How to shrink oversized jogging pants effectively?

Whether you accidentally bought a size too big or your favorite baggy sweatpants have stretched out over time, owning a piece of clothing that's too baggy can be frustrating. Luckily, there are several ways to shrink sweatpants without damaging them. In this article, we'll explore these techniques and help you find the right size for your workout outfit.

Method 1: Wash on warm and dry on high heat

The first method to try is to wash and dry your jogging bottoms at high temperatures to cause the fabric to naturally shrink . The heat helps the fibers contract and tighten the garment.

Step 1: Wash your jogging pants

Machine wash your sweatpants using the hottest cycle possible, according to the care instructions on the garment's label. If the sweatpants are made of cotton, they should hold up to a hot wash without any problems. However, if the sweatpants contain synthetic materials such as polyester, make sure not to exceed the maximum temperature recommended by the manufacturer.

Remember to turn your jogging bottoms inside out before putting them in the machine, this will help protect the patterns and prints on the garment.

Step 2: Dry your jogging pants

Once your sweatpants are done in the dryer, place them in the dryer and use the highest heat setting. Drying on a high heat will also help the fibers shrink more. You can check the shrinkage regularly as it dries and remove the garment as soon as it is the desired size.

CAUTION: Overdrying can cause fiber deterioration and permanent damage to your garment. Be careful during this step and promptly remove the jogging suit from the dryer as soon as you notice satisfactory shrinkage.

Method 2: Boiling the garment

If the wash and dry method doesn't work to shrink your sweatpants enough, you can try boiling them. This method works especially well on cotton sweatpants.

Step 1: Fill a pot with water and set it to heat.

Choose a large pot, large enough to accommodate your folded jogging suit. Fill it with water and bring it to a boil.

Step 2: Dip the jogging in boiling water

Gently lower your jogging suit into the boiling water, being careful not to burn yourself. You can use a wooden spoon or tongs to handle it safely. Let it soak for 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 3: Remove and wring out the jogging bottoms

Turn off the heat and carefully remove the garment from the pan using a wooden spoon or tongs. Allow excess water to drain before moving on to the next step.

Step 4: Rinse the jogging suit in cold water

Rinse your jogging suit under cold water to remove any soap residue and to cool the fabric. Then slowly wring out the garment to remove excess water.

Step 5: Dry the garment

Place your wet jogging suit between two thick towels, then roll them up in order to squeeze and absorb the remaining water in the garment. Finally, hang it to air dry.

Method 3: Permanent shrinkage by sewing

If none of the above methods have been effective in shrinking your jogging pants, you can opt for a permanent solution by manually adjusting the size using a sewing machine.

Step 1: Pin the excess fabric

Put on your tracksuit and mark the places where you want to narrow the garment with safety pins. Make sure not to pin too close to your skin to avoid any injury.

Step 2: Sew along the markings

Using a sewing machine or by hand, sew along the marks made by the pins in a straight line. Take care to make strong and durable stitches so that the garment will withstand subsequent washings.

Step 3: Cut off excess fabric

Once the seams are complete, trim any excess fabric with scissors, being careful not to cut too close to the stitching.

Step 4: Overlock the cut edges

Overlock the cut edges using a sewing machine or by hand to prevent the fabric from fraying over time and with washing.

With these three methods, you should be able to effectively shrink baggy sweatpants. Remember to follow the care instructions specific to your garment and always proceed with caution during the process. Also, check the condition of the fabric regularly to detect any potential deterioration and adjust your methods accordingly. Good luck with your sweatpants shrinking journey!