How To Shrink Spandex: 6 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Shrink Spandex PDF download Download Article Explore this Article parts 1 Shrinking Your Spandex in the Washing Machine 2 Drying Your Spandex in the Dryer Other Sections Questions & Answers Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles Expert Interview References Co-authored by David Reeves

Last Updated: December 17, 2024 References

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This article was co-authored by David Reeves. David Reeves is a Bespoke Tailor and the Founder of Reeves: Modern English Tailoring, based in New York City. David has been in the bespoke tailoring business for over 25 years and specializes in designing and creating custom, high-end suits. David has worked with influential names in the United Kingdom and the United States such as Richard James of Savile Row, Prada, Commes Des Garcons, and Timothy Everest. This article has been viewed 97,525 times.

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.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 2:

Shrinking Your Spandex in the Washing Machine

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  1. Step 1 Read the clothing care label carefully, paying attention to the other fabrics listed. 1 Read the clothing care label carefully, paying attention to the other fabrics listed. 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. Step 2 Turn your garment inside out. 2 Turn your garment inside out. Washing fabrics with hot water can fade the color. Turning your garment inside out can help to lessen this effect. Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Place your Spandex in the washing machine and set it to its hottest setting. 3 Place your Spandex in the washing machine and set it to its hottest setting. 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.
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Part 2 Part 2 of 2:

Drying Your Spandex in the Dryer

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  1. Step 1 Transfer the Spandex into a pillowcase. 1 Transfer the Spandex into a pillowcase. 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. Step 2 Place the garment in the dryer on the highest heat and longest cycle. 2 Place the garment in the dryer on the highest heat and longest cycle. 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. Step 3 Try on the garment to see if it is the desirable size. 3 Try on the garment to see if it is the desirable size. 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]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question Does polyester shrink? Spaceship 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 18 Helpful 16
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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
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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 4 Not Helpful 0
  • Washing and drying your garment at high temperatures repeatedly will wear it out more quickly. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 1
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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

David Reeves Co-authored by: David Reeves Bespoke Tailor This article was co-authored by David Reeves. David Reeves is a Bespoke Tailor and the Founder of Reeves: Modern English Tailoring, based in New York City. David has been in the bespoke tailoring business for over 25 years and specializes in designing and creating custom, high-end suits. David has worked with influential names in the United Kingdom and the United States such as Richard James of Savile Row, Prada, Commes Des Garcons, and Timothy Everest. This article has been viewed 97,525 times. 38 votes - 73% Co-authors: 5 Updated: December 17, 2024 Views: 97,525 Categories: Clothing In other languages Spanish Portuguese Japanese
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Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 97,525 times.

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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. David Reeves Co-authored by: David Reeves Bespoke Tailor 38 votes - 73% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 5 Updated: December 17, 2024 Views: 97,525

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