Can I safely shrink a denim sherpa jacket?

January 6, 2018 8:20 AM

Just got this jacket. My true size was too tight in the arms so I sized up, and now it's a little bit too big all over. (Damnit, Levi's sizing.) I've been able to shrink denim jackets in the wash before, but this one is sherpa-lined. Washing instructions say to wash cold and lay flat to dry. Is it possible to safely shrink this without messing it up?
posted by blackcatcuriouser to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (3 answers total)

I don't think it will work - I tried the same thing with almost exactly the same jacket but sleeveless. The lining went gross and the overall jacket was weird and lumpy, it was as if the smaller pieces of fabric used didn't shrink, only the larger pieces (i.e. the back) did.
What about taking it to the tailor instead? Probably wouldn't cost that much and then you've had a jacket which fit you perfectly, for life. Can't beat tailored to fit clothes!
posted by stevedawg at 9:01 AM on January 6, 2018 [1 favorite]

Yeah, that faux wool/sherpa material cannot be washed. It balls up and falls apart something fierce.

Also, I think you should wear it all the more since it's got a little room. It's actually a great way to wear it, trucker jackets shouldn't really be fitted.
posted by InkDrinker at 9:22 AM on January 6, 2018 [3 favorites]

Response by poster: I buttoned it up, washed it cold and machine dried it on low heat (whilst buttoned up). It didn't mess up the sherpa at all AND it did shrink it a tiny bit. It's still oversized enough but it feels/looks better overall. Thanks guys!
posted by blackcatcuriouser at 1:59 PM on January 6, 2018