How To Shrink Football Jersey Safely and Effectively?
Understanding Your Football Jersey Material
1. Examine the care label
By a care label, you will get if the jersey is made of cotton, polyester, or a blend of both. And it also provides washing instructions to help prevent damage.
2. Differences Between Polyester and Cotton
2. 1 Polyester football jerseys
Most soccer jerseys are made from synthetic materials like polyester. Polyester tends not to shrink much or at all after multiple washes.
2.2 Cotton football jerseys
Football jerseys similar to regular T-shirts may be made from cotton. But cotton fibers tend to shrink faster when exposed to heat than polyester fibers.
Proven Methods to Shrink a Football Jersey
Here are several tried and true techniques you can try for shrinking a football jersey efficiently without damaging it.
Method 1: Hot Water Soak
Steps: Soak jersey in hot (not boiling) water 5-10 minutes, wring out, air dry or use high heat dryer.
Note: especially for polyester jerseys.
Method 2: High-Heat Dryer
Wash in hot water, then dry on high heat with frequent checks to prevent damage.
Note: Risks of heat on printed logos and fabric.
Method 3: Boiling Water Method
Boil water, and submerge jersey for a few minutes, then dry it.
Note: More aggressive shrinking but higher risk of damage.
Method 4: Ironing Over Damp Fabric
Damp jersey, use medium to high heat iron with a cloth barrier to shrink specific areas.
Note: Good for targeted shrinking, caution to avoid damage.
Tips for Maintaining Your Shrunken Football Jersey
After you have successfully shrunk the football jersey, here are some simple tips to maintain a shrunken football shirt effectively.
1. Wash Your Jersey Cold
Be sure to wash your football jersey in cold water, otherwise the jersey will lose its shape or shrink.
2. Air Dry Where Possible
Try air drying your football shirt instead of using the dryer after washing. It is better to hang it or lay it flat on a table for drying.
3. Avoid Fabric Softeners
Softeners may make the fabric less breathable and change the way the jersey fits. They can also damage the numbers and letters. Skip the fabric softeners, and use a mild detergent instead.
4. Store Your Jersey Correctly
Store the football shirt in a dry and cool place, away from direct sunlight.
5. Handle with care
When putting or taking off a shrunken jersey, be gentle. Avoid rough activities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I shrink 100% polyester jerseys?
yes, but it will only be a little amount.
2. What to do if your jersey is too small?
Gently try to stretch the jersey when it damps, or wear it several times. If the jersey still feels tight, you should get a new one in the right size, Tteamwear can provide customized jersey for you, and the accurate size chart.
3. Will NFL jerseys shrink in the dryer?
It depends on the material. Cotton or cotton blend jerseys will shrink more when they are dried at high temperatures. Polyester and nylon jerseys will shrink less, but still a bit if they are exposed to high temperatures.
4. How to shrink a soccer jersey without ruining it?
Wash the jersey in hot water and dry it on medium-high heat. And you can also soak the jersey in hot (not boiling) water for a few moments, and then carefully dry it.
5. How to shrink a reversible jersey?
The jersey should be washed in hot water, and dried on high heat. It is best to turn it inside-out first, as this will protect both sides. Reversible jerseys may shrink slower because they are thicker. Repeat the process if necessary.