How to Shrink a Windbreaker

Co-authored by Kamel Almani and Sophia Latorre

Last Updated: October 7, 2021 References

Windbreakers are typically made from synthetic materials like nylon and polyester, which don’t shrink as well as natural fibers like cotton or wool. However, you can try shrinking your windbreaker using heat from a washer and dryer, though it is possible that these strategies could damage your garment. For better results, take your windbreaker to a tailor to have it altered to fit you.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using the Washer and Dryer

1
Check the care tag on your garment before washing or drying it. Read the care tag on your windbreaker to find out what materials it is made from and how to care for it. If it's made of nylon, polyester, or a blend of these fabrics, you can try washing and drying your windbreaker to shrink it.^{[1]
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- Do not attempt to wash the garment in hot water or dry it in a clothes dryer if the care tag instructs you not to. Ignoring the care tag instructions may ruin the garment.
2
Run a hot water wash cycle. Put your windbreaker in the washing machine by itself. You don’t need to add detergent unless you want to wash the garment—it is the heat of the water that will cause shrinkage. Adjust the settings to use the hottest water and run for the longest amount of time in order to shrink the fabric.^{[2]
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- To prevent the colors of your windbreaker from fading, you can add ¹⁄₂ cup (120 mL) of ammonia to the washer.^{[3]
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- Always wash polyester at 60 °F (16 °C) or higher.^{[4]
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  Expert Source
  
  Kamel Almani
  Laundry & Cleaning Specialist
  Expert Interview. 13 April 2021.}
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3
Use a high-heat dry cycle. Once the wash cycle is complete, let the garment cool before handling it or use tongs to transfer it to the dryer. Run a long dryer cycle using the highest heat possible.^{[5]
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Kamel Almani
Laundry & Cleaning Specialist
Expert Interview. 13 April 2021.} Then, let your windbreaker cool before removing it from the dryer.^{[6]
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- If your windbreaker hasn’t shrunk enough, you could repeat the process. However, the more you expose your jacket to heat, the more likely it is that the fabric will harden or become discolored.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Getting Your Windbreaker Altered

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Make an appointment with a reputable tailor. A simple Internet search should turn up plenty of tailors in your area. Read online reviews or ask friends, family members, and coworkers if they can recommend a good tailor rather than choosing the first listing you see. Then, call and set up an appointment to get your windbreaker altered.^{[7]
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- Look for an established company with experience tailoring all types of fabrics and garments.
- When you make your appointment, explain that you want to get a windbreaker altered to ensure that the tailor is comfortable working with the fabric of the garment and making the adjustments you want.
2
Put your windbreaker on and allow the tailor to pin it. When you arrive for your appointment, put your windbreaker on and explain which areas you’d like the tailor to adjust. In most cases, they’ll be able to shorten the sleeves and hem as well as take in the jacket to make it smaller, though it will depend on the type of fabric and the construction of the garment.^{[8]
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- Allow the tailor to give you their opinion about what needs to be altered and how much. Remember, they’re the expert!
3
Expect to pay $65-$130 to have your windbreaker altered. The cost of the alterations depends on where you live, how much experience the tailor has, and how difficult the garment is to alter. In general, shortening the sleeves may cost $15-$40, taking in the jacket can cost $20-$50, and shortening the hem might run you $30-$40.^{[9]
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- If your windbreaker was fairly inexpensive, it may be more cost-effective to buy a new one rather than to have it altered.

Expert Q&A

Question

What do I wash polyester with?

Kamel Almani
Laundry & Cleaning Specialist
Kamel Almani is a Laundry and Cleaning Specialist and the Co-Owner of WashyWash, a toxin-free and eco-friendly laundry and dry clean service based in Amman, Jordan. Kamel and his staff at WashyWash use Blue Angel certified and dermatologically-tested detergents. They also combine EcoClean and digital technology to provide an eco-friendly, convenient, and quality cleaning service. Kamel holds a BA in Design from the University of Applied Science, Amman.

Kamel Almani

Laundry & Cleaning Specialist

Expert Answer

Feel free to use a normal laundry detergent! You don't need anything fancy to clean your polyester garment.

Warnings

Avoid submerging a windbreaker in boiling water or using an iron to shrink it as both methods can cause the fabric to harden.^{[10]
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