Laundry expert Zachary Pozniak outlines professional methods for potentially reversing garment shrinkage, noting that success depends heavily on the material.

Shrinking a favorite garment in the dryer is a common laundry mishap, but professional dry cleaner Zachary Pozniak suggests that some items can be restored to their original size. Pozniak, co-owner of the New York-based luxury dry cleaning business Jeeves, advises against immediate, haphazard stretching at home. Instead, he recommends seeking professional assistance to avoid causing further damage to the fabric.

Evaluating Material and Damage

The first step in the restoration process is identifying the fabric and the extent of the shrinkage. According to Pozniak, some materials are more responsive to stretching than others. While a cotton top or silk dress is often easily salvageable, animal fibers like wool present greater challenges due to the presence of barbs or scales on the fibers. Pozniak notes that while an inch or two of shrinkage in cotton is typically correctable, major shrinkage in wool is often not.

Professional Stretching and Shaping Techniques

For minor shrinkage, Pozniak recommends a combination of steaming and strategic stretching. This involves applying significant steam to the garment, then stretching it on a table or using a hanger while applying gentle manual pressure. To maintain the original silhouette, professionals may use fabric conditioners, steaming, and a process called blocking, which involves using pins on a sweater board to hold the garment in shape. For wool specifically, the dry cleaning process includes conditioning products to lubricate fibers and restore natural lanolin.

Knowing When to Stop

Not every shrunken item can be saved. Pozniak advises that if a garment does not respond to stretching efforts, it is likely a lost cause. He cautions against excessive pulling or tugging, which can distort the shape of the fabric beyond repair. If the item remains too small after a careful attempt at restoration, it is time to accept that the garment cannot be returned to its original size.