the wash and rinse cycles, the agitation of the washing machine will start the shrinking process in your leggings. Wash on the longest cycle available to give the hot water a chance to soak into the leggings.
If you don’t have a washing machine, boil a large pot of water, add the leggings and boil for about ten minutes. Then, carefully remove the leggings and press out the water. Alternatively, you can soak your leggings in warm water overnight.[8]XResearch source
2 Preheat your iron. Set up your ironing board during the washing cycle. As the cycle gets closer to being finished, plugin and preheat your iron on low to medium heat. Don’t use high heat if your items have any polyester or nylon content because the heat can warp and melt the fabric.
Be sure to stand the iron on its end while preheating. Never leave an iron laying face down on the ironing board as this can start a fire.
3 Remove the leggings from the washing machine. As soon as the cycle ends, smooth out your damp leggings on the ironing board and use a dish-drying towel to smoothly cover the first section you are about to iron. The towel will prevent the fabric from being damaged but is thin enough to allow the heat through.
You can skip the dish-drying towel if your leggings are 100% cotton.
4 Iron your leggings. One section at a time, keep ironing, moving the iron around and applying pressure to the leggings until the water is all evaporated and the leggings feel almost dry. Once they are almost dry, you can leave the leggings to air dry.
Make sure you keep moving the iron so your leggings don’t burn and so the friction works to shrink the leggings.
Don’t use the steam setting on the iron, as this defeats the purpose.
Don’t forget to unplug the iron and leave it standing on its end until it has fully cooled.
If you don’t have an iron, you can follow this method using a hairdryer. You won’t need a dish-drying towel but still spread the leggings on an ironing board. The process will take a little longer but the heat from the hairdryer can still work.
Advertisement Method 3 Method 3 of 3:
Shrinking without Washing
Download Article
1 Spritz your leggings. If you don’t have time or want to wash your leggings, use a spray bottle of clean water to lightly mist your leggings.
2 Dry your leggings with heat. Using either your clothes dryer, hairdryer, or iron, dry your leggings at the hottest setting possible.
3 Dampen the waistband. If you want to shrink the waistband separately, dampen the waistband, hang your leggings loosely around a clothes hanger, then use your hairdryer aimed specifically at the waistband to heat and shrink it.
Advertisement
Community Q&A
Search Add New Question
Question Can you shrink leggings in the wash? wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer It depends on what they’re made of, but many leggings will shrink in hot water. Using a hot wash and dry cycle works well for materials like nylon, spandex, and polyester, but not Lycra. 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 2 Helpful 2
Question How do you fix leggings that are too big in the waist? wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer If the elastic is shot (or just too big), you can cut a slit in the waistband and slide in a new, smaller elastic band. Sew it together or tie it at the desired tightness. 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 4 Helpful 8
Question How do you fix leggings that are too long? wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer One easy fix is to get the leggings hemmed. If you don’t have the sewing skills to do it yourself, you can get this done cheaply and easily by a tailor. You can also fold the hems up and secure them in place with fashion tape or fusible fabric tape. 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 4 Helpful 4
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Tips
When using a washing machine to shrink, wash like colours together, as the hot water might cause colours to bleed. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Check the label to see what fabric your leggings are made of before you do any shrinking. Sports/workout leggings might have non-shrinking nylon/lycra, which is heat-set fabrics. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
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 toShrink SweatpantsHow toShrink Clothes Without a DryerHow to Purposely Shrink Any Type of Clothing in the Washer and DryerHow toShrink Cotton PantsHow toShrink PantsHow toShrink SpandexHow toShrink UnderwearHow toShrink JeansHow to Shrink Polyester Using a Washer & Dryer or an IronHow toShrink ShortsHow toShrink a SweatshirtHow toShrink NylonHow toShrink a Bathing SuitHow to Fix Baggy Knees in Pants - Jeans, Leggings & Joggers Advertisement
Co-authored by: Rani Gorgis Laundry & Cleaning Specialist This article was co-authored by Rani Gorgis. Rani Gorgis is a Laundry and Cleaning Specialist and the Owner of Park Blvd Laundry & Dry Cleaners in San Diego, California. With several years of experience in the laundry and cleaning industry, Rani specializes in dry cleaning, wash-n-fold, shirt laundry, and servicing smoke-damaged clothes. He holds a BS in Accounting and a CPA certification. This article has been viewed 103,775 times. 7 votes - 77% Co-authors: 6Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 103,775 Categories: Pants and Shorts In other languages German Spanish Portuguese
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 103,775 times.
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: Rani Gorgis Laundry & Cleaning Specialist 7 votes - 77% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 6Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 103,775
Quizzes & Games
What Are The Best Compression Socks For Me QuizTake QuizHow to Choose Bed Sheets QuizTake QuizWhat Beginner Workout Should I Try QuizTake QuizWhat’s My Perfect Hair Care Routine?Take QuizAm I Smart QuizTake QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizTake Quiz
You Might Also Like
How toShrink SweatpantsHow toShrink Clothes Without a DryerHow to Purposely Shrink Any Type of Clothing in the Washer and DryerHow toShrink Cotton Pants
Trending Articles
Mental Illness TestType A B C D Personality TestCan We Guess How Tall You Are QuizAm I Autistic QuizDiscover the Secret Meaning of Your First NameHow toPractice Kissing
Watch Articles
Amazing Super Bowl Party Ideas Guests Will Cheer ForHow toDevelop Listening SkillsHow toNot Lose Your GirlfriendHow to Draw an OwlHow toTreat AllergiesHow toIntroduce Friends to Other Friends
Trending Articles
5 Different Types of Butts: Find Your ShapeWhat Would My Nickname Be QuizCan We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Depression Test for TeensSCP Fight Simulator: Who Will Win?How toKiss Passionately
Quizzes & Games
How Disgusting Am I QuizTake QuizHow Tall Will I Be QuizTake QuizWhy Am I So Bloated QuizTake QuizWhy Can't I Sleep QuizTake QuizWhich Diet Is Right for Me QuizTake QuizWhat Should I Wear Today QuizTake Quiz
Categories
Personal Care and Style
Clothing
Clothes by Type
Pants and Shorts
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.
Download Article Co-authored by Rani Gorgis 
How toShrink Jeans 
Advertisement 
Co-authored by: Rani Gorgis Laundry & Cleaning Specialist This article was co-authored by Rani Gorgis. Rani Gorgis is a Laundry and Cleaning Specialist and the Owner of Park Blvd Laundry & Dry Cleaners in San Diego, California. With several years of experience in the laundry and cleaning industry, Rani specializes in dry cleaning, wash-n-fold, shirt laundry, and servicing smoke-damaged clothes. He holds a BS in Accounting and a CPA certification. This article has been viewed 103,775 times. 7 votes - 77% Co-authors: 6 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 103,775 Categories: Pants and Shorts In other languages German Spanish Portuguese 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
416 
1 Wash them in hot water. Choose a hot water wash and hot water rinse cycle.[1] The hot water makes the fabric yarns and threads shorten up so they are not as relaxed out. Although most items these days come pre-shrunk, using a combination of heat, water, and friction will allow the fabric to bind back together and shrink your leggings.[2] 
2 Choose the longest wash cycle setting available. Allowing the leggings to have as much heat, water, and friction as possible will result in the best possible shrinkage. Longer wash cycles generally have a pre-soak time which can allow for the hot water to soak into your fabric and start the shrinking process. Advertisement 
3 Dry your leggings on high heat. The combination of heat and friction is what allows your fabric to shrink back together as the water is removed from your leggings. If you are unsure how much you want to shrink them, and this is the first time you’ve tried to shrink this pair of leggings, check the leggings regularly to make sure they don’t shrink too much.[3] [4] 
1 Wash your leggings in hot water. With the heat and hot water of both the wash and rinse cycles, the agitation of the washing machine will start the shrinking process in your leggings. Wash on the longest cycle available to give the hot water a chance to soak into the leggings. 
2 Preheat your iron. Set up your ironing board during the washing cycle. As the cycle gets closer to being finished, plugin and preheat your iron on low to medium heat. Don’t use high heat if your items have any polyester or nylon content because the heat can warp and melt the fabric. 
3 Remove the leggings from the washing machine. As soon as the cycle ends, smooth out your damp leggings on the ironing board and use a dish-drying towel to smoothly cover the first section you are about to iron. The towel will prevent the fabric from being damaged but is thin enough to allow the heat through. 
4 Iron your leggings. One section at a time, keep ironing, moving the iron around and applying pressure to the leggings until the water is all evaporated and the leggings feel almost dry. Once they are almost dry, you can leave the leggings to air dry. 
1 Spritz your leggings. If you don’t have time or want to wash your leggings, use a spray bottle of clean water to lightly mist your leggings. 
2 Dry your leggings with heat. Using either your clothes dryer, hairdryer, or iron, dry your leggings at the hottest setting possible. 
3 Dampen the waistband. If you want to shrink the waistband separately, dampen the waistband, hang your leggings loosely around a clothes hanger, then use your hairdryer aimed specifically at the waistband to heat and shrink it. Advertisement 
wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. 
Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy.