Do you have a pair of ill-fitting jeans and need to shrink them? Learn all of the techniques for how to shrink jeans in this guide.
Nothing lasts forever except jeans (well, almost forever), which remain wearable even after decades of use. Somewhere down the line, your father, uncle, or big brother had to pass down their denim to you. You try them on for size and find out they’re too big or too long to wear. Fortunately, there’s a surefire way to adjust the fit without the need for tailoring skills, especially if they are just slightly too big. All you have to do is learn how to shrink jeans properly.
You might ask, “How am I going to do that?” Well, this guide is about that. I’ll teach you various techniques for shrinking denim, from temporary fixes to more permanent ones.
Denim 101: Everything About the Fabric
Before diving into specifics, let’s talk more about denim. First, wearers know denim for its classic design and rich history. Denim was first invented in the 17th century in Nimes, France. However, Levi Strauss & Co. patented the riveted denim you know today in 1873 as a durable work pant. Denim crossed over into fashion in the 1950s, and now it’s a staple in almost every person’s wardrobe.
Denim fabric is a twill-weave fabric typically made from cotton. The more cotton included in your jeans, denim jacket, etc., the more rigid or less stretchy it will be. Manufacturers add other fibers, such as elastane or polyester, to denim for stretch. The more stretch material added to denim, the less likely they will stretch out. However, often, you lose the rigidity of the classic denim fabric.
So, what does this mean in regards to fit? Denim with high or pure cotton content tends to stretch with wear, especially in the knees, waist and hips. These areas typically see a lot of motion from sitting, bending over, squatting down, etc. The tight weave stretches with wear. That’s why denim “stretches” out and why you may need to shrink your denim.
As you buy denim, I always suggest sizing down, provided it’s comfortable. Obviously, if you can’t button your jeans (or breathe), they’re too small. However, if you’re between sizes, consider sizing down, especially for rigid or high-cotton content denim. Remember, they will stretch with wear to give you that comfortable, made-for-you fit.
How To Shrink Jeans in the Wash
Sometimes, complicated problems require simple solutions. You probably throw most of your laundry in the washer, even if the tags say don’t. So why not throw in your jeans there and see the magic? Don’t worry; there’s a proper way to do it. All you have to do is follow the instructions below.
- First, put the jeans you want to shrink in the washing machine and fill it with warm water.
- Once they’re squeaky clean, put them in the dryer and set the temperature to warm. The heat should shrink them well, but too high or super hot heat will damage your denim over time. If you have a warm setting, it’s best to use it.
- Take them out, then try them on for size.
It’s important to know that constant machine washing will damage your denim over time. They might lose their color, stiffen, or incur tears. Drying also does the same thing, so make sure you only do this technique at least once. If you’re buying pairs, grab options closest to your actual waist size but two to three sizes up in length. This way, you only need to make adjustments once. Most guys style jeans without cleaning them for months and only apply care solutions after ten wears.
How To Shrink Jeans Permanently
Realistically, the most permanent way to shrink denim is to enlist the help of a good tailor. However, if altering your jeans and pants is out of the question, the boil method is one of the best ways to get longevity out of shrinking denim. Here’s how to do it:
- Turn your trousers inside out and soak them in boiling water for 20 to 30 minutes at maximum.
- Use a big ladle or spoon to keep the denim dipped in the water. To make them more flexible, add diluted fabric softener.
- Once the time is up, take the garment out and toss it into the dryer. Use one of the highest heat settings to tighten the fiber.
This process is time-consuming and requires patience. It’s also important not to forget about your soaked jeans. If they remain drenched for too long, they will lose color. Hanging them out to dry will also work against you. Immediately put them in the dryer after the boiling procedure to maximize the benefits.
Unfortunately, raw denim and other denim blends won’t stay shrunk. Some go back to their original form or, worse, stretch. We know it’s annoying, but it’s the nature of the fabric.
How To Shrink a Jean Jacket
You’re now acquainted with various ways to shrink your jeans, but don’t forget about denim jackets. You can use the previous two approaches to reduce the entire size, but they’re quite risky. Here’s the best method to shrink a denim jacket:
- Boil or dampen the coat in hot water. The wetter it is, the more you can shrink it.
- Next, grab an iron, unfold its accompanying board, and lay the jacket flat across the top.
- Set the iron to its hottest setting and iron the wet sections until dry. If they need to contract further, add more water and repeat the process.
This strategy allows you to shrink specific areas, like the sleeves or shoulders, perfect for meticulous guys or anyone wanting a tailored fit.
How To Shrink Blue Jeans to Avoid Dye Loss
It’s risky to shrink denim with thick dyes, as they might lose color when thrown in hot water. Rinse wash and black denim are very susceptible to dye loss. Hot water opens up denim fibers and releases dye. So, unless you are intentionally fading your denim, avoid high temperatures. Fortunately, you have two quirky cold-water techniques for shrinking your jeans. Both get the job done as long as you do them right.
First up is the refrigerator method. This is more of a quick, temporary fix, especially if you need them to fit perfectly for a special day. Put the denim in the freezer a night or two before your planned day out. The longer it’s in cold temperatures, the more it will diminish in size. Once you’ve done this, you can take it out and wear it. You will feel a tightened waistline and a better fit overall. Understand that the results won’t last long, so think of it as a one-day adjustment.
Next, consider bathing in your denim. Yes, you read that right. Fill the tub with lukewarm water, put your pants on, and hop in. Feel free to scroll social media, read a book, or play a video game because you will stay there for a while. You need roughly half an hour of soaking before getting out. When the time’s up, keep your pair of jeans on until they’re completely dry. The material will soften and contour around your body. The result will leave you with your best-fitting jeans without the help of a professional tailor.
FAQs
We’ve provided extensive information on shrinking jeans. If you still have questions, this FAQ section has you covered. Here are some of the most common questions.
Can You Shrink Jeans Down a Size?
Yes, you can shrink jeans down a size. The most basic way is to toss them in the washer and clean them using hot water. Then, let the dryer do its magic using its warmest setting.
How Do You Make Your Jeans Smaller?
Multiple methods can be used to shrink jeans, such as dipping them in boiling water or freezing them. Some procedures offer temporary solutions, while others are irreversible.
Do Jeans Really Shrink in the Dryer?
Jeans shrink in the dryer because of the high temperatures. The tumbling also causes the bonds in the fibers to break, leading to the fabric’s contraction.
How Much Will Jeans Shrink in Hot Water?
Washing jeans in hot water shrinks them to half an inch to an inch in size. The process only affects the length and rarely the waist size.
Last Thoughts on Shrinking Denim
Jeans are versatile garments that go great with almost any casual outfit. More than their style, they are sought for their unparalleled durability and longevity. Men often flaunt the same denim trousers their fathers and grandfathers wore. If properly cared for, they will last more than one lifetime.
Of course, you and your predecessors aren’t of the same size. That’s one reason why you should learn how to shrink jeans. The various simple and meticulous procedures allow you to customize the fit, whether temporarily or permanently. You can make them more comfortable and stylish without the need for costly alterations. All you need are a handful of household items, the right knowledge, and this article to guide you through.
Do you have other unique methods for shrinking your jeans? Share it with us in the comments!
