How to Shrink Yoga Pants

When you’re looking for the perfect pair of yoga pants, it’s easy to think of yourself as Goldilocks: so often, yoga pants are too big, too small, and rarely just right.

So what happens if you’ve found yoga pants that you really like, but they’re just too big? Don’t despair! We’ve researched and found all the ways that you need to turn those yoga pants from “too big” to “just right”.

Cotton – Hot Water and Dryer

If you’re looking for all over shrinkage, this should do the trick. First, immerse your yoga pants in a pan of very hot water. Get them good and soaked! Second, take the yoga pants and transfer them to your dryer. Be sure to add a set of clean sheets to the dryer – adding extra material will create more air flow and allow the yoga pants to dry evenly. Third, put the dryer on the hottest setting and set for thirty minutes. After thirty minutes, try on the yoga pants. If they’re still too loose, add another twenty minutes of time.

Polyester – Cold Water and Dryer

If your yoga pants are primarily made of polyester, try this method. Cold water is the best way to shrink your polyester yoga pants. Soak the yoga pants in cold water for ten minutes, and then run them in the dryer (don’t forget to add a set of clean sheets to the dryer!) at the maximum heat setting until they are fully dry.

You may need to repeat this method two or three times until your yoga pants fit just the way you want them to.

Nylon and Spandex – Hot Water and Dryer

Sometimes yoga pants are made out solely out of nylon and spandex. If this is the case with your yoga pants, this method should work the best. First, immerse your yoga pants in a pan of hot water. Let them soak for a good ten minutes. Second, take the yoga pants and transfer them to your dryer. Be sure to add a set of clean sheets to the dryer – adding extra material will create more air flow and allow the yoga pants to dry evenly. Third, put the dryer on the hottest setting and set for a fully drying cycle. You may need to repeat steps one through three to get your yoga pants to the ideal fit for you.

Pre-Shrunk or Older Garments – Boiling Water and Dryer

If you bought a pair of yoga pants that were labeled “pre-shrunk”, don’t despair! There’s still a way to shrink them down to fit.

• First, boil a pan of water. That’s right, the water temperature needs to pass “hot” and go straight to “boiling”.
• Second, once the water has started to boil, remove from heat and add those yoga pants.
• Third, let the yoga pants soak for two to three minutes.
• Fourth, *carefully* (seriously, use tongs or a couple of wooden measuring spoons to protect yourself from getting burned) remove the yoga pants from the pan and put them straight into the washing machine.
• Fifth, add a tiny amount of laundry detergent and wash the yoga pants in hot water. Sixth, as soon as the spin cycle starts, remove the yoga pants and put them into the dryer.

Be sure to add a set of clean sheets to the mix! This will help even distribute the heat and air flow for the yoga pants. Seventh, put the dryer on the hottest setting and let dry for a full cycle. If the yoga pants are still too loose, go ahead and repeat steps one through seven.

Wool – Hot Water and Dryer

If you have a pair of wool yoga pants and need to have them shrunk, this is the best method to use. First, wash the yoga pants in hot water with a small amount of laundry detergent. Second, put them in the dryer at a medium heat setting. Be sure to add a set of clean sheets to the dryer – this helps even the distribution of heat and air flow to make certain that the yoga pants will dry evenly. Third, set the dryer for a full cycle. You may need to repeat these steps once or twice to until the yoga pants fit you perfectly.

When in Doubt, Alterations

Sometimes, you may get the width just right but the length is just ever so slightly too long. This is a common problem with petite women. If you don’t want to risk shrinking them too much in the dryer, you can always take the yoga pants into a professional alterations person to have them hemmed. The average cost is anywhere between $10-$20 to have your yoga pants hemmed, and usually takes one to two days.

No matter what type of yoga pants you own, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable in them. Hopefully, all these tips have helped you shrink your yoga pants to where they fit perfectly for you!