Sweatpants are very comfortable and quite loose when worn. These pants are perfect for sleeping, exercising, or relaxing at home. Sweatpants will generally loosen and expand on their own over time, especially if they are worn frequently. However, there are some quick and easy ways you can try to shrink your sweatpants down to their normal size.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Shrink Sweatpants in the Washing Machine
Step 1. Put the sweatpants in the washing machine
You can also put the clothes you want to wash in another hot water. Towels and socks are good options. This is because towels and socks are specially designed to be washed in hot water. In addition, towels and socks will also not be damaged or shrink when washed in hot water.
Do not wash white clothes with colored clothes at the same time so that the color does not fade
Step 2. Add a detergent that can protect the color of the clothes
Follow the washing and care instructions on the sweatpants label. This is done so that the hot water does not change the color of the sweatpants to be washed.
Step 3. Select the hottest temperature setting
Most washing machines have a fairly simple temperature setting. Generally, the selectable temperature settings are “cold,” “warm,” and “hot.” Observe the options available on your washing machine, then select the hottest setting.
During the manufacturing process, the sweatpants fabric will be pulled and stretched continuously. By heating the sweatpants fabric, the fabric will stiffen again and the thread will shrink
Step 4. Select the longest wash cycle
Most washing machines have a “heavy duty” cycle option which is the longest and most intense. If your washing machine does not have this option, choose a “normal” or higher wash cycle.
Step 5. Take your sweatpants and other clothes out of the washing machine, then put them in the clothes dryer
When shrinking sweatpants, they must be exposed to consistent heat. Therefore, do not leave the sweatpants in the washing machine for too long when the washing cycle is complete.
If you don't want to put certain items in the dryer, take them out of the washing machine and hang them on a clothesline
Step 6. Select the highest temperature and longest drying time
Depending on the type of tumble dryer, choose the “normal/heavy” drying option. Certain clothes dryers have a knob that can be turned. Turn the dial to the “dry” or “very dry” option on parts designed for cotton or other heat washable materials.
If you are not satisfied with the result, repeat this process until the sweatpants have shrunk to the desired size
Method 2 of 3: Using Boiling Water
Step 1. Fill a large pot with water
Make sure that all parts of the sweatpants can be submerged in water. The pot used must also be large enough so that the water in it does not spill when the pants are inserted.
Step 2. Place the pot on the stove on the highest heat and let it come to a boil
When shrinking clothes using boiling water, the higher the temperature of the water used, the more satisfying the results will be. The heat from the water will cause the fabric of your sweatpants to stretch and shrivel up again.
One indicator of boiling water is the appearance of large bubbles on the surface of the water. These bubbles will not disappear when the water is stirred
Step 3. Put the sweatpants in the pot and then turn off the stove
Be careful not to spill the hot water in the pot or touch your hands.
Use a wooden spoon or metal tongs to make sure the pants are completely submerged in water
Step 4. Let the sweatpants soak for 5-10 minutes
After the stove is turned off, let the whole sweatpants submerge. This is done so that the pants can react with the hot temperature of the water. For a more satisfying result, let the pants soak for about 20 minutes.
Place a lid over the pan to trap the heat
Step 5. Pour the entire contents of the pot into the colander or sink
So you don't get hurt, don't take your pants out with your hands because the water in the pot is still quite hot.
Before removing them, leave your sweatpants in the colander or sink for a few minutes
Step 6. Squeeze the sweatpants over the sink
Use your hands to squeeze the sweatpants firmly. Squeeze the sweatpants until the water content is not too much. After that, put the pants in the clothes dryer or dry.
Don't squeeze the pants by twisting them to prevent them from loosening up again
Step 7. Dry the sweatpants using a clothes dryer or by drying them in the sun
Observe the dry sweatpants to see the results. If you don't have a clothes dryer, just dry your sweatpants in the sun. If you have a clothes dryer, dry your sweatpants on the highest temperature to allow them to completely shrink.
Method 3 of 3: Using a Hair Dryer
Step 1. Wet your sweatpants with hot water
You can use the hottest setting on the clothes dryer, or with hot water brought to a boil in a kettle. If using a kettle, place your pants in the sink and pour hot water over them. Be careful not to get hot water on your body. Repeat this process a few times to make sure all the pants are exposed to the hot water.
Step 2. Squeeze the sweatpants over the sink
If your pants are machine washed, you can skip this step. However, if you're using a kettle or your pants are still very wet, squeeze the sweatpants before drying them.
Don't squeeze the pants by twisting them so they don't loosen again
Step 3. Place the sweatpants on a flat, heat-resistant surface
You can do this on a bathroom or kitchen floor, on a patio, an ironing board, or on a washing machine.
Step 4. Turn on the hairdryer and select the highest temperature setting
Some hair dryers may only have one setting. However, most hair dryers have varying temperature and speed settings. Choose a hair dryer that has a variety of temperature settings. This is done so that you can use the highest temperature when drying your sweatpants.
Step 5. Dry the sweatpants carefully and focus on one section at a time
Be patient while drying each section of the pants. Hold the hair dryer a few inches from your pants. This is done so that the hot air produced by the hair dryer does not hit the pants directly.
If there's a specific area of your sweatpants that you want to reduce (such as the waist), this method can help you shrink that area
Step 6. Turn the pants over and dry the insides
Repeat the same process when drying the front of the pants. Don't rush and make sure all the pants are dry before turning off the hairdryer. The longer you use the hairdryer, the more satisfying the results will be.
