It’s a laundry SOS! We’ve all been there, pulling out our favorite top from the dryer only to discover it has gone child size. Whether it snuck into a hot wash or a hot dryer, you can save that shirt, not to worry.
Read on for our 3-step solve for getting that top back in shape and ready to wear.
Before you get started…
First, take a look at the care tag on your top. If it’s a “dry clean only” item that slipped into the wash, head to the cleaners first for suggestions on how to treat delicate fabrics like silk and wool. If it’s something you wash regularly but it made a pit stop at the dryer without permission, you might be able to revive it yourself.
1. Soak it Again
Fill your bathtub or sink with lukewarm water and add a delicate washing liquid, like baby shampoo or hair conditioner. Mix it in the water to break it up as much as possible. Push your shirt all the way under the water and then soak for 10-15 minutes. This helps to loosen the fibers of your top and get them ready to open up a bit. Drain the soapy water and squeeze out your shirt. Rinse it with cold water again and squeeze out the excess water.
2. Gently stretch it out
Now it’s time to reshape! Lay your shirt on a flat towel and begin to stretch. Gently pull on the areas you need to reform. To lengthen a hem, place your hand on the neckline to anchor the shirt and pull down along the hem to lengthen. Need to widen it? Pull on the sides to expand the body. Be careful not to pull too hard and stop regularly to look at the shirt and make sure you’re stretching it evenly.
3. Skip the Dryer
Once you’ve got the size you want, let your top dry flat. Use a drying rack to get ventilation underneath or lay it on a towel on a solid surface. The alternative hang dry can result in some uneven stretch in length or pesky dents, so we recommend you stick with the flat air dry. Ensure an even dry by smoothing your shirt as much as possible before laying flat.
—Jennifer D.
Don’t want to put in the extra work stretching your top back to normal, let our stylists add a few new options to your closet. Take your style quiz and request cute T-shirts, crisp button-ups or a flowy blouse. Our style experts will send you five curated styles to try. Keep what you like and return the rest. Shipping and returns are always free.