How to deal with stretched and out of shape t-shirts

T-shirts in general and shirts in particular are often very easy to stretch. Stretching shirts is one of the most common problems no matter how durable the material is. So, what should you do if your shirt is stretched? How to fix a stretched shirt to solve this problem effectively and quickly?

1. Causes of shirt stretching

1.1. Poor shirt material

Shirt material is one of the first causes of fabric stretching. T-shirts containing a lot of PE or spandex, … will stretch much faster than cotton fabrics. In addition, many people experience shirt collar stretching. The reason is that the shirt material is not guaranteed, and the spandex fabric is professionally processed.

1.2. Effects of washing or drying

Another important cause of shirt stretching is temperature. When washing in a washing machine with hot water or using a dryer, if the temperature is too high, it will greatly affect the fabric material.

1.3. Improper storage of shirts

Improper storage of men’s shirts is also one of the reasons why shirts stretch. You do not use a specialized hanger to prevent clothes from stretching, you use a sweater hanger for a long time, causing the fabric to stretch.

2. What to do if your shirt is stretched? How to fix a stretched shirt

2.1. How to restore a stretched shirt with boiling water

Most fabrics are made from long, interconnected fibers. When stretched, these bonds are stretched. The high temperature from boiling water will cause the fabric fibers to shrink, helping the shirt return to its original size to some extent.

If you don’t know what to do if your shirt is stretched, below are the steps to fix a stretched shirt with boiling water as follows:

Step 1: Boil water

Prepare a pot of water large enough to soak the shirt to be treated. Put the pot on the stove and boil until the water boils completely.

Step 2: Soak the shirt

Carefully drop the stretched shirt into the pot of boiling water. Use a stainless steel or ceramic spoon to press the shirt down to ensure that the shirt is completely submerged in the boiling water.

Step 3: Incubate the shirt

Let the shirt soak in boiling water for about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Turn off the stove and cool

After incubating for enough time, turn off the stove. Let the pot of water cool down naturally. Do not pour cold water in to cool it quickly because it can cause thermal shock to the fabric fibers.

Step 5: Remove and wring the shirt

When the water has cooled completely, carefully remove the shirt from the pot. Gently wring the shirt to remove excess water. Avoid wringing too hard as this can cause the shirt to deform.

Step 6: Dry the shirt

Hang the shirt on a clothesline using a specialized hanger. Make sure the shirt is hung straight and flat to avoid wrinkling or deforming during the drying process. Avoid drying the shirt directly under strong sunlight as it can cause fading and damage to the fabric. It is best to dry the shirt in a cool, shady place.

2.2. How to fix a stretched shirt with a washing machine and dryer

A washing machine and dryer can help fix a stretched shirt thanks to the combination of heat and movement. When washing with hot water, the fabric fibers will shrink like when soaked in boiling water.

Here are the detailed steps to fix a stretched shirt with a washing machine and dryer

Step 1: Preparation

If there are many stretched items, sort them by color and fabric to avoid fading and ensure effective treatment.

Step 2: Wash with a washing machine

Put the stretched clothes in the washing machine. Select the hot water wash mode. If your washing machine has a temperature setting, select the highest setting the garment label allows. Select the longest wash cycle to ensure the garment is thoroughly soaked and treated in hot water.

Step 3: Dry in the dryer

After washing, remove the garment from the washing machine and place it directly in the dryer. Select the highest heat setting the garment label allows.

Step 4: Finish

After drying, remove the garment from the dryer and check to see if the stretch has improved.

2.3. How to fix a stretched shirt with a hair dryer

A hair dryer can fix a stretched shirt thanks to the high temperature it creates. The high temperature will affect the fabric fibers, causing them to shrink, thereby helping the shirt regain its original size to some extent.

Here are the detailed steps to fix a stretched T-shirt with a simple hair dryer:

Step 1: Preparation

• Check the material
• Moisten the shirt
• Spread the shirt

Step 2: Dry the shirt

Turn the dryer to the highest setting. Keep a safe distance: Keep the dryer about 15-20 cm away from the T-shirt to avoid burning or damaging the fabric. Dry in sections: Start drying the shirt in sections, paying special attention to the stretched area. Move the hair dryer continuously to distribute the heat evenly, avoiding overheating one spot. Dry until dry: Continue drying until the T-shirt is completely dry.

Step 3: Check and finish

• Check for stretching
• Re-dry if necessary
• Hang or fold the shirt