How To Shrink Leggings: A Comprehensive Guide

Key Takeaways

• Putting leggings in a dryer and using an electric iron are among the standard methods on how to shrink leggings. Yet, there is still one more way to help permanently shorten your pants. Read on to know what it is!
• Though shrinking leggings can benefit you in some ways, Joyscore doesn’t recommend this process. Find out why below!
• To care for leggings, fold them properly and dry them using the expert method in this article.

Why Do You Need To Shrink Leggings?

Not all leggings can or should be shrunk. It all depends on the fabric composition. Natural fibers like cotton are more prone to shrinking, while synthetic materials like polyester or spandex are generally resistant.

However, there are a few common reasons why someone might want to shrink leggings:

• Sizing issues: Shrinking is the answer to how to make leggings smaller, allowing them to fit more precisely.
• Stretching over time: Leggings may become loose with wear, and shrinking can restore their original snug fit.
• Material care: Some fabrics, like cotton, naturally shrink during washing and drying. Controlled shrinking can help maintain the desired size.
• Style preference: Some people prefer a tighter, more compressive fit for their leggings.
• Length adjustment: If you want to know how to make leggings shorter, shrinking them would help

What To Consider Before Learning How To Shrink Leggings

Fabric Composition

Leggings made from natural fibers like cotton are more prone to shrinkage, while synthetic materials such as polyester and spandex are generally resistant. On the other hand, blended fabrics on leggings can react unpredictably, making it challenging to achieve consistent results.

By understanding that shrinking is your solution how to make your leggings tighter, you can now control your shrinking attempts until your pants reach the desired size.

Consider your leggings fabric before deciding to shrink them

Care Label Instructions

These labels often include specific washing and drying recommendations that can affect shrinkage.

Pay close attention to any "pre-shrunk" labels, as these indicate that the fabric has already been shrinking during manufacturing, which means it is unlikely to undergo further significant shrinkage.

Read the care instructions carefully before shrinking your leggings

Quality and Cost

The quality and cost of your leggings should factor into your decision to attempt shrinking.

Higher-end leggings often use specialized materials and construction techniques that may be more sensitive to shrinking attempts. Therefore, you should consider whether the potential benefits of shrinking outweigh the risk of damaging expensive items.

If you don’t care and just want to know how to make leggings tighter, try different shrinking techniques on lower-cost leggings.

Functionality Impact

Many leggings are designed with specific performance features such as compression, moisture-wicking, or breathability. The shrinking process might alter these properties, potentially reducing the leggings' effectiveness for activities like workouts or yoga.

Consider how important these functional aspects are to you and whether a slight improvement in fit is worth compromising these features.

Brand Reputation

Different brands have varying reputations when it comes to sizing and how their products respond to washing and care.

Some brands are known for producing leggings that tend to stretch out over time, while others maintain their shape well. Hence, you should read previous customer reviews to check for durability.

Lulumelon is one of the most popular for leggings

How To Shrink Leggings

If you are wondering how to make leggings tighter without sewing, here are three different methods you can try:

Using A Dryer And A Washing Machine

Do leggings shrink in the dryer? Yes, they do. In fact, this is the most common and generally effective method for shrinking leggings.

To know how to shrink leggings in the dryer, follow these steps:

• Ensure your leggings can withstand hot water and high heat.
• Set your washing machine to the hottest water setting that is safe for the fabric.
• Use a regular wash cycle.
• Add soap/detergent sparingly, as too much soap can protect fibers from the shrinking effect of hot water.
• Transfer the leggings to the dryer and use the highest heat setting recommended for the fabric.
• Remove the leggings every 10-15 minutes to check their size and prevent over-shrinking.
• Once they seem smaller, try them on to assess if further shrinkage is needed. If they're still too large, repeat the process, but be cautious of damaging the fabric.
• Once you achieve the desired size, air dry the leggings for future washes to maintain the new size.

