How to Shrink Jeans

Many modern jeans are sanforized, meaning they shrink only a small amount when they are washed. That is OK for someone who has found the perfect pair of jeans and wants to make sure they do not shrink. However, for people who find it difficult to find jeans that fit well, shrink-to-fit jeans are ideal. It takes some time and effort to shrink raw denim jeans, but use the right techniques to make sure the jeans fit well, despite the wearer's proportions.

Techniques for Shrinking Jeans
There is more than one way to shrink a pair of jeans. It is even possible to shrink only certain areas of a pair of jeans by soaking those areas and then drying them. One of the most common methods involves nothing more complex than running a hot bath.

Shrink in the Bathtub
Shrinking jeans in the bathtub is simple. There are two ways to do it. One involves wearing the jeans and getting into the bath. The other involves soaking the jeans, and then putting them on while they are still damp. Both methods produce the same result.

Soak
Fill the bathtub with very hot water to soak the jeans. Leave the jeans to soak for an hour.

Dry
Remove the jeans from the hot water and dry them with a towel. It is important to use an old or a dark-colored towel because dye from the jeans could ruin light-colored towels. Once most of the moisture is gone from the jeans, lay them out in the sun to dry.

Shrink in a Washing Machine
If the consumer prefers to a different method over a bathtub, shrink jeans using a washing machine and a dryer instead. This method is less hassle, but it is more costly because it is necessary to run a washing cycle and a drying cycle.

Wash and Dry
First, wash the jeans in a washing machine. It is necessary to use the highest heat setting possible, and use fabric softener as well. Do not wash other clothes at the same time because the dye in the jeans runs. Immediately place the jeans in a dryer at the highest heat setting and left until completely dry. The jeans continue to stretch and shrink when washed, whereas preshrunk jeans do not.

Maintaining Shrunk Jeans
Once the shrinking process is complete, it is important to care for them. One of the best ways to do this is to wear the jeans frequently. This allows the jeans to distress and shape in a way that is natural and that conforms to how the wearer moves and stands. It is also important to wash the jeans only when they really need washing because further shrinkage can occur.

Styles of Jeans
Raw denim jeans shrink considerably, so consumers should buy slightly larger jeans to allow shrinkage. Consumers should also consider the style of jeans to buy, so they get a pair that looks good and fits well.