How to Shrink Jeans: 5 Methods that Work

Have you had issues getting the ideal pair of jeans to fit, or have a sturdy pair that has lost its fit and expanded out after just a few uses? Getting your jeans expertly customized is the greatest shot for fitting jeans. However, shrinking a couple of jeans at your house is quick, simple, and very inexpensive. 

5 Easy Ways To Shrink Your Jeans 

Shrink Jeans

Jeans aren’t naturally intended to accommodate all body types. When buying jeans, most individuals will get a set one size too big and then reduce it until it is the perfect width and length. But how can you reduce the size without going too far and spoiling an excellent pair of jeans? Here are some common techniques for shrinking jeans: 

Hot-dryer Method

Since they are prone to shrink, fabrics are often not washed on a hot system. Nevertheless, you can use this to your advantage when you want to shrink a jean. 

Heat has been known to be one of the best methods to shrink your jeans by an inch. All you have to do is to put them in your dryer and at the hottest temperature settings. Doing so will cause it to shrink from half an inch to an inch all around.

Remember, though, that the length of your jeans is also affected. Therefore, it is better to avoid washing your jeans on a hot system if they are already quite short.

Ironing Method 

Ironing Jeans

On those days when you need a go-to shrink job in sensitive regions like your bottom, knees, and waistline, this strategy works best for “spot shrinking.” All you have to do is locate the area of your jeans that needs a little tightening, dampen it slightly with water, then iron it until it is fully dry. If you need to address more than a few minor spots of shrinkage, use one of these alternative tried-and-true techniques instead.

Hot-bath Method

A hot bath and a pair of worn-out thin jeans can help your loose-fitting jeans fit your body once more. This method is extremely helpful if you do not have access to laundry equipment. The day you want to wear the pants is the ideal time to complete this. However, if that is not feasible, you must wait no more than one to two days before wearing them.

Warm up a bathtub with water and ensure it isn’t too hot for your skin by testing it on your hand. Check that the bathtub has adequate water to submerge your waist and legs. Put on the jeans and enter the tub once the water has cooled to room temp. Sit in a bright spot outside until it is dry.

Boiling Method 

Bucket of Hot Water

Boiling your jeans is more effective if you wish to conserve electricity and water. It also works when the washer and dryer approach does not sufficiently shrink the pants. Ensure your jeans are completely soaked in the boiling water in a big pan before gently placing them inside.

Before tumble drying them on high heat after a 20–30 minute boil, drain them as much as you can. Since this approach seems to shrink jeans the most, it is best reserved for those that are saggy. However, if you want to shrink your jeans slightly, you should avoid using this method. Turning your dark or indigo jeans inside out can prevent the most color loss, but be aware that it’ll shed a little color. 

Sew Permanently 

Sewing Jeans

Sometimes, all the techniques mentioned above might not work as well as you want. As a result, you might have to use them repeatedly— a stressful and environmentally harmful endeavor. In such situations, the perfect method is for a tailor to adjust the jeans permanently.

The tailor can make your jeans fit by making a new seam to make them smaller. Alternatively, they can hem the jeans directly to the position you desire. They can adjust the waist or hips, though it would be more difficult.

Some Things to Note About Shrinking Jeans

True denim jeans are made entirely of cotton, which shrinks well and makes DIY techniques a possibility. Unfortunately, because denim naturally stretches and molds to your body, the impression only lasts a short time. Denim will loosen and crinkle with your motions all through the day unless it has been expertly fitted down.

Several manufacturers are trying to find cheaper alternatives to true denim material. These materials can be cotton mixed with other materials or dyed to look like jeans. As a result, you might not get the same shrinking results with these jeans unless you trim them by sewing.

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