Do you have a pair of jeans that don't seem to fit you right? It's not as form-fitting as it used to be or seems more baggy than it should be. Don't worry, you won't have to buy a new pair of jeans because we are going to teach you how to shrink jeans back to their original shape. Keep reading to learn all about it!
We all love our pairs of jeans that fit right, but these jeans can lose their shape and wear off in a couple of years. However, the best part is that shrinking jeans to what it used to be isn't such a tough task. Neither does shrinking jeans require any equipment.
So, how to shrink jeans fast? Well, with a few simple techniques, you can fix your favorite jeans in no time. In this blog, we are going to discuss the various ways in which you can shrink your jeans effectively in no time. So let's dive in to find out!
Why Do Jeans Stretch Out?
Whenever we get a new pair of jeans, we wish that they're going to fit us like a glove forever. But that's not what happens because, with time, our jeans stretch out due to various reasons. Finding out what these reasons are can prevent it from happening again. So let's see why our jeans are stretching out:
Just as physics states, heat expands things. Similarly, when we expose our new jeans to the heat, it expands. We could be exposing our jeans to the hot water of the washing machine or the air from the dryer. We could be ironing our clothes with a steamer too. To prevent jeans from stretching, we must use lower temperatures for taking care of our jeans.
The zip and buttons on the jeans help make our waistline slimmer as we fit ourselves into the jeans. However, at times we could be putting our jeans on and off while the fly is still fastened. Because of this, the jeans get stretched out unnecessarily. Thus, it's important to unfasten your zip and buttons when putting the jeans on and off.
Plain denim jeans stretch out. This is because plain denim is 100% cotton, whereas stretch denim retains the original size for longer. It's made of a stretchable material like lycra, which helps the jeans to revert to their original size easily.
If you are fond of layering your outfits and you wear trousers underneath your jeans it could result in stretching. This is because the extra layer creates padding between the jeans and your skin.
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Overloading the Washing Machine
Putting too many garments in the washing machine results in some of them being caught in the agitator. The agitator moves the garments and water around and further stretches it.
How to Shrink Jeans Effectively?
Now that we know what causes jeans to get stretched out, let's look at how we can fix the size of the jeans. Here is how to shrink jeans quickly:
This is the best way to shrink jeans. You need to take your jeans and put them in the washing machine at the highest temperature. You must wear the jeans once it's completely dry.
If you're wondering how to shrink jeans without washing, you can use the ironing method. In this method, you need to wet the specific areas of the jeans that need shrinking and then run a hot iron over it. But make sure to not put the iron on a damp area for too long to avoid burning.
In this method, you must ensure that the temperature of the water is really hot. So, boil water in a big pot, and then carefully put your jeans in it. Leave it there for about half an hour, and remove the jeans using tongs. After that, you can dry it in the dryer.
If you don't have access to a washing machine or dryer, you can still shrink your jeans. All you have to do is put the stretched-out jeans on and then get into a tub of warm water. Make sure the temperature of the water is suitable for you. Just dunk your body in the bathtub for a while. Wearing your jeans in warm water will cause them to shrink to fit you better.
If your jeans don't seem to fit even after trying out these methods, then it's best to get help from a tailor. If you're wondering how to shrink jeans waist permanently, then the best way to do it is alteration. With the help of a tailor, you can get your jeans back to just the size you wanted.
Do Jeans Shrink Over Time?
Washing and drying do shrink our jeans over time; however, the process can be slower if we lower the temperatures while washing. The first wash causes the maximum shrinkage, but once 5-6 washes are complete, the fabric stops shrinking any further.
Generally, 3 to 4% shrinkage happens in a pair of jeans over time.
How to Reduce the Shrinkage of Jeans?
If you fix your laundry habits and follow certain guidelines, you can prevent your jeans from shrinking further. Here are some ways in which you can avoid shrinking your jeans:
- Wash the jeans at a lower wash temperature. If you switch to cold water for washing, it helps in preventing the fabric length from going shorter.
- Avoid the dryer. Instead of using the dryer, you can air dry your jeans, which will reduce the chances of shrinkage.
- You can go for preshrunk jeans when you're out purchasing new jeans. This can reduce the chances of it further shrinking after a wash.
What are Some Denim Care Tips?
If you want your favorite pair of jeans to last you longer, then you must maintain them and look after them better. You'd be surprised to know that many manufacturers suggest you rarely wash your jeans. Here are some denim care tips to help:
- It's best to wash jeans once a month, if not less. You can air dry them occasionally or spot-treat stains too.
- Always go for a gentle washing program. This is because the denim fabric loses its saturation on washing. Raw denim jeans last longer when hand-washed.
- Don't use a fabric softener on your jeans, and always steam your jeans to dry them. It brings back the softness to the jeans.
Also Read: Evergreen Plus Size Clothing Options Every Lady With Curves Should Try!
Conclusion
As discussed above, with the help of the right techniques, you can preserve your jeans for longer and also shrink them back to their original shape. Following these tips and tricks on how to shrink jeans can allow you to keep wearing your favorite pair for as long as you like. So what are you waiting for? Shrink your stretched-out jeans back in no time.
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