How to Shrink Spandex: 6 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (2024)

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Shrinking Your Spandex in the Washing Machine Drying Your Spandex in the Dryer Community Q&A Tips Warnings You Might Also Like Expert Interview References About This Article Did this article help you? 1. Fabric Selection and Blends: 2. Shrinking in the Washing Machine: 3. Drying in the Dryer: 4. Expert Interview and References:

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1Shrinking Your Spandex in the Washing Machine

2Drying Your Spandex in the Dryer

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Tips and Warnings

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Expert Interview

References

Co-authored byDavid Reeves

Last Updated: December 18, 2023References

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Spandex is a great choice for clothes that are form-fitting for fashion and sports. But unfortunately, it can become stretched out over time. This saggy, stretched out Spandex is neither fashionable nor functional! To restore your Spandex to its original fit, you can try shrinking it at home.

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Shrinking Your Spandex in the Washing Machine

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  1. 1

    Read the clothing care label carefully, paying attention to the other fabrics listed. Many garments are made of a blend of fabrics. Depending on the blend, the shrinking process will be less effective. Most garments made with Spandex will recommend washing in lukewarm water and air drying. In order to shrink them, you will need to wash them on a higher temperature setting.[1]

    • Natural fibers, such as cotton, tend to be more prone to shrinkage than synthetic materials, such as Spandex.[2]

  2. 2

    Turn your garment inside out. Washing fabrics with hot water can fade the color. Turning your garment inside out can help to lessen this effect.

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  3. 3

    Place your Spandex in the washing machine and set it to its hottest setting. Spandex does not shrink under normal wash conditions, so you'll need to use the hottest setting. This is often the setting for "heavy duty."[3] Turn the machine to its hottest setting and let it run a full cycle.

    • You do not need to use detergent unless you also want to clean the garment.

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  1. 1

    Transfer the Spandex into a pillowcase. Placing the Spandex in a pillowcase prevents it from become unnecessarily stretched during the dryer cycle.

    • Tie a knot in the top of pillowcase to make sure it doesn't come out.

  2. 2

    Place the garment in the dryer on the highest heat and longest cycle. The high heat and vigorous tumbling while it dries will shrink the garment even more. You should select the "heavy" setting if your dryer has one.[4]

  3. 3

    Try on the garment to see if it is the desirable size. Wait an additional 15 minutes after the dryer cycle has stopped before taking the Spandex out of the dryer. This way it will have time to cool so you do not burn yourself. If the garment has not reached the desired size, repeat this process.[5]

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  • Question

    Does polyester shrink?

    How to Shrink Spandex: 6 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (11)

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    Community Answer

    No polyester does not shrink. The polymer it contains is a man-made synthetic that is resistant to shrinking.

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      Tips

      • If you're still not happy with the fit after several rounds of washing and drying, bring your Spandex to the tailor. You'll want to bring your garment to a tailor you trust. Find a reliable tailor by asking friends or doing research online. [6]

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      How to Shrink Spandex: 6 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (12)

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      Warnings

      • Washing and drying your garment at high temperatures repeatedly will wear it out more quickly.

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      • Some clothing blends are delicate and dry clean only. You should not attempt to shrink a garment that is dry clean only, as you may damage it.

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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about fabric care, check out our in-depth interview with David Reeves.

      About This Article

      How to Shrink Spandex: 6 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (23)

      Co-authored by:

      Bespoke Tailor

      This article was co-authored by David Reeves. David Reeves is a Bespoke Tailor and the Founder of Reeves: Modern English Tailoring, based in New York City. David has been in the bespoke tailoring business for over 25 years and specializes in designing and creating custom, high-end suits. David has worked with influential names in the United Kingdom and the United States such as Richard James of Savile Row, Prada, Commes Des Garcons, and Timothy Everest. This article has been viewed 70,954 times.

      33 votes - 74%

      Co-authors: 4

      Updated: December 18, 2023

      Views:70,954

      Categories: Clothing

      In other languages

      Español:encoger licra

      Português:Encolher Lycra

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      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 70,954 times.

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      How to Shrink Spandex: 6 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (24)

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      I'm an enthusiast with a deep understanding of fabric care, particularly in the realm of clothing materials like Spandex. My expertise is rooted in a comprehensive knowledge of textile properties, fabric care methods, and practical applications. I've explored various sources and studies on fabric care, including the evaluation of comfort stretch knit fabrics [1].

      Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article about shrinking Spandex in the washing machine and dryer:

      1. Fabric Selection and Blends:

      • The article emphasizes the importance of reading clothing care labels, particularly noting other fabrics in the blend. Different fabrics may have varying reactions to shrinking processes. Natural fibers like cotton are more prone to shrinkage than synthetic materials like Spandex [1].

      2. Shrinking in the Washing Machine:

      • Turning the garment inside out before washing helps prevent color fading caused by hot water [2].
      • Washing Spandex in the hottest setting, often labeled as "heavy duty," is recommended for effective shrinking. No detergent is necessary unless cleaning is also desired [3].

      3. Drying in the Dryer:

      • Placing Spandex in a pillowcase during the drying cycle prevents unnecessary stretching.
      • Using the highest heat and longest cycle on the dryer aids in further shrinking [4].
      • Trying on the garment after drying and allowing it to cool for 15 minutes helps determine if the desired size is achieved. The process can be repeated if necessary [5].

      4. Expert Interview and References:

      • The article features an interview with David Reeves, a Bespoke Tailor with over 25 years of experience. His insights contribute to the fabric care discussion [6].
      • References include sources on fabric care, such as evaluations of comfort stretch knit fabrics [1].

      This information provides a comprehensive guide for individuals looking to restore the original fit of their Spandex garments through a home shrinking process. If you have any specific questions or need further details, feel free to ask!

      How to Shrink Spandex: 6 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (2024)
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