How to Shrink Soccer Jerseys: Expert Tips from a Jersey Store Owner

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.

Topic	Key Takeaways
Why Shrinking is Hard	Modern soccer jerseys are designed not to shrink; different materials react differently, and shrinking can damage your jersey.
The Hot Water Method	Best for shrinking. Soak jersey in nearly boiling water for 5-10 minutes, then dry on high. Monitor to avoid over-shrinking.
The Washing Machine Method	Wash in hot water on a regular cycle, then dry on high. It’s gentler but may require multiple attempts. Check care labels first.
Shrinking Specific Parts	To shrink sleeves, soak and dry them separately. For the body, target the torso with hot water and dryer methods. Iron damp areas for extra shrinkage.
Other Methods for Different Fabrics	Polyester jerseys shrink best with the hot water method; cotton jerseys shrink easily, while blended fabrics may need adjustments based on the dominant material.
Common Mistakes to Avoid	Don’t boil your jersey, iron without a barrier, or over-dry it. These can damage fabric and distort the jersey.
Alternatives to Shrinking	Tailor the jersey, layer it under a fitted base, or embrace the oversized look instead of shrinking.
Shrinking Impact on Quality	Shrinking can reduce breathability, cause prints and patches to crack, and change the overall look of the jersey.
Post-Shrinking Care	Hand wash in cold water and air dry to preserve the new size and extend the life of your jersey. Avoid heat.
Should You Shrink Your Jersey?	Shrinking can be risky but works if you're okay with possible quality compromise. The best solution is to buy the right size from the start.

Why Shrinking Soccer Jerseys Is Hard

Before we get started:

Modern soccer t-shirts are designed not to shrink
Different materials react differently to shrinking methods
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

Fill a pot with water
Heat it until it’s just about to boil
Turn off the heat
Submerge your jersey for 5-10 minutes
Remove and squeeze out excess water
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:

Wash your jersey in hot water
Regular wash cycle
Dry on high

This is a bit more gentle but may take multiple attempts.

Warning

Always check the care label first
Some jerseys, especially authentics, won’t handle this well
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

Soak only the sleeves in hot water
Squeeze out excess water
Dry the sleeves on high
Iron while slightly damp for extra shrinkage

Tightening the Body

Focus hot water on the torso area
Use the dryer method, but fold the jersey to expose only the body
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)

Hot water method works best
Be careful – polyester can melt under extreme heat

Cotton Soccer T-Shirts

Shrink more easily
Hot water wash and high heat dry
Repeat if necessary

Blended Fabrics

Try the washing machine method first
Adjust according to the dominant material

What Not to Do: Common Mistakes

I’ve seen some jersey fails. Don’t do these:

Boiling your jersey directly – it’ll ruin the fabric
Ironing without a barrier – hello, melted jersey!
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:

Tailoring: Get a pro to alter your jersey
Layering: Wear a fitted base layer underneath
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:

Fabric becomes less breathable
Prints and patches crack or peel
The overall look changes slightly

It’s a choice between fit and keeping the jersey as is.

Post-Shrinking Care

hand washing a soccer jersey in cold water

After shrinking your soccer jersey:

Hand wash in cold water
Air dry when possible
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.

Remember, the best solution is to buy the right size from the start. Not sure about sizing? Check out our collection at Football Shirt Kit

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