Have you ever grabbed a cotton hoodie from the rack of your favourite store, only to come home and find it fits a bit too baggy? Turns out this is a very universal experience that a lot of people go through due to differences in body types as well as inconsistent sizing conventions across different apparel brands. The good news: you can always fix the size!
Intentional shrinkage is a very easy and DIY friendly way to get the perfect fit for your hoodie without having to buy a new one or having to spend tons of money in alterations! In this guide, we will walk you through the game changer technique of shrinking your hoodie with safe, step by step methods to be able to achieve it by yourself at home!
Why Shrinking Your Cotton Hoodie Matters?
- Better fit – over time, loved hoodies lose their shape and structural integrity after constant use and wear and tear. Shrinking them helps to mold them back to your body for a cleaner and more stylish look!
- Style upgrade – baggy is cool, but in today’s world of fast paced trends, sometimes an oversized hoodie that is a bit too loose can give a sloppy look. Controlled shrinkage will help bring that life back into the hoodie to give it intentional streetwear vibes!
- Fabric recovery – believe it or not, shrinking the cotton fibers of a hoodie can help reset the fabric’s cotton structure for a fresher and tighter feel.
- Extending your hoodie’s life – a better fitting hoodie experiences less wear and tear compared to an ill fitting one that is more prone to getting caught or pulled.
At Bulk Wear USA, we craft our cotton blends to respond well to shrinkage methods, making sure you get the fit that you want every single time! As the suppliers of 100 percent cotton hoodies wholesale, we feel our duty to provide with authentic essential care details as well. So, this blog will serve you as your go to guide!
How To Shrink A Cotton Hoodie? – A step-by-step detailed guide!
Preparation:
The materials you will need for the shrinking process include the following:
- Hot water source (whether it is a pot of boiling water or a washing machine)
- A dryer
- A thermometer (to monitor the temperature for the pot method)
- Tongs or heat-resistant gloves for protection
- Mild detergent
Pre-treatment advice regarding “how to shrink a cotton hoodie”: washing the hoodie once to remove any dirt or oils so that heat can be absorbed evenly to ensure equal shrinkage across the fabric. Our hoodies have detailed care labels on the back to help guide you through the perfect shrink!
Step By Step Process For Shrinking A Cotton Hoodie:
Step 1: Protect the Outer Layer by Turning the Hoodie Inside Out
Before starting the shrinking process, turn your hoodie inside out. This simple yet crucial step protects the outer fabric, preserving any print, embroidery, and color vibrancy from potential wear during washing and drying.
Step 2: Use Hot Water for Maximum Fiber Contraction
Set your washing machine to its hottest water setting and add a mild detergent. Cotton fibers respond well to heat, and higher temperatures encourage maximum shrinkage. Let the machine run a full wash cycle with these settings.
Manual Tip: If you’re not using a washing machine, manually heat water in a large container. Soak the hoodie and gently stir it using tongs to ensure even exposure to heat across the fabric.
Step 3: Dry on High Heat, Check Every 10 Minutes
After the wash cycle, move the hoodie to the dryer and set it to its highest heat setting. Check the hoodie every 10 minutes to monitor the level of shrinkage. If it hasn’t shrunk enough, continue drying in 10-minute intervals until the desired fit is achieved.
Step 4 (Optional): Repeat the Process for Further Shrinking
If the hoodie still doesn’t fit as desired, repeat the hot wash and high-heat dry cycle. Always check the fit after each cycle to avoid over-shrinking or fabric damage.
Step 5: Target Loose Areas with Steam for Precision Shrinkage
To refine the fit, use a garment steamer or an iron with steam settings to target specific loose areas like the cuffs, waistband, and hood. This helps achieve a more tailored and snug fit without affecting the entire garment.
Final Tip: Air Dry to Lock in the New Size
Once the perfect fit is achieved, avoid further machine drying. Air dry the hoodie to stabilize the new size and prevent any unintended additional shrinkage. This ensures the fabric relaxes naturally while locking in the adjusted fit.
Post Process Care
Once you finish the shrinking process, try on the hoodie (once it is not too hot!) to check for the desired level of snugness you want to achieve. Then you can repeat the process if necessary, but do make sure not to do too many cycles of aggressive shrinkage to protect the fabric to restore its softness of the fabric; wash the hoodie on a cold, gentle cycle after the shrinking process and use a fabric softener or air dry to keep the cozy effect of the hoodie. After achieving your perfect fit, try not to use high-heat washing and store the hoodie folded rather than stretched out to retain your new fit.
At Bulk Wear USA, we provide high-quality cotton hoodies that will maintain their color and fit even after shrinkage. We hope you find this guide helpful in customizing your hoodie easily to make it your own.
