How to Shrink Graphic Tees

Shrink graphic t-shirts to combat common fit issues and still wear them comfortably. Today, T-shirt manufacturers are exploring new ways to shrink elements on garments. Some designers integrate graphic t-shirts within the fabric layers to prevent fading or cracking. Outfitters measure their goal by designing a t-shirt with a snug fit based on their customers' body measurement data. However you can also do it at home. In just a few steps, you can turn a loose-fitting graphic tee into a body-fitting tee. How to do it? Here's how!

1. Is it Possible to Shrink Graphic Tees?

Indeed, it is possible to shrink graphic tees. A few factors are contributing to this. For example, t-shirts made up of cotton usually shrink more than the tees with other fabrics. The temperature of the tee before washing and drying also contributes to how much it shrinks. Having said that, if you know how to shrink your shirt to get the perfect fit.

2. What is The Perfect Way to Shrink a Tee?

The best way to shrink a shirt properly is by doing the laundry in hot water. That way, you will be able to get rid of the fabric's loose threads (there may still be loose threads if your shirt was made by a machine). After that, you should just take the shirt out of the device and hang it. You should not put it under a heater or a fan directly because you do not want the fibers to rub against each other, which can cause a tiny hole in your shirt.

3. Shrink Your Tee Without Washing it

That's all there is to it! You can use any graphic t-shirt and shrink it in the dryer without washing without damaging the graphic on the shirt. This will get you a slightly more fitted smaller size t-shirt, but if you only want it to fit very snug and not look limp, then I would recommend that you wash it by hand. Going forward on future tries after you have shrunk your shirt, always turn the shirt inside out when shrinking with a dryer. This will help retain the design longer.

4. Shrink Your Tee With a Dryer

Ideally, when you shrink a graphic tee shirt, you are trying to get off as much heat as possible before hitting the dryer machine to avoid damaging the graphic prints. This is why we recommend washing your graphic tee shirts in hot water and drying it outside without putting them in the dryer machine. The washer and dryer are the two worst things you can do to your graphic tees if you want to maintain their print quality.

5. How to Shrink a Graphic Shirt Without a Dryer

There are several ways to try this technique at home. Whether it's in a bathroom with hot water or a kitchen with boiling water for 5 minutes. You will get the size you want in your favorite shrunk and graphic T-shirt as much as you will wait. This way is effortless and fast, but you have to be cautious because there is always the possibility of damaging a garment due to inappropriate use.

6. Here is a little advice to perfectly shrink your tee.

Shrinking a graphic tee shirt can be tricky, but if you take the appropriate measures when laundering it in your preferred method, you can avoid shrinking it out of proportion or even damaging the print. It is best to follow these tips when attempting to shrink a t-shirt. 

There are many things you can do to shrink a graphic tee. The best way would depend on your budget and how much you're willing to risk. If you want the shrinkage but not the crease, then look into a dryer, but if you wish for an iron-free solution, then a washing machine would be a better option. Remember that shrinking tees will always result in color fading regardless of the method used.

Shrinking a graphic tee can be a reasonably straightforward process when done correctly. However, it is essential to note that some graphic shirts may lose their print in the process. For this reason, it is crucial to pick a graphic t-shirt you do not mind ruining if it cannot withstand shrinking.

Conclusion

As you've seen, there are many ways to shrink a logo graphic shirt! The most important thing is to carefully follow the instructions for the shirt you are using. It may seem like a lot of work—after all, one may ask why you would want to shrink a t-shirt when you can just buy it smaller. (I mean, who wants to spend that much money on a new t-shirt?) However, we want to assure you that the end result is worth every bit of effort! Shrinking your own shirts also reduces unnecessary waste and saves money as a side benefit. Whether you're making your favorite band t-shirt fit better or creating your own promotional clothing for an event or business.