How to Shrink a Screen Printed Shirt?

There’s nothing worse than finding an awesome  Screen Printed Shirt only to discover it’s three sizes too big. Or you ordered a new custom t-shirt in the mail and you noticed you ordered a size too big. Either way, it can be frustrating when your shirt doesn’t fit right.

If this is not a personalized or custom t-shirt they may let you exchange it for a different size. If this is a custom screen printed shirt then you will either need to gain some weight or attempt to shrink your shirt to fit better.

How to Shrink a Screen Printed Shirt?

We did some research and found a few sources online that recommend placing the shirt in boiling hot water, letting it sit for 5 minutes, wringing it out, and voila: your shirt one size smaller. Well, we did this at home. We boiled a shirt, not for 5 minutes, but for hours.

The result: no change in size. That’s because, these days, most shirts come pre-shrunk. If you do want to shrink down a shirt, it’s going to be a lot harder than you think, especially if it’s cotton.

You can try this:

You shouldn’t get your hopes up too high, I’m afraid. Although it’s possible that you’ll shrink your t-shirt by an inch or so, don’t expect an extra-large to shrink into a small.

  1. Turn Your T-shirt INSIDE OUT – This will protect the screen print/design on the shirt, keeping it from rubbing against the inside of the washer or dryer, which can lead to fading or cracking. By turning it inside out, you help preserve the print.
  2. Wash your t-shirt with COLD water. DO NOT USE HOT WATER – Start by washing your shirt in cold water, as hot water can sometimes set the print. Avoid using hot water, as it can cause the shirt’s fibers to shrink in unpredictable ways.
  3. Turn your Dryer settings to HOT or HIGH – Once your shirt is clean, dry it on the highest heat setting. High heat is essential for encouraging shrinkage.
  4. Dry your shirts for the Longest setting – Usually 60 minutes in the dryer will help the fabric shrink. Keep an eye on it to ensure that it doesn’t over-shrink.
  5. Repeat steps 2-4 – If the shirt hasn’t shrunk enough after the first round, repeat steps 2 and 3. Keep in mind that cotton shirts may shrink up to 5%, but expect only slight changes in size, particularly if the shirt is pre-shrunk.
  6. You are Done Your shirt should now be Shrunk – After each drying cycle, check the size of your shirt. Keep in mind that shrinking works gradually, and the changes might be subtle. Don’t expect a major difference after just one round.

Remember, the results can vary based on the fabric type and types of fabric used. For example, cotton shirts may shrink more easily than those made with synthetic fibers or synthetic fabrics, which are less likely to shrink significantly. Always consider the fabric type and whether it’s worth trying to shrink clothing.

If you do want to shrink specific areas of your shirt, focus on using warm water for those parts and carefully follow the wash cycle instructions. If all else fails, air drying may prevent further shrinkage or attempting to shrink the shirt further.

If all else fails, simply purchase a new screen-printed shirt! We have two ways you can purchase our custom designed T-shirts: Online or In-store: