How to return a sweater that has shrunk to its original size ?

Introduction

You took your favorite sweater out of the tumble dryer and noticed to your horror that it had shrunk a size or two ? Not panic, there are solutions to restore it to its original size, whether for a wool sweater, in cashmere, in cotton or in acrylic.

Thanks to our advice and grandma's tips, you'll know how to enlarge a shrunken sweater in no time. No more clothes that are too small and out of shape, make way for sweaters in your size and like new!

Also read: What material to choose for a sweatshirt ?

Why do sweaters shrink ?

Before seeing how to recover a shrunken sweater, it is important to understand why this phenomenon occurs. sweaters, and more particularly those made from natural fibers such as wool or cotton, tend to shrink under the effect of heat and agitation in the washing machine or the tumble dryer.

wool is more sensitive to shrinkage because of the scales that make up its fibers. Under the effect of heat and humidity, these scales open and cling to each other, causing felting which makes shrink the sweater.

cotton sweaters can also shrink when washed due to loosening of the fibers. cotton absorbs a lot of water and swells during washing. When it dries, the fibers relax and the sweater shrinks, especially in length.

Certain synthetic materials such as acrylic are less prone to shrinkage but can still deform under the effect of washing too hot or tumble drying.

Also read: How to keep a sweatshirt soft ?

Techniques for restoring a shrunken sweater to its original size

Use of vinegar and bicarbonate

Another grandmother's tip for enlarging a wool garment is to use white vinegar and baking soda. The vinegar will soften the fibers while the bicarbonate will loosen the knitting.Proceed as follows:

• Soak your sweater in lukewarm water with a glass of white vinegar and a tablespoon of baking soda.
• Leave it to act for around fifteen minutes before rinsing with plenty of clean water.
• Gently wring the sweater then stretch it to restore its shape.
• Dry it flat on a clean towel.

Using water and softener

By combining cold water and softener, you will have every chance of restoring your wool sweater to its original size. Here's how to do it:

• Soak the sweater in a basin of cold water with two tablespoons of fabric softener for 30 minutes.
• Take the sweater out of the water, wring it out without twisting it then stretch it gently.
• Rinse the sweater in clean water to remove excess fabric softener.
• Wring again gently then let dry flat.

At The Oversized Hoodie®, we have tested many methods to return a shrunken sweater to its original size. We particularly recommend the technique of soaking in cold water with a little fabric softener. It's a gentle and effective solution that works on most materials, from wool to cotton to synthetic fibers. The main thing is to proceed gently and stretch the sweater while still damp to restore its shape.
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®

The glycerin bath

Soak your shrunken sweater in water with a few tablespoons of vegetable glycerin for about an hour. Glycerin is an excellent emollient which will soften wool fibers and restore elasticity.

After soaking, rinse your sweater thoroughly with clean water, then wring it out without twist. Gently stretch it back to its original size and shape, then let dry flat on a towel.

Manual stretching techniques

Sometimes it is enough to manually stretch a shrunken sweater that is still wet so that it returns to its normal size. Here's how to do it:

• After washing your sweater, do not wring it but gently stretch it in all directions.
• Pay particular attention to the areas that have shrunk the most, such as the sleeves or the bust.
• Repeat the operation until the sweater returns to approximately its original size.
• Let it dry flat ​​without putting it in the washing machine.

Other grandmother's methods

Our grandmothers had more than one trick up their sleeve to make up for a sweater that shrunk in the wash. Here are their best tips:

• The lukewarm bath with white vinegar: Soak the sweater in a basin of lukewarm water with a glass of white vinegar for 30 minutes. White vinegar softens the fibers and allows the sweater to relax. Then rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry flat.
• Conditioner: Wash gently by hand with conditioner. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly.The conditioner has a softening effect on the fibers and can help relax the sweater.
• The steam iron: Place a damp cloth on the sweater and iron it at low temperature with the steam function. The hot steam will help relax the fibers. Be careful not to leave the iron in one place for too long to avoid burning the sweater.

Also read: What to do when a sweater itches ?

Be careful with the most delicate materials

Certain materials require even more precautions when it comes to returning their size after shrinkage:

Merino wool

Merino wool is a very fine and delicate fiber. If your merino sweater has shrunk, soak it in cold water with a little wool shampoo. Then stretch it very gently before letting it air dry. Avoid contact with a heat source.

