How to Reverse Hoodie Shrinkage

You pulled it out of the wash and it is suddenly a size smaller. Do not bin it yet. Cotton fibres have memory, and a hoodie that has shrunk a little can often be coaxed back. Here is the method, and the honest limits.

Who this works for

It works best on cotton and cotton rich hoodies that have shrunk a bit, usually from a hot wash or a hot dryer. It will not fully rescue a hoodie that has shrunk a lot, and it does very little for mostly polyester pieces, because synthetic fibres that have been heat set do not relax in water the same way.

Step 1: the soak

Fill a basin with lukewarm water, not hot. Add a generous squirt of hair conditioner or baby shampoo. Both soften the fibres so they release. Submerge the hoodie and leave it for 15 to 30 minutes.

Step 2: press out the water

Lift it out without wringing. Lay it flat on a towel, roll the towel up with the hoodie inside and press. You want it damp, not dripping.

Step 3: stretch gently

Lay it on a fresh dry towel. Work in sections: gently pull the body wider, then the length, then the sleeves one at a time. Pull a little, rest, then pull again. Hard yanking can distort the shape or pull the ribbing out.

Step 4: dry flat

Keep the hoodie flat and reshape it so the sleeves and hem look even. Turn it over once or twice. Do not hang it wet, as the weight of the water will stretch the shoulders and neck. Keep it out of direct heat.

Stopping it happening again

Wash cool, inside out, and air dry or tumble on low. We go into this in why hoodies shrink and how to stop it and how to wash a hoodie without shrinking it.

Quick answers

Can you unshrink a hoodie?

Often a little, especially cotton. You can regain some length and width, but rarely all of it.

Does conditioner damage a hoodie?

A small amount, rinsed out lightly, is fine for most cotton.

How long does it take to dry flat?

Often 12 to 24 hours for a thick hoodie.

What if it will not stretch?

The fibres may be heat damaged. It may be time to size up next time.

Need a size guide before ordering? See how to measure chest size for a hoodie. 🖤