Help! My Bathing Suit Is Too Big: A Comprehensive Guide to Shrinking Your Swimwear

We’ve all been there. You excitedly purchase a new bathing suit online, or maybe you’ve had a favorite for years, and suddenly, it doesn’t fit quite right. Perhaps it’s stretched out from wear, or the sizing was off in the first place. A too-large bathing suit is not only unflattering but can also be a real hassle when you’re trying to enjoy a swim. So, before you resign yourself to a wardrobe malfunction, let’s explore some effective methods to shrink your swimwear and get it back to that perfect fit.

Understanding the Fabric of Your Swimsuit

Before we jump into the how-to, it’s crucial to understand what your bathing suit is made of. Most swimwear is constructed from synthetic materials such as:

• Spandex (also known as Lycra or Elastane): This is the primary culprit for stretchy swimsuits. It provides that essential flexibility and comfortable fit. Spandex, however, tends to loosen over time and is also the main fabric we’re targeting when attempting to shrink the suit.
• Nylon: Often blended with spandex, nylon adds durability and dries quickly. It’s more resistant to shrinkage than spandex but can be affected by high temperatures.
• Polyester: Another popular choice for swimwear, polyester is known for its resistance to fading and wear. Like nylon, it’s less prone to shrinking than spandex.
• Blends: Many swimsuits are a blend of these materials. The more spandex present, the more likely it is that the suit can be shrunk using the methods we’ll discuss below.

Knowing the fabric composition is critical because different fabrics respond differently to heat and other treatments. Generally, swimsuits with a higher percentage of spandex are the best candidates for shrinking.

Methods to Shrink Your Bathing Suit

Now, let’s delve into the practical methods for shrinking your swimwear. Remember that there’s no guarantee of a perfect shrink, and results can vary depending on the fabric and the method used. It’s always best to start with a gentle approach and work your way up to more aggressive techniques if necessary. We’ll start with the least aggressive and easiest methods first, moving toward those that should be approached with greater caution.

Method 1: The Hot Water Method (The Easiest, Least Risky Approach)

This method relies on the power of heat to contract the elastic fibers in your suit. It is generally safe for most swimsuits, though some colors could fade slightly, so test in an inconspicuous area first.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Fill a Basin or Sink: Fill a basin or your sink with hot water. The water should be as hot as you can get from your tap, but not boiling hot. Boiling water can damage certain fabrics, especially spandex. Aim for 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit (49-60 degrees Celsius).
2. Submerge the Swimsuit: Carefully submerge the entire swimsuit in the hot water. Make sure it’s fully covered by the water.
3. Agitate Gently: Use your hands or a spoon to gently agitate the suit in the water for about 5-10 minutes. This helps the water penetrate the fibers. Avoid vigorous rubbing or stretching.
4. Let It Soak: Let the suit soak in the hot water for about 30 minutes to an hour. The longer it soaks, the more it might shrink, but watch the water for discoloration and proceed with caution if you notice any color bleeding.
5. Remove and Squeeze Gently: Remove the swimsuit from the hot water and gently squeeze out the excess water. Do not wring it out, as this can damage the fabric and stitching.
6. Air Dry: Lay the swimsuit flat on a towel or hang it to air dry. Avoid using a dryer for this method, as excessive heat from a dryer can damage the elastic fibers and can actually cause shrinkage that is uneven. The goal here is for even shrinking. Do not place it in direct sunlight, as this can cause fading.
7. Try it On: Once the suit is completely dry, try it on. If it’s still too big, you can repeat the process, or try a more intensive method.

Tips for Success with the Hot Water Method:

• If you have a white suit or one that you are not worried about color fade, you can add a pinch of salt to the water. Salt can help some materials shrink more, but can also cause colors to run slightly more easily.
• Do not leave the suit in hot water for longer than an hour. Long soaks can weaken some materials, as well as increase the chance of color bleeding.
• Do not place a wet swimsuit on a painted or otherwise sensitive surface. Colors can bleed even just sitting in water when the suit is wet. Place it on an old towel or a surface that will not be damaged by any color bleeding.

Method 2: The Dryer Method (Use with Caution)

The heat of a dryer can certainly help to shrink a bathing suit, but it is a risky method. You need to pay very close attention to the garment as it goes through the drying cycle and adjust according to the material of your swimsuit. Here’s how to do it as safely as possible:

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Wash Your Swimsuit: Wash your swimsuit as you normally would, either by hand or in a washing machine. This will remove any dirt or oils that could be harmful when dried.
2. Toss It in the Dryer: Place the damp swimsuit in the dryer, but set it to the LOWEST heat setting possible. High heat can seriously damage the spandex.
3. Check Frequently: Every 10-15 minutes, check the suit to see how it is shrinking. You should notice it is starting to feel tighter. If you notice excessive bunching, this may be indicative of uneven shrinkage and you need to take the suit out of the dryer immediately.
4. Remove When Slightly Damp: The ideal time to remove the suit from the dryer is when it’s still slightly damp. This will prevent over-shrinking and allows it to naturally stretch back to the form you desire as it air dries.
5. Air Dry and Try On: Lay the suit flat or hang to air dry completely. Try the swimsuit on once completely dry and see if it fits. If more shrinkage is desired, repeat this process, but be careful not to over dry the material.

