Best way to shrink a sweater?

[masqueofhastur]

I've got a BR sweater that was given to me that's a little big, but still fits fine as is. I'm thinking about soaking it in hot water to shrink it, but I'm not sure if it's been pre-shrunk or if it will shrink uniformly. Arm length is fine, as is the hem length and it drapes nicely so it's not too obvious it's big. Only really noticeable part about it is the neck is rather large. Am I more likely to screw something up by trying to shrink it or would it work? The sweater is 100% cotton and seems to be pretty heavy, when I run it through the dryer it's usually one of the items that's still damp.

 

[cmrocks]

In my experience, sweaters usually tend to shrink in length and not in width. If the shoulders fit well, I would just take it to a tailor or knitwear specialist and see what they can do. I doubt they will be able to alter the neck size though.

 

[Max]

Leave it be. If you're putting it through a dryer on a regular basis, it's not going to shrink much if you soak it in hot water.

 

[sam_tem]

yeah, if you already washed it and put it through the dryer i'm sure it's already shrunk as much as it ever will

i bought a club monaco sweater in a medium on sale last week. i'm sure it's the same type of goddawful box cut like that of the banana republic, but the small would just be too tight across the chest. it's 85% cotton so i'm just going to wash it warm and throw it in the dryer as well

 

[masqueofhastur]

Thanks for the advice.

 

[Get Smart]

I've shrunk merino wool sweaters a full size down by washing in hot, drying in high heat. obviously, it cant have been previously washed/dried

 

[no_pseudonym]

Originally Posted by DucatiCole

In my experience, sweaters usually tend to shrink in length and not in width. If the shoulders fit well, I would just take it to a tailor or knitwear specialist and see what they can do. I doubt they will be able to alter the neck size though.

Yeah, that's the thing about sweaters and even tees...they won't shrink uniformly. I had a sweatshirt which I put in the dryer for too long and it shrunk a lot lengthwise...it used to reach down to my waist by now it only reaches my belly button

 

[CoryB]

Originally Posted by Get Smart

I've shrunk merino wool sweaters a full size down by washing in hot, drying in high heat. obviously, it cant have been previously washed/dried

I did this recent by failing to read the care label. I love the fitted-ness, but I'm constantly pulling on the hem trying to stretch it. I think it is a pretty dangerous game to get into; be prepared to destroy the sweater if you attempt to shrink it.

 

[theshonen8899]

I can NEVER get anything to fit properly at BR