Sometimes you need to shrink a pair of cotton pants, even if you just got an oversized pair as a gift or have lost a few pounds.Cotton clothes shrink when they are exposed to pressure or heat.Pressure and heat can be used to shrink cotton pants without spending a lot of money or time.
Step 1: Put your pants on the stove.
Bring the pot to a boil by filling it with water.The heat should be turned off when the water starts to bubble.Drop your cotton pants into the pot and let them sit for between five and twenty minutes, based on how much you want to shrink them.Wait for the pants to cool before removing them.After you shrink them even more, they need to be dry in a dryer.If you leave your pants in hot water, they will shrink.
Step 2: If you have more time, soak your pants in warm water.
You can soak your pants for up to six hours by filling a bin or sink with warm water.This method of shrinking cotton clothing tends to have uniform results.While the shape stays the same, the size of the clothing changes due to the fact that the entire garment has an equal amount of time to shrink.When you are done letting them soak, dry them on a clothes line.Don't use this method on bright clothing.It might cause the colors to fade.You can soak your pants overnight if you don't want to wait.
Step 3: You can shrink your clothes by washing them in a machine.
If cotton is not made with synthetic fibers, it will shrink in a washing machine.Cotton clothing shrinks because of the heat and agitation.Repeated washings make this more noticeable.If you are not in a rush, throw your cotton pants in with your normal laundry and they should shrink with each wash.Check the tags on your pants to make sure they can be machine washed.
Step 4: It's a good idea to put unwashed clothes in the dryer.
The spinning of your dryer is enough to shrink cotton pants.While heat helps the process along, you can place your unwashed fabric in the dryer and turn it on the lowest setting to shrink it.If you don't use heat, the size of your pants will not change.If you want to make a small change to the size of your cotton pants, this method is for you.You should wash them first if you don't see any Shrinking after your first cycle.
Step 5: Dry on low heat and use a cold wash.
If you only want your pants to shrink a little but don't see any changes after drying them with no heat, try washing them in cold water.You can change the temperature on your dryer after their wash.The clothes should be wet before they are dried to aid in the shrinking process.Go up from there with low heat.
Step 6: If you want to shrink your pants, dry them on high heat.
If you want them to shrink by a lot, wash them with hot water and then dry them on high heat.The cotton fabric will be more flexible in the dryer as a result of the heat.Be careful.Repeatedly drying your clothes can cause them to tear.
Step 7: The cotton pants will shrink if you iron them with steam.
You should spread your pants over the ironing board.Set the steam iron to its highest temperature by filling it with water.Take the steam iron from the pants and slowly steam them.It is important to let them air dry on a flat surface after you are done.The easiest way to control the size of the clothing is through this method.When you shrink an item of clothing, it's usually referred to as fabric manipulation.
Step 8: Put a wet sheet over your pants.
Put the piece of damp fabric over the cotton pants.Press the iron into the textiles where you want them to shrink.If the pants are particularly stiff, you can leave the wet fabric on top of them with a sponge.
Step 9: Take your pants to the tailor.
If you have specific needs, taking your cotton pants to a professional is a good idea.A tailor can shrink cotton pants to your specifications.Paying a tailor to alter your clothes costs money, but shrinking your pants at home requires taking a risk, a professional is less likely to damage them.