Honey, I'm trying to Shrink the Shirt

December 5, 2007 4:55 AM

Shirt too big... can I shrink it by doing some washing machine black magic?

Bought myself a nice new black shirt ages ago. I really like it, but made the mistake of not trying it on before I bought it, so it's a couple of sizes too big. It's 55% cotton and 45% polyester, according to the label. Any tips on how to shrink it a bit? Open to all suggestions, and no, I can't take it back :)

posted by ReiToei to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (7 answers total)

if it's got polyester, it may not shrink much. you can try hot water and a long, hot dry cycle, but if that doesn't work, you'll have to go to a tailor.
posted by thinkingwoman at 5:01 AM on December 5, 2007

It probably won't shrink at all, so if it's a pricy shirt, a tailor's the only way. Or you could gain a lot of weight. Or wear it open over a t-shirt.
posted by Dee Xtrovert at 5:07 AM on December 5, 2007

and 45% polyester

It won't shrink. Give it to a large friend.
posted by caddis at 7:03 AM on December 5, 2007

yeah, it won't
posted by matteo at 7:16 AM on December 5, 2007

Take it to a tailor. Or give it away. Or somehow decide it's okay big. Because it's not going to shrink.
posted by Kololo at 11:01 AM on December 5, 2007

Fiber composition aside, purposely shrinking things in the wash is a fairly dicey project regardless. You often get uneven shrinkage around seams and things, the quality of the weave changes, and the garment tends to look and fit poorly afterwards.
posted by nanojath at 11:10 AM on December 5, 2007

Taking it to a tailor won't cost too much (maybe twenty bucks), and you'll have a shirt that fits great.
posted by YoungAmerican at 11:34 AM on December 5, 2007