We all know how annoying a pair of stretched jeans can be – but isn’t it just the way it is? The waistband suddenly doesn’t feel so form-fitting and the knees have creased because you have been sitting all day. Relatable?
But there is a solution to this. You can shrink your jeans. Yes, you read it right. Shrunk jeans is the new trend. These jeans are much tighter than regular jeans and more form-fitting than skinny jeans. Their crotch area is higher up on the waistline and makes your legs, hips, and butt look slimmer. All you need is a bunch of simple tricks right up your sleeves (cuffs, we mean). Discover these techniques in this post and never let a pair of jeans bother you again.
7 Best Ways To Shrink Jeans Easily
1. Use Dry Ice
Seal your jeans inside a plastic bag, put it into another plastic bag, and tie it up. Place it in a chunk of dry ice and leave it alone for a couple of hours to allow it to shrink. But be wary as certain fabrics may become stiff or get damaged once the dry ice evaporates.
2. Use An Iron
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Dampen any of the loose areas on your jeans using hot water. These could be the waistband, thigh areas, or the knees. Switch your iron to the cotton setting and run it over the dampened areas of your jeans. Ensure you aren’t pausing on an area for too long. You can put on the jeans once they are completely dry.
Do remember to just dampen the problem areas on your jeans, and not soak them.
3. Get Into The Bath
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While this may seem a little uncomfortable, it works well. Fill the bathtub with hot water. Remember, no soap. Put on your jeans and get into the bathtub. Wait until the water cools down, and then step out. Shake off the excess water and step outside. You may walk around a bit too, but ensure the jeans are completely dry so that they naturally fit to your form.
But in case the weather is cold, you may instead hang the jeans outside and allow them to dry.
4. Shrink Jeans Using A Paddle
Fill up your sink with warm water and submerge the jeans. Once wet, remove the jeans and wring them until they are damp. Then tap all over the fabric using a wooden paddle/spoon for about ten minutes and repeat on the other side. This method will help you shrink the jeans by increasing the friction in certain regions.
5. Use The Freezer Method
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Throw your jeans into the freezer overnight and take them out the next morning. After a day or two, your pants will shrink and be ready for wear. However, this method is not recommended for items made of cotton because the material will become stiff and uncomfortable after drying.
6. Throw Them In The Dryer
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This technique is simple. Put your stretched-out jeans into the washer and set to the hottest temperature. Once done, throw them in the dryer. Wait till they have dried completely. Your shrunk jeans would be ready to be used. However, practice caution if your jeans are made of delicate fabric – try reducing the temperature in the washer appropriately.
7. Use The Boiling Method
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Fill a large pan or pot with boiled water. Now turn your jeans inside out and leave them over the pan. Ensure the jeans are submerged completely. As the water is hot, you may use a spoon or a ladle to push the denims down under. Leave them for about 20 to 30 minutes. Stir the water once a while. Afterward, you can drain the water and dry the jeans.
Each of these techniques works differently for different types of material.
Conclusion
Now you know precisely how to shrink your jeans. But if they feel baggy despite following these techniques, you may want to visit your neighborhood tailor. This is because the tricks mentioned here offer a temporary solution at best. Visiting a professional can give you a permanent solution and can also prolong the life of the fabric.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do jeans shrink in cold water?
No. Since denim fibers do not break down from being washed with cold water, the fabric may not shrink.
Do jeans shrink after the first wash?
Yes, denim may shrink about 7% to 10% after the first wash. However, it returns to its original form within approximately an hour due to the reversal of relaxation shrinkage.
Will jeans shrink or stretch over time?
The fabric of jeans morphs and adjusts according to the wearer’s body. To that end, jeans may shrink with time.
Key Takeaways
- Always choose the method based on the type of fabric. For example, the freezer method is not ideal for cotton jeans.
- You can first buy cheap jeans and try them on for practice.
- The simplest way to shrink your jeans during the winters is to leave them out in the cold night.
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Sushmita Barman
Sushmita has a master’s degree in English literature from Gauhati University, Assam, and is an experienced content writer and editor…. more
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