How To Shrink A Hoodie
What do you do if your favorite hoodie is a bit too big? Whether it’s an old hoodie that’s stretched out over time or you simply grabbed the wrong size, don’t worry! Shrinking it is a good solution to get that snug fit you want.
However, before you dive in, you should know that not all hoodie fabrics react the same way to heat, Â and shrinking is not always a guaranteed result. So, approach it carefully and set realistic expectations.
This guide will walk you through how to safely shrink your hoodie, reverse slight shrinkage mistakes, and care for your hoodie properly. And if you’d rather get a new hoodie, it guides you on where to get high-quality custom hoodies that fit just right.
Understanding Hoodie Fabrics
When it comes to shrinking your hoodie, the fabric or material it’s made of is the key factor in how much and how quickly it will shrink. This will save you a lot of time.
Common Hoodie Materials And Which Fabrics Shrink More Easily
Cotton
Cotton is a soft and breathable fabric. If you want more shrinkage, pure cotton hoodies will give you the most noticeable results.
Polyester and Fleece
Polyester and fleece are both synthetic fibers that are lightweight and durable. These fabrics tend to resist shrinking and hold their shape even after multiple washings.
Cotton-Polyester Blends
Cotton-polyester blends combine softness with durability. Hoodies made with these blends shrink but not as much as that of pure cotton.
What the Fabric Label Tells You
Always check the care label of your hoodie before you attempt to shrink it. Pay attention to what it says about the fabric’s content, washing and drying instructions. These details will help you determine how your hoodie will react to shrinking methods and avoid any unexpected outcomes.
How Much Do Hoodies Weigh
The weight of a hoodie plays a key role in how it responds to shrinking. It’s a small detail, but it makes a huge difference when trying to reshape your hoodie.
On average, most adult hoodies weigh between 16 to 24 ounces (1 to 1.5 pounds), depending on the fabric, size, and design. Lightweight hoodies weigh between 10 to 16 ounces, midweight weigh between 16 to 20 ounces while heavyweight weigh 20–24+ ounces.
Children’s hoodies and cropped styles usually weigh less, while oversized and lined hoodies can be significantly heavier.
How Weight Affects Shrinkage and Heat Absorption
Lightweight hoodies, with thinner fabric layers may shrink more noticeably in the washer or dryer. If made from 100% cotton, they tend to shrink quicker.
Heavier hoodies, on the other hand, may need multiple heat cycles to shrink and sometimes resist shrinking altogether.
How To Shrink A Hoodie: Step-by-Step
Now, it’s time to be hands-on. Here’s how to shrink your hoodie the right way and avoid damaging it in the process.
Step 1: Check the Label
Look at the care tag to confirm the fabric content and any specific wash or heat restrictions.
Step 2: Turn the Hoodie Inside Out
This helps protect the outer surface, especially if it has prints, logos, or embroidery.
Step 3: Wash in Hot Water
Put your hoodie into the washing machine and set it to the hottest water temperature. A full wash cycle is necessary to fully saturate and heat the fabric.
Step 4: Dry on High Heat
Immediately transfer the hoodie to the dryer and set it to high heat. The combination of hot water and high dryer heat causes cotton fibers to contract, leading to shrinkage.
Step 5: Repeat if Needed
After the first cycle, try on your hoodie. If it hasn’t shrunk enough, you can repeat the process.
Warnings Before You Shrink
While shrinking a hoodie is simple, there are a few risks to keep in mind. Hot water and high heat can cause dark or bright colors to fade over time. Graphic prints and logos may also crack, peel, or distort in high heat.
It is also important to note that some hoodies may shrink more in length than width and this can affect the overall shape and fit. Always start with one round of shrinking and reassess before repeating.
Alternative Methods To Shrink Specific Areas
Sometimes, your hoodie might not need a full shrink—just a little adjustment here or there. There are safe ways to shrink specific parts without affecting the whole hoodie.
