Shrinking an XXXL T-shirt from Goodwill that cost you only a dollar at a tailor may sound silly. Luckily, you can downsize most clothing at home using just a washer and a dryer. Here’s an easy guide on shrinking clothes made from different types of fabrics.

Types of Fabrics like Cotton, Rayon, Polyester, and Denim

The more natural the fabric, the more likely it is to shrink when exposed to high heat. To begin, set the washing machine to the highest temperature and longest cycle.

Heat will cause fibers to contract and the garment to shrink. Select the spinning or agitation option as well, as it aids in shrinking. You may opt to add detergent if you wish to freshen up the clothing.

After the washing cycle, transfer the garment to the dryer on the highest setting with agitation to prevent air-drying, which can undo the shrinking process. Hanging denim to dry may cause stretching.

If the garment hasn’t shrunk enough, repeat the washing and drying process.

Wool

Wool requires a delicate approach compared to cotton and polyester. While it is easily shrunk, be cautious not to end up with a baby-sized sweater. Note that results may vary based on the type of wool.

Unlike cotton, use the lowest wash setting for wool, opt for a short cycle with warm water, and ensure tumbling.

Transfer the wool garment to the dryer after washing, using the lowest setting and agitation. Check regularly to ensure even shrinking.

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Silk

Silk, like wool, easily shrinks in the washer. To prevent damage from tumbling, place the silk garment in a mesh bag before washing.