Are you stuck with a dress that’s just too big? Before you go out and spend money on alterations, give these three easy methods a try to shrink your dress at home. With a few simple steps, you can have the perfect fit in no time.

1. Use Hot Water

The heat from hot water can help shrink the fibers in your dress, resulting in a smaller size. Follow these steps:

a. Fill a large container or bathtub with hot water. The water should be steaming but not boiling.

b. Submerge the entire dress in the hot water and let it soak for 10-15 minutes.

c. After the soaking period, gently squeeze the dress to remove any excess water.

d. Lay the dress flat on a clean towel and roll it up to absorb more moisture. Be careful not to wring or twist the fabric, as this may cause damage.

e. Unroll the towel and let the dress air dry completely before trying it on for size.

2. Ironing and Steaming

Ironing and steaming can also shrink your dress slightly due to heat exposure. Here’s how:

a. Set up your ironing board and plug in your iron or steamer.

b. If using an iron, set it to the appropriate setting based on your dress fabric type (check the label for guidance).

c. Gently steam or iron each section of the dress, applying consistent pressure as you work.

d. Avoid stretching or pulling the fabric while ironing as this could cause damage.

e. Allow the dress to cool and dry completely before trying it on for size.

3. Use a Dryer

Some dresses can be shrunk using a clothes dryer, but make sure to check your garment label first, as this method may not be suitable for all fabrics.

a. Wash your dress as usual (following care instructions on the label) and gently squeeze out excess water.

b. Place the damp dress in your dryer along with a few dryer balls or a clean towel to help soften the fabric.

c. Set the dryer to a high heat setting and check periodically to prevent overheating or damaging the dress.

d. Once the dress is dry, try it on for size. You may need to repeat this process a few times to achieve the desired level of shrinkage.

These three methods offer simple, at-home solutions to help you shrink your dress for a better fit. Remember to test each method on an inconspicuous area first and always follow your dress’s care instructions for the best results. Happy shrinking!