Tips for Success with the Dryer Method:

• Avoid High Heat: Never use high heat as this can damage or completely ruin the elastic fibers.
• Start with Low Heat: Always start with the lowest heat setting. You can always increase the heat slightly if needed but if the suit is ruined by excessive heat, you can’t undo that damage.
• Tumble Dry Only: Do not use any special heat settings. Simply tumble dry. Air dry settings will not shrink the suit.
• Don’t Over Dry: Pay close attention to the suit, as the suit can be damaged by excessive heat.
• Use a Mesh Bag: Place the suit in a mesh lingerie bag to protect it from tangling and abrasion in the dryer.

Method 3: The Boiling Water Method (Aggressive, Use with Extra Caution)

This method is the most aggressive and should only be used as a last resort when other methods have failed. Boiling water is more likely to cause damage to the material and can cause color fade more quickly. Proceed with extreme caution, and ideally, start with just one small, inconspicuous area of the suit, such as the inside of a seam, to see how the fabric reacts before attempting this method on the entire suit.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Boil Water: Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Make sure the pot is large enough to accommodate the swimsuit without it overflowing.
2. Submerge Carefully: Carefully submerge the swimsuit into the boiling water using tongs or a wooden spoon. Make sure the entire suit is covered.
3. Soak Briefly: Let the swimsuit soak for no more than 5 minutes. Prolonged exposure to boiling water can damage the elastic fibers.
4. Remove and Cool: Using tongs or a wooden spoon, carefully remove the swimsuit from the boiling water. Let it cool slightly on a towel before handling it.
5. Squeeze Gently: Once cooled enough to handle, gently squeeze out excess water. Do not wring the suit out.
6. Air Dry and Check: Lay the suit flat on a towel or hang it to air dry. Avoid direct sunlight and the dryer, as usual. Once dry, try it on and observe how well this method worked for you.

Tips for Success with the Boiling Water Method:

• Test an Area First: Always, always test a small, hidden area of the suit first to ensure the fabric doesn’t get damaged or discolored.
• Avoid Prolonged Exposure: Never leave the suit in boiling water for more than 5 minutes. More is not better with this method.
• Cool Before Handling: Always allow the suit to cool enough before handling to avoid burns.
• Be Prepared for Potential Damage: There is a higher risk of damage or color fading with this method, so proceed only when necessary.

Things to Consider Before Shrinking Your Swimsuit

Before attempting any of these shrinking methods, consider the following:

• The Material: Again, swimsuits with a higher percentage of spandex will shrink more easily. Suits made primarily of nylon or polyester may not shrink as much, if at all.
• The Risk: These methods can potentially damage the suit, especially with higher temperatures or using the dryer. If the suit is very new or very expensive, consider other solutions, such as tailoring.
• Colorfastness: There’s a risk of color fading, especially with hot water or boiling water methods. Test the colorfastness of the swimsuit in an inconspicuous area before proceeding.
• Desired Fit: Consider what your desired fit will be. Shrinking can make the suit tighter overall, so factor in if it’s already a little snug in other areas. It may be more prudent to take it in elsewhere than attempt to shrink the entire suit.
• Stitching: Heat can sometimes affect the stitching, and while that will usually return to normal, it can be something to be aware of.

Alternative Solutions to Shrinking

If you’re hesitant to shrink your swimsuit, here are some alternatives:

• Tailoring: A professional tailor can alter the swimsuit to fit perfectly. This can be a more expensive option but ensures a precise fit without any risk of damage.
• Replacing: If the swimsuit is old, worn out, or the material has weakened, it might be time to replace it. It might be better to cut your losses rather than attempt a potentially risky shrink method.
• Swimsuit Drawstrings or Adjusters: Some swimsuits have drawstrings or adjustable straps that can be tightened for a better fit. Check if your swimsuit has any built-in adjusters before trying to shrink it.
• Buying a Different Style: If your current style is frequently loose in one area, consider trying a different style that will fit your figure better and therefore avoid you having to try to shrink a suit.

Final Thoughts

Shrinking a swimsuit is definitely possible, but it’s essential to approach it with care and caution. Starting with the hot water method and working your way up to more aggressive techniques will help you to get the best result with the least amount of damage to the material. It’s crucial to understand your suit’s fabric composition and the potential risks involved, and to always test an area if you are unsure how your swimsuit will respond. With a bit of patience and careful execution, you can get your suit fitting perfectly again and enjoy your time in the water with confidence.

Remember that the methods here are simply starting points for experimentation. Fabric can be unpredictable and your result may vary. Use these as a base for your own modifications and be sure to use caution.