When it comes to laundry, there really is nothing worse than throwing your favorite jumper in the dryer, expecting it to come out fresh and fluffy, and instead finding it shrunken and unwearable. But, is it possible to undo the damage?

According to experts, the answer is yes, kind of. While your jumper might never be exactly the same as it once was, it is possible to coax the shape almost back to the original.


Is there anything worse than throwing your favorite jumper in the dryer, expecting it to come out fresh and fluffy, only to find it shrunken and unwearable? But fear not, experts say there is a way to undo the damage, well, kind of. While your jumper may never be exactly the same as it once was, it is possible to coax it back to almost its original shape.

So how can you avoid shrinkage in the first place and keep your clothes looking as good as new? Cleaning experts have shared their tips on how to do laundry to steer clear of shrinkage and maintain the size of your items.

Why do clothes shrink in the dryer?

1. Heat

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The main reason clothes shrink in the dryer is due to the high-heat conditions. Fabrics, especially natural ones like cotton and wool, are sensitive to heat. The dryer’s high temperatures cause fibers to contract and tighten, resulting in shrinkage. To combat this, opt for a low-heat setting or air-dry natural materials using a retractable clothesline or a clothes rack.

2. Agitation

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The tumbling action combined with heat in the dryer can cause fibers to bunch up and lock into place, resulting in shrinkage, especially for delicates and loosely-woven materials. Avoid tumble-drying all items and always check the care label for specific instructions. Consider using a heated airer as an alternative to dry clothes quickly and efficiently without agitation.

3. Fabric type

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Different fabrics react differently to heat, with cotton and wool being more prone to shrinkage. Using a delicate detergent and keeping the temperature low can help prevent shrinkage. Consider using dryer balls to speed up the drying process and minimize the risk of shrinking.

4. Overdrying

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Over-drying clothes can also lead to shrinkage as fabrics dry out completely and cool, causing the fibers to “set” into a more compact form. Remove clothes while slightly damp to help them retain their shape. Consider using a sweater drying rack at home to speed up the drying process and prevent musty odors.

5. Residual moisture evaporation

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Avoid overloading the dryer to allow for even drying and reduce moisture retention, which can lead to uneven shrinkage. Spread out the clothes for efficient drying and to prevent shrinkage.

Can you unshrink clothes?

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If you’ve accidentally shrunk your favorite items in the dryer, there are methods to unshrink clothing, though results may vary. Here are expert-approved methods for unshrinking common items of clothing.

How to unshrink shirts

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To unshrink a shirt, soak it in room temperature water with hair conditioner or baby shampoo to relax the fibers. Then, lay it out flat on a towel, roll it up to remove excess water, stretch it gently, and hang it to air-dry.

How to unshrink jeans

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To unshrink jeans, soak them in warm water, squeeze out excess water, and hang them to air-dry on a pants hanger to retain their shape.

How to unshrink sweaters

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To unshrink sweaters, follow the same process as for shirts and consider weighted stretching for extreme cases. Soak the garment, squeeze out excess water, lay it flat, and use weights or pins to keep it stretched while drying. Avoid using additional heat to prevent fiber damage.

While these methods may help undo shrinkage, it’s not always guaranteed that your garments will return to their original state. The best way to prevent shrinkage is to always dry on a low heat setting and take gentle care of your favorite garments to preserve their integrity.

If you have oversized garments that need shrinking, consider using high-heat settings or stretching damp items on your body for a better fit.