Whether the problem is with the dryer you're using or if the shirt size isn't as big as you think, there's always a (of course logical) way to widen a cotton t-shirt to the desired size. Cotton does have the ability to stretch, especially when it's wet, so before you throw it away because you don't know what else to do, maybe you can try some of the ideas below.
Step
Method 1 of 7: Widen Shirts with Conditioner
Step 1. Soak the t-shirt in a bowl of warm water
You can do this by soaking it in a sink or a large bowl. Make sure to use water that isn't too cold and fill the area you want to stretch with water until it's completely wet. The water level in the sink or bowl must cover the shirt
Make sure to use water that is not too cold. If you use water that is too hot or too cold, the fibers in the shirt won't stretch. T-shirts tend to expand when exposed to warm water
Step 2. Add cup of conditioner to the bowl
Then stir by hand so that the conditioner does not clump and dissolves completely into the water. This liquid will soften the fibers so they can be stretched easily.
- If you don't have conditioner, you can use baby shampoo.
- It's okay to use cheap conditioner; Don't waste a good product just on this t-shirt.
Step 3. Leave the shirt uncovered and soak for 10-15 minutes
The easiest way you can use it is to place the shirt on the top of the bowl or sink and push it in so that the mixture soaks into the fibers of the shirt. If the shirt is folded while soaking, some parts of the shirt won't shrink to the same size.
Hold the ends of the shirt slightly flat and push it into the bottom of the bowl so the edges don't fold over each other for a minute or two so that the conditioner mixture in the bowl soaks into the fibers. The more saturated the mixture, the more likely it is that the shirt will drop on its own and settle to the bottom of the bowl. Leave it for 10-15 minutes
Step 4. Rinse the shirt
Remove the shirt from the bowl or sink, drain the water, and fill it again with clean water of the same temperature (or use another bowl). Rinse the t-shirt like rinsing your hair out of conditioner, or the t-shirt will become sticky because of the remaining conditioner.
Take your time and don't rush. Take 5 minutes to rinse the shirt, to make sure the water hits every fiber
Step 5. Find a flat place where you can put the t-shirt
You can use a tumble dryer lid, granite countertop, or freezer top. Lay a few towels on top first to protect the shirt (and the base, if you don't want the bottom to get wet).
Squeeze the shirt so that the water does not drip on the shirt and also to speed up the drying process
Step 6. If there is an image on the shirt that you don't want to stretch, it's better to have it ironed now
By widening it, you can damage the image on the shirt. However, if dried first, the image will not expand like the bottom and sides of the shirt (the areas you want to expand) because these parts are still wet.
Step 7. Insert the top of the sleeve into the part of the shirt that you want to expand
If you want the shirt to expand, pull the shirt outward and make sure not to put more pressure on just one spot. This can cause the t-shirt to form an indentation in only one area, which sure looks odd. If your arms aren't strong enough to pull the t-shirt up to the size you want, try using your legs, a strong cane, or getting someone else with a stronger arm to help you.
If you want the shirt to be longer, stretch it from the neckline down, and work this from the opposite ends. Stretch from left to right so that all parts of the shirt spread out
Step 8. Spread the t-shirt on a towel to dry
If you're worried that the shirt will narrow, put weight on the ends. If you want a shirt that is large on your chest or stomach, weights can be tucked into the shirt to widen the area.
The shirt size will remain the same until the shirt is washed and dried again. If you want to keep them in size, make sure not to tumble dry them
Method 2 of 7: Extending the Shirt with an Iron
Step 1. Wet the t-shirt with not so cold water
As before, wet the entire t-shirt, making sure every lint absorbs water. Push the open shirt towards the bottom of the bowl or sink being used to ensure that all parts of the shirt are exposed to water.
You don't have to soak it; just pour water over it. When you're sure your shirt is wet enough, move on to the next step
Step 2. Spread it out on a flat surface so it can be ironed
Previously, squeeze the shirt first to remove the remaining water on the shirt so it doesn't drip and wet the base or ironing board that will be used. Make sure the base is heat resistant. The best option for this is an ironing board, but you can also use a worktop or floor if you're careful.
