Can you rescue a shrunken top

Short answer: Partly. Put the top in lukewarm water, stretch it gently while damp, and let it dry flat. Shrinkage over five percent rarely comes back, so do not expect everything to be as before.

Lukewarm water softens the fibres

Damp fibres can be stretched without tearing. Lukewarm water makes the fabric softer and more pliable, so you can win back some length. Do not use hot water, since that may pull the fabric in further. Also see the bamboo joggers for women if you want something new to change into.

Stretch gently and evenly

Pull a little at a time all the way round instead of in one place. That keeps the shape even and stops the top going crooked or getting a slack edge. Work slowly and hold the top against yourself now and then. If you need new tops, see the most popular pieces from Copenhagen Bamboo.

Let it dry flat

On a hanger the weight pulls wet fabric crooked. Lay the top flat on a towel and shape it to the size you want with your hands. Turn it once when the upper side is dry. If you also have a shrunken pair of bamboo sweatpants for women, the same method applies.

Press out water without wringing

Lift the top from the water and press the water out between your hands. Do not wring it, because wringing pulls the fibres crooked and can leave lasting creases. Roll it in a towel if you like, to take out the last moisture. Then it is ready to shape while still damp and pliable.

Expect no miracles

You can win back up to a couple of centimetres. If the top has shrunk more than five percent, the size rarely comes fully back, whatever you do. Then it is better to accept that it is a different size now and use it around the house or pass it on.

Skip the tumble dryer

Heat is the cause of nearly all shrinking in knitted fabrics. The tumble dryer combines heat and movement, and that combination is what makes a top pull in. Let it air dry instead. It takes longer, but it protects shape and size best.

Follow the temperature on the label

The care label says what temperature the fabric can take. Follow it, and go a little below if in doubt. It takes only a glance before you start the machine. With that habit, the situation with a shrunken top never arises in the first place.

Check the result before the next wash

When the top is dry, put it on and feel how it sits. If the size is close to what it was, you can keep wearing it as normal. If it is still too small, repeating the process many times gains nothing. Accept instead that the limit has been reached.

Frequently asked questions

Can a shrunken top be saved

Partly. Soften it in lukewarm water, stretch it gently while it is damp, and let it dry flat so that it takes its shape best.

How much can you win back

Up to a couple of centimetres. Shrinkage over five percent rarely comes back, whatever you do, so do not expect the top to be as good as new.

How do you avoid shrinking next time

Follow the temperature on the care label and avoid the tumble dryer. Heat is the cause of nearly all shrinking in knitted fabrics, so keeping heat down keeps the size.