We all know how annoying a pair of stretched jeans can be – but isn’t it just the way it is? The waistband suddenly doesn’t feel so form-fitting and the knees have creased because you have been sitting all day. Relatable?
But there is a solution to this. You can shrink your jeans. Yes, you read it right. Shrunk jeans are the new trend. These jeans are much tighter than regular jeans and more form-fitting than skinny jeans. Their crotch area is higher up on the waistline and makes your legs, hips, and butt look slimmer. So, you must be wondering how to shrink jeans so they fit you perfectly? All you need is a bunch of simple tricks right up your sleeves (cuffs, we mean). Discover these techniques in this post and never let a pair of jeans bother you again.
In This Article
1. 8 Best Ways To Shrink Jeans Easily
2. Key Takeaways
3. Frequently Asked Questions
4. Illustration: How To Shrink Jeans: A Unified Guide
8 Best Ways To Shrink Jeans Easily
- Use Dry Ice
Seal your jeans inside a plastic bag, put it into another plastic bag, and tie it up. Place it in a chunk of dry ice and leave it alone for a couple of hours to allow it to shrink. But be wary as certain fabrics may become stiff or get damaged once the dry ice evaporates.
Ensure your jeans are clean and dry before sealing them in the bag. This helps prevent unwanted odors or stains during the shrinking process, keeping them fresh and ready to wear.
2. Use An Iron
Using an iron: Set the temperature for your fabric type, ensure it’s clean, and press firmly on wrinkles. Use steam for stubborn creases and avoid leaving it in one spot to prevent burns.”
3. Get Into The Bath
While this may seem a little uncomfortable, it works well. Fill the bathtub with hot water. Remember, no soap. Put on your jeans and get into the bathtub. Wait until the water cools down, and then step out. Shake off the excess water and step outside. You may walk around a bit too, but ensure the jeans are completely dry so that they naturally fit to your form.
But in case the weather is cold, you may instead hang the jeans outside after washing them. Then allow them to dry for the rest of the day.
Danny, a YouTuber, shared his personal experience about how to shrink denim jeans using the bathtub method. He depicts the method and states, “The water is in between warm and hot, not hot enough where it’s going to be unpleasant to sit in or hard even to get into the water (i).” He then proceeds to share his satisfaction about the results and says, “I can feel the difference and you can probably see the difference as well.”
4. Shrink Jeans Using A Paddle
To shrink jeans using a paddle:
- Prepare the Jeans: Soak them in hot water for 10–15 minutes.
- Agitate with a Paddle: Use a wooden or plastic paddle to stir the jeans in the water, ensuring even shrinkage.
- Dry Them: After soaking, dry them in a high-heat setting or under direct sunlight for further shrinkage.
This method works best with 100% cotton denim.
5. Use The Freezer Method
Freezer Method for Denim:
Place your jeans in a sealed plastic bag and put them in the freezer for 24–48 hours. This kills bacteria and removes odors without washing, preserving the fit and color of the denim. Note: This doesn’t clean stains or dirt.
6. Throw Them In The Dryer
This technique is simple. Put your stretched-out jeans into the washer and set to the hottest temperature. Once done, throw them in the dryer. Wait till they have dried completely. Your shrunk jeans would be ready to be used. However, practice caution if your jeans are made of delicate fabric – try reducing the temperature in the washer appropriately.
7. Use The Boiling Method
Boiling Method to Shrink Jeans:
- Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
- Submerge Jeans: Place your jeans in the boiling water for 20–30 minutes. Use tongs for safety.
- Dry for Shrinkage: Remove and immediately dry in a high-heat dryer or under direct sunlight for additional shrinkage.
This works best with cotton jeans and may alter the fabric texture slightly.
8. Try Clothesline Drying
If you want your jeans to shrink a bit, try the clothesline drying method. Just wash your jeans like usual, then put them on the clothesline instead of throwing them in the dryer. The air and the heat from the sun will make them a little smaller. Keep in mind that not all jeans will shrink the same way, and this method might not work for all types of denim. So, if you are looking for a little shrinkage, you can give clothesline drying a try! On the plus side, hanging your laundry outdoors preserves the lifespan of your garments by avoiding the wear and tear caused by tumble dryers.
If these methods do not work, you may want to explore more hacks on how to shrink your clothes and apply them. However, it’s always best to check the “care instructions” on the label and then try these hacks. This will prevent any damage to the fabric.
Conclusion
Now you know precisely how to shrink your jeans. But if they feel baggy despite following these techniques, you may want to visit your neighborhood tailor for alterations. This is because the tricks mentioned here offer a temporary solution at best. Visiting a professional can give you a permanent solution and can also prolong the life of the clothing.
Key Takeaways
- Always choose the method based on the type of fabric. For example, the freezer method is not ideal for cotton jeans.
- You can first buy cheap jeans and try them on for practice.
- The simplest way to shrink your jeans during the winters is to leave them out in the cold night.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What should I do if my jeans do not shrink enough?
You can always take your jeans to a tailor who can make professional adjustments. A tailor can help give your jeans the perfect fit, ensuring they are just right for you.
2. Do jeans shrink in cold water?
No. Since denim fibers do not break down from being washed with cold water, the fabric may not shrink.
3. Do jeans shrink after the first wash?
Yes, denim may shrink about 7% to 10% after the first wash. However, it returns to its original form within approximately an hour due to the reversal of relaxation shrinkage.
4. Will jeans shrink or stretch over time?
The fabric of jeans morphs and adjusts according to the wearer’s body. To that end, jeans may shrink with time.
Illustration: How To Shrink Jeans: A Unified Guide
Here is an illustration showing the steps to shrink jeans using various methods: boiling, freezing, and the paddle method. Each step is clearly depicted to guide you through the process.
Personal Experience: Source
Getmakeup’s articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.
