Getting merino wool to shrink just a little bit?

[TimelesStyle]

If I wanted to try and get a merino sweater to shrink up just a little bit, is there a safe way to do this, like just putting it in a warm dryer for 10-15min (without wetting it first)? It seems that every brand of reasonably priced merino sweaters I try (Banana, J Crew, Brooks Bros, Zara, etc.) has the same problem: a medium is just a bit big in the sides and about a half inch too long, but a small is way too tight.

I'm not interested in either spending a lot more or having them tailored, since the medium isn't huge, but I'd like to get a little shrink-up if easy/safe.

 

[ethanm]

If they are not fully fashioned sweaters it is advisable to have them tailored by someone experienced with knits. Shrinking is a guessing game at best.

 

[TimelesStyle]



If they are not fully fashioned sweaters it is advisable to have them tailored by someone experienced with knits. Shrinking is a guessing game at best.

I tend to think that such tailoring is not only expensive, but also a gamble since who knows how it'll turn out. Plus, that won't do anything for the length.

At roughly $40 per sweater (after discount) I'm tempted to try shrinking with one of my BR sweaters, perhaps in increments as low as 5min in the dryer.

 

[mymil]

Have you washed them yet? If not, just washing and air-drying can shrink them up a little.