Too hot water temperature can easily shrink your leggings

Making Use Of An Electric Iron

The next technique on how to shrink yoga pants is to use an electric iron, which is an alternative to a dryer:

• Use a spray bottle to mist the areas you want to shrink lightly.
• Adjust to the highest heat setting that is safe for the fabric (check the care label.)
• Place a thin cloth over the leggings.
• Press firmly and move the iron slowly over the areas you want to shrink.
• Try on the leggings often to avoid over-shrinking.
• Allow the leggings to cool before deciding if you need to repeat the process.

Although using an electric iron allows for more precise control, it can be time-consuming and risks uneven shrinkage if not done carefully.

An electric iron is another way to shrink leggings

Shrinkage Without Washing

How to make leggings tighter without sewing? Shrink them without washing.

This is the least damaging method to the fabric. However, it may not provide as much shrinkage as the other methods. Hence, some people call it an option on how to permanently shrink leggings.

• Fill a bathtub or large basin with hot water.
• Submerge the leggings fully in the hot water.
• Let them soak for 15-20 minutes.
• Remove and gently squeeze out excess water (don't wring).
• Lay flat to air dry, reshaping as needed.
• Once partially dry but still damp, put them on to stretch to your body shape.
• Allow to finish drying while wearing them (if comfortable), or lay flat again.

How To Care for Your Leggings

Most people want to know how to shrink leggings because they want to adjust the size of their pants. However, there are other ways to do it, such as sewing.

Leggings are easy to wear but hard to care for as they are specially made to tighten around your waist. Improperly washed can lead to several damages. Here is Joyscore’s simple guide to taking care of your leggings:

Washing Your Leggings Properly

This simple step protects the outer surface from abrasion and helps preserve the color, especially for printed or dyed leggings.

Always start by turning your leggings inside out. For water temperature, cold water, a maximum of 30°C (approximately 86°F), is best to maintain your legging’s durability.

Keep your water temperature under 30°C to maintain leggings’ durability

Choose a gentle cycle on your washing machine to minimize wear and tear on the fabric. This is particularly important for leggings with delicate materials or special features like mesh panels.

When selecting a detergent, go for a mild, natural option. Say no to harsh chemicals and fabric softeners as they will degrade the fabric over time. For specific sports clothes like yoga pants, you should use soap designed for them only.

Drying Your Leggings Correctly

For leggings, air drying is the best option.

Lay them flat on a drying rack or hang them to dry, ensuring they're not stretched out of shape. However, don’t put them under direct sunlight as it can fade colors and degrade certain fabrics over time.

Air drying is the best method for leggings

If you must use a dryer, always choose the lowest heat setting or tumble dry low. These methods not only protect your leggings but also save energy and reduce wear on the garments.

Pay Attention To The Washing Frequency

You might think washing leggings after every wear is necessary. However, that’s not true.

Unless your leggings are heavily soiled or sweaty from a workout, they can be worn 2-3 times more. Overwashing can lead to faster wear and tear on the fabric.

Instead, between wears, try airing out your leggings by hanging them in a well-ventilated area.

However, if your leggings have absorbed sweat or odors, it's best to wash them to maintain hygiene and prevent bacteria growth. For workout leggings like yoga pants, washing them immediately after use is often recommended.

Store Your Leggings

Don’t hang your leggings because they stretch the waistband and knees over time. Instead, you should fold them neatly.

The hack is to smooth out wrinkles to avoid creases in the material. Then, store your folded leggings in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. You can use drawer dividers or organizers to keep pairs separate and easily accessible.

Tutorial on how to fold your leggings. Source: Aerie

Remove Pilling

Pilling is small balls of fiber that can form on the surface of leggings. It is a common issue, especially in areas of high friction, like the inner thighs.

To remove these, it is best to use tools like fabric shaver or pill remover to gently remove the pills without damaging the underlying fabric. Use a light touch to avoid creating holes or thin spots.

In order to completely avoid pilling, always wash your leggings inside out. This reduces the friction on the outer surface during the wash cycle. Or you can use a mesh laundry bag for an extra protection during washing.