How to Shrink Jeans (On Purpose) | Lyrebird Laundromat
Introduction
Sometimes a great pair of jeans is just a little too loose. The good news? If the care label allows, you can shrink denim on purpose for a closer fit. Here’s how to do it carefully at Lyrebird Laundromat.
Step 1: Check the Label
- 100% cotton denim shrinks best.
- Stretch blends (cotton + elastane) may only shrink slightly.
- Never attempt this on “dry clean only” items.
Step 2: Hot Wash
- Wash jeans in hot water to encourage fibres to contract.
- To protect colour, add a splash of white vinegar—it helps set dye and reduce fading.
Step 3: High-Heat Drying
- Transfer immediately to a dryer.
- Use medium to high heat, depending on label allowance.
- Check every 10 minutes—stop once you reach the fit you want.
Step 4: Focus on the Waistband (Optional)
- Too loose at the waist? Soak just the waistband in hot water.
- Dry on medium/high heat while damp to tighten that area specifically.
Step 5: Cool & Set
- Once the jeans fit right, let them cool fully before wearing.
- If they’ve shrunk too much, wear them around the house—denim will naturally stretch slightly with movement.
Tips for Success
- Fold jeans inside-out before washing to reduce colour loss.
- Don’t mix with delicate laundry—hot water can affect other fabrics.
- Denim usually shrinks up to one full size; don’t overdo repeats.
Final Note
With a little heat and patience, you can safely shrink jeans to a better fit. At Lyrebird Laundromat, our high-capacity Speed Queen washers and dryers make it easy to control temperature and cycle times for denim care.
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