How to Make a Shirt Smaller by Washing It

Check the care label. Natural fibers, such as cottons and wools, will shrink. Polyester, acetate and other synthetic fibers will not shrink. 50/50 blend fabrics may shrink during laundering but will not result in as much shrinkage as a natural fiber fabric.

Wash the shirt in the washing machine at the highest temperature suitable for the garment. When garments are manufactured, the fabric is elongated to maximum capacity, hence less material is required. Washing the fibers induces shrinkage back to their shorter, natural state. Hotter water results in greater shrinkage.

Tumble the shirt through the wash cycle to heighten shrinkage. According to Lucinda Ottusch, fabric technologist for Whirlpool, "The degree of movement of the garments during the washing process also affects the fibers." Ottusch also recommends using a top-load washing machine, as the agitation enhances reversion more so than a front-load machine.

Dry the shirt in medium or cool heat. Drying in high heat actually has a contrary effect of washing in hot water. As fabric loses moisture in the dryer, the fibers begin elongating a bit. If garments are over-dried, they will begin drawing moisture from the atmosphere, resulting in additional stretching. According to research conducted by Cotton Incorporated, it is the tumbling action within the dryer that causes moisture to evaporate and aids in shrinkage, rather than the drying temperature.