If you like, tug on the shirt a few times to start the stretching process. You will definitely be surprised at how much you can do with your bare hands
Step 3. In the medium-low position, run the iron over the shirt while pressing it down
With the iron in one hand and the shirt in the other, start widening and pressing the shirt with the iron. Don't just run the iron on it, but use the iron to apply pressure to the shirt so that it expands outwards.
- Make sure to iron in all directions – up, down, and sideways. Turn the shirt over when you're done and do the same.
- This method will not cause the shirt to expand significantly; but it's best to use if you want the shirt to be wider or a little longer.
Step 4. Leave to dry
Make sure the shirt isn't stretched out and give it a final tug. Spread it out, and put weights along the ends if you like. Do this to make sure the shirt stays at the desired size.
So that the size does not change again, do not dry the shirt in a clothes dryer. From now on, dry the t-shirt with the help of the wind. You may have to stretch it more often, but the shirt size will still be wider without using a tumble dryer
Method 3 of 7: Widen Shirt with Shower
Step 1. Put on a t-shirt in the shower
The shirt expands more easily when it's wet. So next time you shower (and use hot water for best results), put on your T-shirt. Drag the part you want to expand. This way, you can also be productive while showering!
This may sound silly, but think about it: if you try to stretch your shirt while wearing it, you can only widen the area you want to expand. This is a good idea if you want to have a shirt that is long or wide at the chest
Method 4 of 7: Expanding the Shirt by Pulling it
Step 1. Stretch your clothes often
T-shirts made from cotton are easy to shape. If you keep tugging at it, over time your shirt will expand on its own. If you wear it all the time, the shirt will expand little by little if you keep pulling it. Just make sure not to pull too hard, so that the pulled part doesn't look weird.
Method 5 of 7: Expanding the Shirt by Adding Weight
Step 1. Use heavy items to manipulate the size of the shirt
If you've used some of the methods listed above, you may need a heavy object to load onto your shirt to keep it in the desired position. At the ends of the shirt, place a cup, a book, or several bags of rice to keep the shirt in position.
Step 2. You can also put certain items inside the t-shirt
Want the chest to look bigger? Place some baseballs to widen it. Want the sleeves to be wider? Place a cylindrical object or small bowl inside the sleeve of the shirt.
Method 6 of 7: Extending Shirt Using Body
Step 1. Get your friend to wear the shirt you want to expand
Here's the surprising part: a friend whose size is close to yours won't stretch the shirt to the desired size; and friends whose body size is too large will not be able to wear it, and certainly will not increase the width of the shirt too much. But if you have a friend who is just the right size, ask her to do something really easy, just for you. All he has to do is wear your t-shirt for an hour or two, or he can sleep with it.
Method 7 of 7: Extending Shirt with Chair Assist
This method works well with small or fitted shirts.
Step 1. Wet the shirt
To do this, you can use the washing machine or soak the t-shirt in a tub of water.
Step 2. Cover the cushions of the dining chairs with a dampened and wrung out shirt
You can choose another type of chair with the same size that is not easily damaged if exposed to water.
Step 3. Allow the shirt to dry
When it dries, the shape of the seat cushion will widen the size of the shirt for you.
Tips
- The widening process works well on shirts made of 100% cotton. If there are other types of fiber, such as polyester, the shirt will be stiffer and harder to stretch.
- If you like a brush and want to continue wearing it, you can continue to widen it regularly. Remember that your work will end up in vain if on one occasion you use the dryer again to dry it.
- You can widen the shirt around the sleeves and neck in the same way. It's easier to expand the neckline, so be careful the first time you do this, so that it doesn't go too wide.
- Remember that stretching the shirt right and left will reduce the length, so if you want to maintain the length, pull from the shoulder seams and hem of the shirt. Spread it out on a flat surface to dry it out and to make sure each part of the shirt gets an equal share.
- This tip also applies to sweaters and other types of stretchable clothing, but please do so with caution; This type is not as strong as a T-shirt and is easily torn.
