Yes, Gap sweatpants can shrink as they are primarily made of cotton. Cotton is quite sensitive to heat and once exposed to it can reduce the length of the fabric, and this will result in shrinking your sweatpants.
Besides Cotton, GAP uses a polyester blend. The polyester in the fabric helps to prevent the sweatpants from shrinking, but remember heat has an important role to play, and just like cotton, once exposed to heat, can make it shrink.
Generally speaking, sweatpants will usually shrink about 1-2% after the first wash. But if you want to avoid any potential shrinking altogether, we recommend washing them inside out on a gentle cycle and avoiding the dryer altogether.
Most GAP sweatpants are pre-shrunk, so they shouldn’t shrink too much after you wash them. However, it’s always a good idea to check the care instructions before you buy, just to be safe.
How do Gap sweatpants shrink?
You bought a pair of GAP sweatpants because you loved the way they fit when you tried them on. But after a few washes, they’ve started to shrink. What gives?
There are a few ways that GAP sweatpants can shrink.
If you machine-wash them and then dry them on high heat, this can cause the fabric to shrink
Be sure to use a low or medium heat setting, and check them periodically to make sure they’re not getting too hot. You can also use a dryer sheet to help reduce static and keep the fabric soft.
Although, some people have reported that GAP sweatpants shrink in the wash even if they’re only washed in a cold setting.
If you wear them too many times and they get too dirty, the sweat and bacteria can cause the fabric to break down and shrink
Using a Clothes Steamer on GAP Sweatpants can also loosen the fabric and the fibers, and will cause them to shrink
Be sure to test the steamer on an inconspicuous spot of the pant leg first to make sure that it doesn’t damage the fabric.
Washing and drying your GAP Sweatpants multiple times will also make them shrink
The more times you wash and dry them, the smaller they will become.
Putting them in the freezer for a few hours or simply using ice can cause shrinkage to your GAP sweatpants by filling a Ziploc bag with water and freezing it, then placing the pants inside the bag and sealing it closed.
After about an hour, the ice will have shrunk the fabric enough to make them smaller.
Additionally using the wrong detergent can also cause them to shrink.
How much do GAP sweatpants shrink?
There’s no one answer to this question since how much GAP sweatpants shrink will depend on the size of the pants and how they are washed.
Generally, however, most sweatpants will shrink by about 2-3 inches in the waist and hip area after being washed and dried in a machine.
So, if you’re looking for a pair of sweats that are going to stay the same size after being washed, you may want to go up a size.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a pair of sweats that are going to shrink down to a more comfortable fit, you may want to go for a size that’s smaller than what you normally wear.
Just keep in mind that how much they shrink will depend on the specific pair of pants you buy, so it’s always best to check the label before purchasing.
Since how much your GAP sweatpants shrinks depends on the wash, If you want to be on the safe side, we recommend washing them in cold water and drying them in a low heat setting.
However, if you’re willing to take the risk, they will shrink even more if you put them in the dryer on high heat.
Also know that your GAP sweatpants will shrink if you put them in the dryer but will shrink a little less of hung to dry, this way, they’ll only shrink in the waist by one inch and two inches in length.
How do you keep GAP sweatpants from shrinking?
When you get a new pair of sweatpants, the last thing you want is for them to shrink in the wash. Here are five ways to keep your GAP sweatpants from shrinking:
- Don’t put them in the dryer – The heat from the dryer will cause them to shrink.
- Wash them in cold water – Warm or hot water can also cause them to shrink.
- Don’t wash them with any other clothes – The friction from other clothes can also cause them to shrink.
- Hang them to dry – If you must dry them, hang them up to dry instead of putting them in the dryer.
- Don’t iron them – Ironing them will also cause them to shrink.
Don’t put them in the dryer
The heat from the dryer will definitely shrink your sweatpants as the material used in making them is sensitive to heat.
The process of tumbling your sweatpants in the dryer will lead to the cotton restricting making your pants shrink. Instead of making use of the dryer, you can air-dry them – hang them on a back of a chair, a drying rack, or any space that is clean.
Wash them in Coldwater
One way to prevent your GAP sweatpants from shrinking is to not wash them in warm or hot water. When the fabric is exposed to hot water, the fibers contract and the garment becomes shorter and tighter.
Instead, wash your sweatpants in Coldwater to keep them from shrinking. You can also add a bit of fabric softener to the load to help keep them from becoming stiff and shrinking.
