[toc]
Most people dread the time when they have to put on their bathing suit. With summer right around the corner, it is important to know how to shrink a bathing suit in order to prepare for warmer weather.
How to Shrink a Bathing Suit
Using the Dryer
To preserve the colors of your suit as much as possible, turn it inside out.
The dryer is an easy way to shrink your bathing suit because over time, the heat will cause the fibers of the fabric to tighten. If you turn your suit inside out, it will also protect the pigments in case they begin to rub off. Additionally , be sure that when it comes out of the dryer that you wash it immediately.
Wash the suit by hand in lukewarm water to remove any dirt, grime, or oil.
In order to shrink your bathing suit as much as possible, wash it by hand in cool water. This will gradually tighten the fibers of the fabric and make it a better fitting size. Leave it out to dry completely before you attempt to put it on again to ensure that all the excess moisture has dissipated from the garment.
Putting your suit in the washing machine, regardless of how dirty it is, will just damage and stretch out the fibers.
Many people fear that when trying to shrink their bathing suits, the dryer could ruin them by over-drying. Be sure that you check on your suit after each cycle until you feel satisfied with the results of its shrinking process.
It is important to remember not to put your suit in the washing machine because it can stretch out the fibers in the bathing suit. Instead, wash it by hand to avoid ruining it.
Soak the suit in a tub of boiling water until the water reaches room temperature.
Boiling water can shrink a bathing suit very quickly. Boil a pot of water and then let it cool down to room temperature before soaking your bathing suit in the mixture for roughly thirty seconds.
The suit’s fibers should shrink as a result of the heat from the boiling water. After it goes into the dryer, they’ll be even more compacted.
If the suit does not shrink immediately, don’t worry. Placing it in the dryer on a medium heat will help to achieve further shrinkage of the fibers.
Place the suit in the dryer on the highest heat setting.
In order to achieve the best shrinkage for your bathing suit, place it in the dryer on the highest heat setting. This will cause the water inside of the fibers to evaporate quickly and tighten up your suit.
Be sure that you are cautious during this process because if there is any moisture left over inside of the garment, it could become extremely hot and burn you.
The average duration of a dryer’s cycle is 60 to 70 minutes.
In addition to drying your suit on the highest heat setting, be sure that you set the timer for roughly an hour. If not, your dryer will automatically turn off and there is a chance that the fibers could become damp again.
Repeat the procedure 2 to 3 additional times to reduce the suit gradually.
It will take a little bit of time to shrink your suit, so be patient. Continue repeating the process until you reach your desired compression level.
Method 2
Ironing Your Suit
Wash your suit, rinse it out, and thoroughly wring out the excess water.
With the heat of the iron, you can shrink your bathing suit over time by compressing the fibers in an easy manner. Before shrinking it with heat, make sure to wash it in lukewarm water and rinse out all of the soap or detergents in order to reduce any stripping effects.
Once it’s on the ironing board, cover it with a cotton cloth.
Using the ironing board is the best way to shrink your bathing suit because it will help you control the process and won’t be as intense as using an actual dryer. Be sure that you place a cotton cloth between your suit and the surface of the ironing board in order to avoid damaging or staining it.
Turn on the iron to a low- or medium-heat setting.
Reduce the heat on your iron to avoid setting your suit on fire or burning it. Since the goal is to shrink the fibers, any excess heat will only damage them further and cause them to lose their elasticity more quickly.
Iron the suit and press down with slow, firm strokes.
Press the iron down on your bathing suit as firmly as you can to shrink it gradually. To achieve this goal, be sure that you pass over each area of the garment at least three times and do not use any steam.
Flip the suit over from time to time to evenly iron both sides.
Flipping your suit over periodically ensures that you are ironing both sides evenly and does not allow the heat to warp the fibers in just one area.
Continue ironing until almost all of the water has evaporated.
Iron your suit until almost all of the water has evaporated in order to shrink the fibers without leaving any moisture within. This prevents damage to the fibers that can lead them to become damaged or fall apart over time.
Allow the suit to air dry the rest of the way before putting it on again.
After you have removed your suit from the heat, allow it to air dry the rest of the way before wearing it again. This process will help to ensure that all of the fibers are tightly pressed together and reduces any possibility of your suit becoming misshapen or warped after being worn.
Method3
Preventing Stretching
Wash your suit after each usage, even if it was only moistened.
If the elastic on your suit stretches after a single use, it is likely due to dirt and debris from pool water. To prevent this from happening again, be sure to wash the garment as soon as you get home from whatever activity you were engaging in.
Suits should be hand-washed in cold water using a mild detergent.
If you don’t own a washing machine, then the best way to shrink your bathing suit is by hand. Perform this action in cool water with a gentle, mild detergent and make sure that your hands are clean before handling the garment.
When possible, hang your suit on a line instead of using the dryer.
If you have a drying rack, then the best way to shrink your bathing suit is by allowing it to air dry. If you do not, then at least hang it up in a well-ventilated area rather than putting it inside of a hot dryer that can ruin elastic fibers.
Keep your drying suit in the shade to prevent damaging the fibers.
To prevent your suit from becoming discolored, keep it out of direct sunlight while it is drying. If you do not have a dryer available and the sun is shining, then try to find a covered area that will still allow air flow but offer some shade.
Keep your suit away from abrasive surfaces to prevent the fabric from catching.
If you are drying your suit on the ground, be sure to hang it out of reach from any jagged rocks or sticks. Although this will take longer, hanging your suit over a cushion or even in your shower area is the best way to prevent snagging its material.
FAQs about Shrinking a Bathing Suit
What if my suit is too large and I need it to shrink a lot?
If your suit is much larger than you would like, then the best way to shrink it is to soak your suit in cold water for about an hour. This will help soften the material; allowing you to press firmly as described here.
How can I shrink my suit if it is already misshapen?
If your suit is already misshapen and you would like to regain its former shape, then place a towel in the dryer with it. The heat from the dryer should help smooth out any wrinkles and restore your suit to its original position.
How can I shrink my suit if it is made of neoprene?
Neoprene suits are not suitable for the washing machine and should be hand-washed with cool water. After being fully submersed in cold water, allow your suit to dry by hanging it on a drying rack. Never attempt to use heat or sunlight to shrink neoprene as this can cause the material to break apart and become useless over time.
Conclusion
Shrinking your bathing suit is the best way to keep it in its original size and shape. By following these methods, you can ensure that your garment will retain its elasticity and remain useful for many years to come. By taking either or both of these actions, you will have prevented any damage being done to the fibers within, thus allowing the garment to remain useful for as long as you like.
Leave a Reply