Alpaca wool

Like merino wool, alpaca wool requires gentle treatment. Soak your sweater in cold water with special wool detergent. Then stretch it out gently and lay it flat to dry. If necessary, you can use a cold air hair dryer to speed up drying.

Organic cotton

Organic cotton sweaters can also shrink when washed. In this case, soak them in warm soapy water before stretching them to restore their original shape. Avoid excessively high temperatures which could damage the cotton. Prefer air drying.

Also read: Is it normal for a sweater to pill ?

What tools do I need to recover my sweater ?

To carry out the rescue operation for your shrunken sweater, equip yourself with the following accessories:

• A large basin
• cold water and hot water
• From softener
• From white vinegar
• From baking soda
• Clean towels
• A hair dryer (optional)

With these tools and a little patience, you should be able to restore your favorite sweater to its original shape.

Also read: How to tell if a sweatshirt is too small ?

Precautions and maintenance advice

To prevent your sweaters from shrinking again, follow these few simple rules:

Proper washing and drying

• Always wash your wool sweaters by hand or in the washing machine using a wool program.
• Use cold or lukewarm water but never hot water.
• Avoid the dryer which may cause your sweaters to shrink.
• Prefer to dry flat on a towel.

Use of specific products

• Opt for a special wool detergent that does not damage the fibers.
• Always use fabric softener which relaxes the stitches.
• To revive the colors, you can use white vinegar when rinsing.

Correct storage of the sweater

• Fold your sweaters instead of hanging them so they don't lose their shape.
• Store them in a dry, moth-proof place.
• For wool, choose fabric pouches that let the fiber breathe.

By taking care of your sweaters this way, you will be able to keep them beautiful and the right size for many years.

As specialists in oversized sweaters, we always emphasize the importance of proper care to preserve the quality and size of your favorite sweaters. At The Oversized Hoodie®, all our models come with personalized washing advice depending on the material. We recommend that you always follow these instructions carefully, and if in doubt, opt for a cold delicate wash. This is the best way to avoid unpleasant surprises when leaving the machine!
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®

Also read: What is the difference between sweatshirt and sweater ?

What are the mistakes to avoid so as not to damage my sweater ?

If you want to enlarge a shrunken sweater without damaging it, absolutely avoid:

• Putting it in a dryer which could cause it to shrink even more.
• To boil it, which would irreparably damage the fibers.
• Ironing it at high temperatures could burn it.
• To twist it like a cloth to wring it out, the stitches would be deformed.
• Use bleach or harsh stain removers.

By handling your sweater with care, you will put all the chances on your side to restore it to its original size without damaging it.

Also read: How to know if a sweater is of good quality ?

Conclusion

You will have understood, all is not lost if your favorite sweater has shrunk in the wash! Thanks to the different stretching techniques and grandma's tips that we have revealed to you, you should be able to restore it to its original size and shape . The key is to use cold water, stretch the sweater while it's still wet, and lay it flat to dry. Remember that wool and delicate materials like cashmere require special precautions. With a little patience and following our care tips, your sweater will soon no longer look like it has shrunk!

FAQ

How to make a sweater that has shrunk grow ?

To make a sweater that has shrunk grow, soak it in cold water with fabric softener for 30 minutes. Then stretch it gently in all directions before drying it flat on a towel.

How to bring back a sweater that has shrunk in the wash ?

If your sweater has shrunk in the wash, you can soak it in a basin of lukewarm water with a glass of white vinegar and a tablespoon of baking soda. Leave on for 15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Wring the sweater without twisting it then stretch it so that it returns to its original shape.

How to bring back a piece of clothing that has shrunk ?

To bring back a piece of clothing that has shrunk, use the thermal shock technique. Soak the garment in a basin of very hot water for 5 minutes, then immediately immerse it in a basin of ice water. Stretch the garment while it is still cold and then let it dry flat.

How to recover a felted wool sweater ?

If your wool sweater is felted after hot washing, it is unfortunately very difficult to restore it to its original size. Felting is an irreversible process that tightens wool fibers. You can try gently stretching it while it's still damp, but expect the sweater to stay smaller and denser than before. To avoid felting, always wash your wool clothing in cold and carefully follow the care instructions.