Don’t wash them with any other clothes
If you want to keep your GAP sweatpants from shrinking, the best thing to do is not wash them with other clothes. Washing clothes with other clothes can cause them to shrink, and sweatpants are no exception.
So if you want to keep your sweatpants in good condition, make sure to wash them separately. And if you want to avoid shrinking them altogether, try air-drying them instead of using the dryer.
Hang them to dry
The biggest culprit for sweatpants shrinking is heat. If you hang your sweatpants in a warm environment, the heat will cause the fabric to shrink. The best way to prevent this from happening is to store them in a cool, dry place.
Don’t iron them
Do not in any way place your sweatpants on an ironing board to iron them. If you don’t press the fabric, it will stay in its original shape and size.
How to unshrink your GAP sweatpants
Here’s how to unshrink your sweatpants in 5 different ways
Soak Your Sweatpants in Cold Water
Follow these steps:
- Soak your sweatpants in cold water.
- Add a small amount of laundry detergent to the water and soak for 15 minutes.
- Rinse the sweatpants in cold water and then hang them to air dry.
- Once the sweatpants are dry, put them on and enjoy!
- If they still don’t fit, repeat the process until they do.
Put Your Sweatpants in the Dryer on a Low Heat Setting
If your GAP sweatpants have shrunk, don’t worry! You can unshrink them in the following steps
- Put your sweatpants in the dryer on a low heat setting.
- Add a fabric softener sheet to the dryer.
- Dry the sweatpants for about 30 minutes.
- Remove them from the dryer and stretch them to their original size.
- Let them cool completely before putting them back on.
Use a Clothes Steamer to Unshrink Your Sweatpants
Has your GAP sweatpants shrunk in the wash and no longer fit? No problem! Here are 5 easy steps to unshrink them in no time:
- Fill a basin or sink with warm water and add a small amount of laundry detergent.
- Put your sweatpants in the water and agitate them around for a few minutes to help loosen the fibers.
- Use a clothes steamer to unshrink your sweatpants. The heat from the steam will help to relax the fibers and return them to their original size.
- Let your sweatpants air dry, or put them in the dryer on low heat.
- Done! Your GAP sweatpants should now be back to their original size.
Use a Hair Dryer to Unshrink Your Sweatpants
Just follow these five easy steps:
- Fill a sink or bucket with lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild detergent.
- Soak the sweatpants in the water for about 30 minutes.
- Gently squeeze the fabric to release the suds, then rinse with cool water.
- Use a hair dryer to gently heat the fabric, making sure not to apply too much heat or you could damage the fabric.
- Stretch the sweatpants to their original size and shape and let them air dry.
Ask a Tailor to Unshrink Your Sweatpants
If all else fails, you can always take your sweatpants to a tailor for help. They should be able to unshrink them for you in a matter of minutes, and it won’t cost you very much.
Just make sure you bring them in before the pants become too small and unwearable!
How to care for your GAP sweatpants
There’s nothing better than a cozy pair of sweatpants on a lazy weekend morning. But if you want them to last long, follow these tips:
Never put them in the dryer
This is rule number one: never put your Gap sweatpants in the dryer. The high heat will destroy the fabric and cause them to shrink.
The high heat from the dryer can cause your sweatpants can also make your sweatpants lose their shape. Instead, hang them to dry.
Wash them in Coldwater
If you must wash your Gap sweatpants, be sure to use cold water and a gentle cycle. This will help to minimize shrinkage and keep them looking their best for longer, and also wash your sweatpants inside out to protect the fabric from fading.
After washing simply put them out on a clean space or tumble them on low heat
Avoid bleach and heavy detergent
When it comes to taking care of your Gap sweatpants, using a mild detergent is key. Many of the harsh chemicals found in regular detergents can cause fading and pilling, both of which can ruin the look of your pants.
Bleaching can also cause the fabric to deteriorate and lose its color.
That’s why we recommend using a detergent specifically designed for delicates. These detergents are free of harsh chemicals and enzymes, meaning they won’t damage your pants’ fabric.
They’re also pH-balanced, which means they won’t cause any irritation or skin sensitivities.
Don’t Forget to Air Them Out After Wearing Them
Don’t forget to air them out after wearing them. Sweatpants, like all clothing, need time to air out.
This will help them last longer and smell fresher. If you can’t air them out, at least hang them in a well-ventilated area.
Store them in a cool, dry place when not in use
Storing your sweatpants in a dry place when not in use to prevent them from becoming wrinkled or stained.
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