We all have that item of clothing in our wardrobe that we love but that no longer suits us as well as it used to. Whether it’s a dress that hangs a little too much, pants that sag at the waist, or a shirt that wrinkles, we often find ourselves with clothes that are too big. Don’t worry, it’s entirely possible to downsize these clothes without damaging them. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to do it correctly.
Understanding the Fabric of Your Garment
Techniques for reducing the size of a garment vary depending on the fabric. Indeed, some materials do not shrink as well as others, and can even be damaged if treated inappropriately. This is why it is essential to know the composition of your garment before attempting to reduce it in size.
Cotton, for example, is a material that shrinks easily with the application of heat. Cotton fibers are naturally wavy, and heat helps restore this shape, causing shrinkage. On the other hand, synthetic fibers such as polyester or nylon do not shrink as easily because they are designed to resist heat.
Prepare the garment for shrinking
Before you begin, make sure the garment is clean. Impurities such as sweat or dirt can interfere with the shrinking process and cause damage. After cleaning, allow the garment to air dry to prevent premature shrinkage.
Size Reduction Techniques: Heat and Wash
One of the most common methods for reducing the size of a garment is to use heat. This can be done by washing the garment in hot water, drying it on high heat or ironing it. Here’s how to do it:
- Hot water wash: This method is effective for cotton and wool clothing. Simply put the garment to wash in hot water. However, make sure not to use too high a temperature, as this may damage the fabric. After washing, let the garment air dry.
- High temperature drying: This technique is similar to the previous one, but it uses the dryer. After a normal wash, put the garment in the dryer on high heat. Again, be careful with the temperature setting to avoid damaging the fabric.
- Ironing: This method is suitable for clothes that cannot be washed in hot water or dried at high temperatures. Steam ironing can help the fabric contract. Be sure to set your iron to the correct temperature to avoid burning the fabric.
Waist reduction techniques: sewing
For garments that don’t shrink well with heat or for those that require more precise size reduction, sewing is a great option. However, this method requires a little more skill and patience.
To get started, you will need a sewing machine, thread, needle and scissors. Here’s how to do it:
- Measure the garment: Determine how much fabric you want to remove. You can do this by putting the garment on and pinning the areas you want to adjust.
- Sew the garment: Remove the garment and sew along the pins with your sewing machine. After sewing, cut off the excess fabric with your scissors.
- Try on the garment: Put on the garment to check that it fits you well. If necessary, repeat the process until you achieve the desired size.
Whatever method you choose, always remember to be patient and careful. Each garment is unique and requires special attention to avoid damage. In addition, do not hesitate to call a professional if you have any doubts. Good luck with your sizing adjustments!
