How to Unshrink Clothes: Rescue Your Shrunken Garments

Accidentally shrunk your favorite shirt? Don't throw it away yet. In many cases, you can unshrink clothes and restore them close to their original size using household products you already have. The key is relaxing the fabric fibers so they can be gently stretched back.

Method 1: Baby Shampoo or Conditioner Soak (Best for Most Fabrics)

This works on cotton, wool, cashmere, and blended fabrics:

1. Fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water (not hot)
2. Add 1 tablespoon of baby shampoo or hair conditioner per quart of water
3. Submerge the shrunken garment and let it soak for 30 minutes
4. Remove the garment — do NOT rinse out the conditioner
5. Gently squeeze out excess water (don't wring)
6. Lay flat on a clean towel and gently stretch the garment back to its original dimensions
7. Pin the edges in place if needed and let air dry completely

The conditioner relaxes the fabric fibers, allowing them to be stretched. This method can recover 1-2 sizes on most cotton and wool garments.

Method 2: Vinegar + Warm Water (For Cotton and Linen)

1. Mix 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts warm water in a basin
2. Soak the garment for 25-30 minutes
3. Squeeze out water gently, lay flat, and stretch back to size
4. Air dry flat — never put a shrunken garment in the dryer

Method 3: Steam Stretching (For Stubborn Cases)

1. Hang the garment on a hanger
2. Use a garment steamer or iron on steam setting, holding it 1-2 inches from the fabric
3. While steaming, gently pull and stretch the fabric in the direction you need it to grow
4. Let cool and dry in the stretched position

How to Prevent Clothes from Shrinking

• Read the care label. Our laundry symbols guide explains every symbol.
• Wash in cold water. Heat is the primary cause of shrinking — cold water is always safer.
• Air dry when possible. The dryer causes more shrinking than the washer.
• Use low heat in the dryer. If you must machine dry, use the lowest heat setting.
• Remove clothes while slightly damp. This prevents the last stage of heat-related shrinking.

For a full temperature guide by fabric type, see our wash temperature guide.