How to Shrink a Sweatshirt
Posted by LUCA BRICKENKAMP
So, you’ve got a sweatshirt that feels more like a cozy tent than a snug hug? Don’t worry, you don’t need to donate it to Bigfoot. Shrinking a sweatshirt is super easy, and you don’t need to be a wizard—just a little heat and some patience. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Heat Things Up
Fill a big pot with water and bring it to a boil. Imagine your sweatshirt is about to take the most intense hot tub soak of its life. Once the water’s boiling, turn off the heat—it’s spa time.
Step 2: Sweatshirt Spa Day
Gently place your sweatshirt in the pot. Push it down with a wooden spoon (because nobody wants boiled fingers) and let it soak for about 10 minutes. The heat helps the fibers tighten up like they’ve just done a full-body workout.
Step 3: Cool and Dry
Carefully take the sweatshirt out (use tongs or be brave) and let it cool until it’s safe to handle. Then wring out the water gently, but don’t twist it like you’re wringing out a sponge.
Step 4: The Dryer Does the Magic
Pop the damp sweatshirt into the dryer and crank up the heat to high. This is where the real shrinking happens! Check every 10 minutes to make sure it’s shrinking to your liking, not turning into a toddler-sized hoodie.
Step 5: Try It On
Once dry, give it a test fit. Is it the perfect cozy size now? If not, repeat the process. But remember, too much shrinking could turn your comfy sweatshirt into a crop top—cute, but not always practical!
Pro Tips for Sweatshirt Shrinking Success
- Cotton Wins the Shrinking Game: Sweatshirts made of 100% cotton shrink the best. Blends may resist like a stubborn kid at bedtime.
- Pre-Test if You’re Nervous: Try this with an older sweatshirt before tackling your favorite one.
- Don’t Overdo It: Once it’s smaller, you can’t stretch it back out (unless you’re a superhero).
By the way, once your sweatshirt fits perfectly, you might just feel inspired to grab another one…you know, just in case you need backup for your next hot tub shrinking experiment!