The 7 Best and Easiest Ways to Shrink Jeans

We all know how annoying stretchy jeans can be, but isn’t that just how it is? Suddenly the waistband doesn’t feel so tight anymore and the knees have wrinkles because you’ve been sitting all day. Relatable?

But there is a solution for that. You can shrink your jeans. Yes, you read it right. Shrink jeans are the new trend. These jeans are much tighter than regular jeans and more form fitting than skinny jeans. Your crotch area is higher on the waist, making your legs, hips and butt appear slimmer. Wondering how to shrink jeans to fit you perfectly? All you need are a few simple tricks up your sleeve (cuffs, we mean). Discover these techniques in this post and never let a pair of jeans bother you again.

1. Use dry ice

Seal your jeans in a plastic bag, put them in another plastic bag and tie them up. Put it in a piece of dry ice and let it stand for a few hours to shrink. Be careful, however, as certain fabrics can become stiff or damaged once the dry ice has evaporated.

2. Use an iron

Dampen any loose areas of your jeans with hot water. This can be the waistband, the thigh areas or the knees. Switch your iron to the cotton setting and run it over the dampened areas of your jeans. Make sure you don’t linger in one area for too long. Once the jeans are completely dry, you can put them on.

Remember to only dampen, not soak, the problem areas of your jeans.

3. Go to the bathroom

While this may seem a bit awkward, it works well. Fill the bathtub with hot water. Remember no soap. Put your jeans on and get in the bath. Wait for the water to cool and then disembark. Shake off the excess water and go outside. You can also walk around a bit, but make sure the jeans are completely dry so they will naturally mold to your figure.

However, if the weather is cold, you can also hang the jeans outside after washing. Then let them dry for the rest of the day.

4. Shrink jeans with a paddle

Fill your sink with warm water and soak the jeans. Once the jeans are wet, take them off and wring them out until damp. Then tap the entire fabric with a wooden paddle/spoon for about ten minutes and repeat the process on the other side. This method will help you shrink the jeans by increasing friction in certain areas.

5. Use the freezing method

Put your jeans in the freezer overnight and take them out the next morning. After a day or two, your pants will shrink and be ready to wear. However, this method is not recommended for cotton items, as the material becomes stiff and uncomfortable after drying.

6. Throw them in the dryer

This technique is easy. Put your stretched out jeans in the washing machine and set it on the highest temperature. When you’re done, throw them in the dryer. Wait for them to dry completely. Your shrunk jeans would be ready to use. However, be careful if your jeans are made of delicate fabric – try to reduce the temperature in the washing machine accordingly.

7. Use the boiling method

Fill a large pan or saucepan with 70 degree water. Be aware that very hot water can damage the fabric. Now turn your jeans inside out and leave them over the pan. Make sure the jeans are fully submerged. Since the water is hot, you can use a spoon or ladle to push the jeans down. Leave it on for about 20 to 30 minutes. Avoid adding fabric softener to your jeans as it softens and relaxes the fibers. Stir the water from time to time. You can then drain the water and dry the jeans.

Each of these techniques works differently for different types of material.

Conclusion

Now you know exactly how to shrink your jeans. However, if your garment feels baggy despite these techniques, you should visit your local tailor and have the alterations made. Because the tricks mentioned here offer at best a temporary solution. Visiting a professional can offer a permanent solution and also extend the life of the clothes.