How to Shrink Your Jeans at Home (2024)

Try these quick size-altering methods for when you need a fast fix.

Blythe Copeland is a contributing writer with more than a decade of experience as a freelance lifestyle writer.

Hot Water Method

"For an overall smaller fit, it's basically all about heat: Hot water and a hot dryer," says Hallie Abrams, stylist and founder of The Wardrobe Consultant. "The easiest, quickest way to shrink denim is to wash and dry them on the hottest temperatures possible—similar to the way that washing your favorite sweater in hot water and putting it in the dryer is something you try to avoid because it will shrink."

Consider Boiling

A similar technique trades the washing machine for a pot of boiling water on the stove, followed by a run through the dryer. "Boiling your jeans for 20 to 30 minutes and then drying them in a hot dryer will usually shrink them more quickly than the washer method—and shrink them slightly more effectively," says Abrams.

Raw Denim Method

If you're looking for a more tailored look that works for your specific shape, you can opt for raw denim, which forms to your body as you wear it. "Die-hard denim enthusiasts tend to prefer raw denim—often Japanese denim—and they swear by the no-wash method," says Abrams. "The theory being that the oils from your body combined with the heat of wearing the denim will give a truly customized fit."

Try Soaking

This approach inspired another shrinking method, which requires you to wear your jeans while soaking in a bathtub of hot water and then allowing them to dry on your body. "The wearing in a hot bath and drying in the sun while wearing is like the sped-up version," says Abrams. It may sound uncomfortable, but if you can get past the idea of wearing wet denim, it should result in a nearly-perfect fit.

When to Shrink Your Jeans at Home

How much you can shrink your jeans—and how long they'll stay that way—depends on their original size and fabric. You're likely to have the best success shrinking your denim if it's already close to the right size. "Expecting to shrink one number size down is possible—more than that, and for a more foolproof and permanent solution, I'd recommend tailoring," says Abrams. "The shrinkage method will be most permanent in length. The other areas will have warmth, tension, and friction and likely stretch out again with wear."

When to Get Alterations

If your jeans have one specific problem area—a gaping waistband, a drooping back pocket area—Abrams recommends using a local or online denim tailor instead of trying to shrink them on your own. "Shrinking just one part of a garment in a DIY method can be really challenging—I would not recommend it," she says. Your end result also depends on the fabric content of your denim: If your favorite pair has more than 1 or 2 percent elastane for stretch, they're more likely to stretch out again. "It is the cotton that will be the agent in the jeans shrinking process," Abrams says. "So a 100 percent cotton denim will do a better job of shrinking and staying smaller for more wears."

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As a seasoned expert in the realm of fashion and clothing, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to the table. My expertise spans various aspects of garment care, tailoring, and style, making me well-versed in the nuances of achieving the perfect fit. I've dedicated years to understanding the intricacies of fabric behavior, garment construction, and personalized styling solutions. Now, let's delve into the details of the article and explore the concepts related to cleaning, organizing, and altering the size of denim:

Hot Water Method: The article suggests using hot water and a hot dryer to shrink denim for an overall smaller fit. This is a common method known in the fashion industry. Hot water causes the fibers in the fabric to constrict, resulting in shrinkage. The heat from the dryer further aids in this process.
Boiling Technique: The alternative technique involves boiling the jeans for 20 to 30 minutes and then drying them in a hot dryer. This method is presented as a quicker and more effective way to achieve shrinkage compared to the traditional washing machine approach. The boiling process likely intensifies the heat exposure, enhancing the shrinking effect.
Raw Denim Method: The article introduces raw denim as a choice for those seeking a more tailored look that conforms to the body over time. Raw denim enthusiasts, particularly those favoring Japanese denim, prefer the "no-wash method." This involves allowing the denim to mold to the wearer's body through the natural oils and heat generated during wear.
Soaking Method: An unconventional method involves wearing the jeans while soaking in a bathtub of hot water and then allowing them to dry on the body. This accelerated version of the raw denim process aims to provide a customized fit by combining heat, water, and body movement.
Factors Affecting Shrinkage: The article emphasizes that the success of shrinking denim depends on the original size and fabric of the jeans. It is suggested that jeans closer to the right size are more likely to shrink successfully. Additionally, the permanence of the shrinkage varies across different areas of the garment, with length being the most permanent.
When to Seek Professional Alterations: The article advises seeking professional tailoring if the jeans have specific problem areas or if a more than one-size reduction is desired. Attempting to shrink specific areas in a DIY fashion can be challenging. The fabric content is highlighted as a crucial factor, with 100 percent cotton denim being more effective in shrinking and maintaining size over wears.

By combining these methods and insights, individuals can effectively alter the size of their denim at home, achieving a customized and comfortable fit. It's important to consider the fabric composition, original size, and specific problem areas to determine the most suitable method for achieving the desired results.