Spot Shrinking
To tighten only certain areas, try spot shrinking. This method works well for cuffs, hems, or the chest area.
- Wet the part you want to shrink using warm water.
- Place the hoodie flat on a towel and smooth out any wrinkles.
- Dry the damp area with a hairdryer set to high heat. Hold it close and move it slowly to spread the heat evenly.
- Let it cool down, then check the fit. Repeat the steps if necessary.
Ironing with Steam
Steam ironing is another way to shrink targeted areas. This helps shrink sleeves, the hood, or loose seams.
- Turn the iron to its highest steam setting.
- Lightly wet the area you want to shrink.
- Place a clean towel or cloth over the damp section to protect the fabric.
- Press the iron firmly using steady, controlled motions.
How To Make A Hoodie Bigger
If your hoodie is a bit snug or feels too tight after shrinking, you can gently stretch it out.
Stretch or Wear While Damp
After washing, while the hoodie is still damp, lay it flat and gently pull on the areas you want to loosen then let it air dry to hold the new shape.
You could also wear the hoodie while it’s still damp. Your body heat and movement will help it stretch and mold to your shape.
Use Fabric Softener Soak
Soak the hoodie in a mix of cold water and fabric softener for about 30 minutes. Rinse gently, then stretch the fabric while damp. This method loosens the fibers, helping you reshape the material more easily.
When to Avoid Trying to Resize
Avoid stretching hoodies made from polyester or heavily printed materials because they may not expand much. Also skip resizing if the seams or stitching are under stress, as forcing a stretch could cause tearing.
How To Remove Print From A Hoodie
Removing the print of your hoodie is possible, but if the print is large, layered, or textured, it’s best to take it to a professional print removal service to prevent damage and get cleaner results.
Heat Press or Iron with Wax Paper Technique
Place wax paper over the print, then press firmly with a hot iron (no steam) for 30–60 seconds. Peel the print slowly while it’s warm. This works best for vinyl or heat-transfer prints.
Use of Acetone/Nail Polish Remover
For plastisol prints (common in screen-printed hoodies), dab a small amount of acetone or nail polish remover onto the print using a cloth. Gently rub in circles until the print loosens, then wash the hoodie separately.
How To Wash A Hoodie Without Ruining It
Use cold water for everyday washes while you use hot water if you’re trying to shrink the hoodie or remove heavy sweat and odors (and only if the label allows it).
Air dry your hoodie to keep the shape and avoid shrinkage. If using a dryer, choose low heat to reduce the risk of fading or damage.
Use a mild, fragrance-free detergent for sensitive fabrics. Do not use bleach or fabric softener if the hoodie is made from sweat-resistant materials.
Where To Get Hoodies
Sometimes shrinking just doesn’t give you the fit you want—and that’s where getting the right hoodie from the start makes a big difference. FastPrintStar specializes in creating custom hoodies that match your size, style, and personality from day one.
Whether you want a perfectly fitted pullover or a heavyweight zip-up hoodie, they’ve got you covered. You can also get custom hoodies for personal wear, team outfits, or branded merch.
You’re free to upload your favorite images, logos, or text directly on their website. They accept popular file types like JPEG, PDF and GIF, plus you get to see a digital mockup before production even begins.
Every hoodie is made from premium materials for long-lasting comfort and a polished look. And with a wide range of colors and sizes, there’s a perfect fit for everyone.
Ordering is 100% online, and your custom hoodies get delivered straight to your door. With global shipping available, FastPrintStar makes it easy to get your custom hoodie no matter where you are.
Final Tips
Before you toss your favorite hoodie into hot water, remember that every hoodie reacts differently to heat and water. You may not get a perfect shrink, and sometimes only certain parts change size. Be patient and adjust your method as needed.
But if you’d rather skip the guesswork, go for a custom-made hoodie that fits perfectly from the start. You should never compromise on comfort and style.
