Hey soccer fans! I’m James Amber, founder of Football Shirt Kit (FSK) and a lifelong soccer nut.
Today we’re talking about a tough one: how to shrink soccer jerseys?
Maybe you’ve lost weight, or that replica jersey is just a bit too big. Whatever the reason I’ve got you covered.
Why Shrinking Soccer Jerseys Is Hard
Before we get started:
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Modern soccer t-shirts are designed not to shrink
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Different materials react differently to shrinking methods
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There’s always a risk of damaging your beloved kit
Don’t worry. I’ve done this for many customers and I’m sharing my top tips with you.
The Hot Water Method: Your Shrinking Solution
This is usually your best option for shrinking soccer jerseys.
Step by Step
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Fill a pot with water
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Heat it until it’s just about to boil
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Turn off the heat
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Submerge your jersey for 5-10 minutes
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Remove and squeeze out excess water
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Dry on high
Pro tip: Check the jersey every few minutes while drying. You don’t want to overdo it!
The Washing Machine Method
If you don’t like the hot water method, try this:
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Wash your jersey in hot water
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Regular wash cycle
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Dry on high
This is a bit more gentle but may take multiple attempts.
Warning
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Always check the care label first
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Some jerseys, especially authentics, won’t handle this well
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If your jersey has prints or patches be extra careful
Shrinking Specific Parts of Your Kit
Sometimes you only want to shrink certain parts. Here’s how:
Shrinking the Sleeves
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Soak only the sleeves in hot water
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Squeeze out excess water
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Dry the sleeves on high
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Iron while slightly damp for extra shrinkage
Tightening the Body
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Focus hot water on the torso area
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Use the dryer method, but fold the jersey to expose only the body
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Iron the sides for a more fitted look
Remember, spot shrinking is trickier and may not give even results.
Other Methods for Different Jersey Types
Not all soccer kits are the same. Let’s break it down:
Polyester Jerseys (Most common)
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Hot water method works best
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Be careful – polyester can melt under extreme heat
Cotton Soccer T-Shirts
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Shrink more easily
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Hot water wash and high heat dry
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Repeat if necessary
Blended Fabrics
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Try the washing machine method first
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Adjust according to the dominant material
What Not to Do: Common Mistakes
I’ve seen some jersey fails. Don’t do these:
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Boiling your jersey directly – it’ll ruin the fabric
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Ironing without a barrier – hello, melted jersey!
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Overdrying – you’ll end up with a kid’s size
When Shrinking Isn’t the Answer
Sometimes shrinking isn’t the answer. Try these instead:
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Tailoring: Get a pro to alter your jersey
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Layering: Wear a fitted base layer underneath
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Embrace the oversized look: It’s cool and comfy
For Club Shirts and Official Kits
If you have expensive club shirts or official kits, think twice before shrinking. These often have special materials and prints that don’t react well to shrinking methods.
The Shrinking Effect on Jersey Quality
Let’s be real – shrinking affects your jersey:
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Fabric becomes less breathable
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Prints and patches crack or peel
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The overall look changes slightly
It’s a choice between fit and keeping the jersey as is.
Post-Shrinking Care
After shrinking your soccer jersey:
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Hand wash in cold water
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Air dry when possible
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No more heat
This keeps the new size and extends the life of your kit.
The Verdict: Should You Shrink Your Jersey?
You can shrink a soccer jersey, but it’s not without risk.
If your jersey is too big and you’re okay with compromising on quality, try these out.
We have sizing guides to help you get the perfect fit without the need for risky shrinking methods.
Whether you have a fitted jersey or a loose one, what matters most is the love for the game and your team. Wear your colours with pride, no matter the size!
FAQ
Q1: Can all soccer jerseys be shrunk?
A1: Most can be shrunk but polyester (the most common) are more resistant to shrinking than cotton.
Q2: Can I shrink a jersey with player names or numbers?
A2: No, it's risky. The heat can damage or peel the names, numbers or prints on the jersey.
Q3: How much will a soccer jersey shrink?
A3: With careful heat application you might get 5-10% shrinkage. But results vary depending on the jersey's material and construction.
Q4: Will shrinking my jersey affect the quality or performance?
A4: Yes, shrinking can affect breathability, elasticity and overall performance of the jersey. You have to weigh the benefits of a better fit against these drawbacks.
Q5: Can I shrink just part of a soccer jersey?
A5: Yes, you can target sleeves or body but it's hard to get even results and might mess up the jersey.
Learn more about how to wash a smelly soccer kit from Nike
