Do you have a pair of socks that are just too big for your feet? Or maybe they are bunching up in the toes or heels? You may want to consider shrinking them!
Shrinking is an easy process, but there are some things you need to know before starting – and, of course, how to do it because there is a catch: not all socks shrink in the same way, and some barely shrink at all.
This article offers an in-depth guide on how to shrink a pair of socks so they fit better.
Method 1: Shrink Your Socks with Warm Water
This works best with cotton socks, although the result will depend on the exact material and how the socks were made.
The simplest approach is to wash the socks in a warmer or hotter cycle than you would normally use, provided the socks can tolerate that treatment.
For cotton, heat, moisture and agitation can all contribute to shrinkage. Cotton fibers absorb water and can change dimensions as they are washed and dried, while a hot dryer can increase the amount of shrinkage.
If you don’t want to use a washing machine, you can also use a hot-water soak.
Most socks will shrink a bit if washed at 40 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher, and a lot if washed at 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit).
Tip: Since washing at 60 degrees C (140 F) can ruin your socks, it’s best to go for a lower heat setting. In order to make them shrink faster, right before starting the washing cycle, soak the socks in cold water (ice water if possible).
This will make the upcoming hot water contract the material even more, giving better results.
Also read: How to Crack Your Foot, Ankle or Toes
Method Two: Shrink Your Socks with an Iron
This method is best when you have a pair of jeans or sweatpants that are too baggy, but it works with socks too.
It’s very easy. Simply place your socks on the ironing board (ideally a bit damp and cold). Then iron them on each side for about 15 seconds. Do this a few times.
This method will not only make your socks smaller but also help them keep their shape.
Method Three: Shrink your socks in the dryer
This is by far the easiest (and fastest) way to shrink your socks. Also, it’s great when you’re in a hurry and don’t have time for any other method.
Simply put them into the dryer with some other clothes that need drying or pieces of cloth you no longer need.
Run on high heat for about 15 minutes or until they feel nice and dry.
Tip: This method will not only shrink your socks, it’ll also make them softer which is great for some types of wool or cotton socks!
Also read: Why Do I Keep Dreaming About The Same Person?
How to Shrink Wool Socks
Wool deserves its own section because it behaves differently from cotton and a wool sock can go from slightly too large to much too small surprisingly quickly.
If the label says the socks are machine washable or tumble-dryable, follow those instructions rather than assuming that all wool can be treated the same way.
Superwash and other shrink-resistant wool treatments are specifically designed to reduce felting and improve dimensional stability.
If the socks are untreated wool, I would be very cautious about intentionally shrinking them. A small amount of controlled change may be possible, but there is a fine line between making them fit better and permanently felting them.
For wool, I would not use the same aggressive high-heat approach that might be suitable for a sturdy cotton sock.
Which Socks Can You Shrink?
The material makes a big difference, so here’s what you have to know:
Cotton is one of the best candidates for intentional shrinking. Heat, moisture and agitation can cause cotton fibers to relax and the fabric to contract, with drying heat contributing to the process.
Wool can shrink much more dramatically than cotton. The combination of moisture, heat and agitation can cause the scales on wool fibers to interlock, producing felting and permanent shrinkage. This can happen quickly, so wool requires much more caution.
Polyester and nylon: These synthetic fibers are much more resistant to ordinary shrinkage than cotton and wool.
Trying to force them to shrink with high heat may produce disappointing results or damage the material rather than giving you a smaller, better-fitting sock.
Elastane or spandex: These fibers provide stretch and recovery. Excessive heat can damage that elasticity, leaving the sock stretched out or less resilient.
If your socks contain a significant amount of elastane, I would be particularly cautious about using high heat simply to make them smaller.
Blends: A blend can behave somewhere between its component fibers, so there is no reliable rule that applies to every cotton-polyester or cotton-elastane sock.
If you don’t know what your socks are made from, check the label before choosing a method.
Also read: Best Baby Wall Clocks for Your Nursery
Tips & Warnings
If you’re in a hurry to shrink your socks, try one of the faster methods above. Socks are usually made from natural fibers like cotton and wool, and it’s these types of materials that shrink the most.
Only use medium heat when drying them in the dryer – high heats can ruin your socks! If you want to make sure they don’t shrink too much, tumble dry them in shorter sessions until they get to the size you need.
Or just buy a new pair of socks – they’re not as expensive and going through all the trouble of shrinking them to the right size might not be worth it!
Conclusion
This would be our guide on how to shrink a pair of socks. Since there are many ways to do it, you can pick the one that works best for your needs.
If you have any other tips or tricks on how to shrink socks – please let us know in the comments below! We’d also love to hear about which method worked best for you if you’ve tried more than one.
And if you want to explore more of my article, here’s what to read next: Wearing Ripped Jeans to Church – OK or NOT?