https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shrinking-a-sweater Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:44:33 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shrinking-a-sweater#post-1107596 Sun, 08 Dec 2013 05:43:01 +0000 peacechick 1107596@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you do decide to deliberately shrink it in the dryer later, remember there's no need to put it in the whole cycle. You can control it somewhat by checking at 5 or 10 minute intervals. Also don't put it in wet, but damp. I've shrunk things this way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shrinking-a-sweater#post-1107594 Sun, 08 Dec 2013 05:32:14 +0000 Gigi 1107594@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, it looks like the consensus is pretty clear--don't do it! Thanks for all your wisdom.</p> <p>JAileen, I have already&nbsp;bought the smallest size, so I can't exchange it for the right size. This is why I resort to crazy things like trying to shrink clothes in the dryer. I just get so frustrated trying to find anything that fits! At least this garment is only one size too big. It's not uncommon for a store's smallest size to be *two* sizes too big.&nbsp;</p> <p>I have decided to keep the sweater and will wear it with turtlenecks for now, since it is really cold here (Minn.). I have experimented a bit with the welt at the bottom and have found that that helps the frump factor, when I adjust it just right. If I start getting disgusted with the fit being a bit large, I will head over to the tailor. The thing is, the fabric is kind of slippery and thin, probably due to the rayon, and I'm skeptical that any seams that have to be redone are going to look good and not pucker&nbsp;(I have had this issue with tailors in the past).</p> <p>Darned if you do, darned if you don't! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shrinking-a-sweater#post-1107173 Sat, 07 Dec 2013 18:52:51 +0000 annagybe 1107173@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was in college when it happened, he was trying to be helpful. Normally he's pretty laundry astute. I did get a whole bunch of new sweaters out of it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shrinking-a-sweater#post-1107170 Sat, 07 Dec 2013 18:48:46 +0000 Emily 1107170@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oof. &nbsp;I wouldn't try it with the cotton-rayon blend. &nbsp;I third the tailor suggestion - it can't hurt to ask. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shrinking-a-sweater#post-1107156 Sat, 07 Dec 2013 18:25:16 +0000 Mellllls 1107156@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've had luck shrinking in the dryer but I wouldn't risk it for that sweater....I second the idea of a tailor. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shrinking-a-sweater#post-1107155 Sat, 07 Dec 2013 18:25:06 +0000 Kim 1107155@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anna, was that your father's way of getting you to do your own laundry?? Cause that's what my mother did and she never touched my or my sisters laundry again...</p> <p>I thought she was being ditzy (I was 16) but now I see the evil plan worked in her &nbsp;favor...LOL</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shrinking-a-sweater#post-1107152 Sat, 07 Dec 2013 18:22:36 +0000 JAileen 1107152@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No! If it were wool you could shrink it but it would probably have an awful stiffness. But since it's a cotton blend, I don't think you'll get the results you want.</p> <p>I presume you can 't exchange for the right size for some reason. What about going to a tailor to have it taken in? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shrinking-a-sweater#post-1106857 Sat, 07 Dec 2013 05:12:54 +0000 Suz 1106857@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gulp. Just reading Anna's message ....I think we need a few moments of silence here. "Accidentally shrunk ALL my sweaters." OY!!!</p> <p>I agree with what she says, though. It's risky. I have successfully shrunk 100% cotton sweaters this way --- at least temporarily. (They then stretch out and I put them in the machine again). I have had some success with wool. But with something in mixed fibres, it sounds really risky.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shrinking-a-sweater#post-1106841 Sat, 07 Dec 2013 04:48:57 +0000 annagybe 1106841@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When my father accidentally shrunk all my sweaters, the body shrunk much less than sleeves.<br />I would not recommend it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shrinking-a-sweater#post-1106835 Sat, 07 Dec 2013 04:44:40 +0000 E 1106835@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The other danger with shrinking a sweater is that the length will shrink too &amp; you might end up with too short sleeves! I've only attempted to shrink wool sweaters so I've no idea what would happen with a rayon/cotton blend. If you can't afford to lose the $60 I'd return it and keep looking, because who knows what'll happen in the drier. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shrinking-a-sweater#post-1106830 Sat, 07 Dec 2013 04:37:05 +0000 Gigi 1106830@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just bought this apple intarsia sweater from Nordie's (online order):</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/halogen-intarsia-knit-sweater-regular-petite/3515636?cm_em=&amp;cm_mmc=email_tran-_-113013-_-order_confirm-_-proddescr1">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ha....._mmc=email</a></p> <p>I got it today and tried it on. Despite the fact that the reviewers said it runs small, it is still about a size too big on me. The bust is a little too wide, there's a little too much fabric under the armpits, the length is a bit long, and the waist isn't as defined as I would like--so all over just a bit big. Also, the fabric is a little on the thin side, which doesn't help matters when it comes to shaping.&nbsp;I would post a pic, but I don't have a digital camera... :^(</p> <p>I have one turtleneck that I can wear it over the top of, and that helps some, but the sweater is still a bit big.</p> <p>Anyway, I am dying to have a cute intarsia sweater, and this is the only one I could find anywhere near my size. So I&nbsp;am wondering if any of you have words of wisdom about trying to shrink this puppy. The fabric content is 53% cotton, 40% rayon, 7% nylon. The fabric care instructions are machine wash cold, gentle cycle, reshape, dry flat. I know that rayon is notorious for shrinking in the dryer, but cotton is often preshrunk these days, so I don't know what will happen. Also, I'm guessing that the rates of shrinkage for cotton and rayon differ, which might create problems. </p> <p>I called the petite dept. at Nordie's, and the SA told me she didn't have any idea what to tell me. The sweater is $60, so it's a little spendy to ruin in the dryer if this doesn't work.</p> <p>Any advice on whether I should attempt the shrinking? Again, my apologies that I can't post a photo.</p>