Super noob question: Can I shrink khakis?

[wranglerwearingarkansan]

Didn't know whether to post this here or SW&D, but I figured you guys were nicer.

The pair in question is the New University Fit from RL Rugby. I ordered online and am not thrilled about their slimness, but after doing my research, I've come to the conclusion that I'm not going to find anything slimmer unless I go MJK, which is out of both my price range and size.

Anyway, I need to wear the pants soon and don't really want to return, so I'm wondering how much they will shrink if I wash and dry them. Specifically, I need the waste to shrink and inch or so, andjust generally I'd like them to get (even a little bit) slimmer.

Should I attempt it, or should I return with the knowledge that I'll just have to go through the online ordering process again with this brand or another, and most likely not get too much better results. Also, is there any strategy for shrinking them anyone would like to share? Should I just crank the dryer up high and go from there?

Any input is appreciated... my first Quiz Bowl tournament is Saturday and I need to look sharp

 

[holymadness]

The length will shrink more than anything. The waist somewhat, but the width hardly at all in my experience.

 

[lawyerdad]

I would think that the results of trying to shrink them by washing and drying will fall somewhere between disappointing and disastrous.

Better to have them altered by a tailor or even the alterations person at your local dry cleaner. Taking the waist in by an inch or so should be easy and cheap, and depending on how they are cut slimming the seat and legs may be relatively straightforward as well.

 

[wranglerwearingarkansan]

Originally Posted by lawyerdad

I would think that the results of trying to shrink them by washing and drying will fall somewhere between disappointing and disastrous.

Better to have them altered by a tailor or even the alterations person at your local dry cleaner. Taking the waist in by an inch or so should be easy and cheap, and depending on how they are cut slimming the seat and legs may be relatively straightforward as well.

Well, problem is, the seat is one of the main areas of concern (too baggy) and I've heard that trying to do alterations there is difficult and costly... and my mom unfortunately is all about the "You're still growing and we're not made of money!" thing (I'm 16) and most likely won't go for a tailor. She thinks the fit looks good, by the way, but she's also a woman, and if there's anything I've learned lurking here is not to trust them- Women.