How to Shrink a Wool Sweater Gently at Home

Wool sweaters are beautiful and timeless, but they can stretch over time. Fortunately, you can shrink a wool jumper back to the perfect fit—gently and safely.

Why Wool Shrinks (and How to Do It Right)

Wool fibres have microscopic scales that contract when exposed to warm water, moisture, and gentle agitation. This contraction tightens the knit—but to avoid felting or distortion, you need control.

Step 1: The Warm Soak

Fill a basin with warm water (30–35 °C)—avoid hot temperatures.
Add a wool-safe detergent.
Submerge your sweater, gently swish it, and let soak for 5–10 minutes.
Rinse carefully in slightly cooler water to stabilize the fibres.

Step 2: Remove Excess Water

Press gently against the basin to expel water (no wringing).
Place the sweater flat on a clean towel, roll it up, and press gently to absorb moisture.

Step 3: Flat Dry & Reshape

Lay the damp sweater flat and gently tug edges inward to your target size.
Dry away from heat—repeat soaking and reshaping if you want more shrink.

Spot Shrinking (Neckline, Cuffs, Hem)

Dip only the stretched section (like the neckline) into warm water.
Gently press out water.
Reshape that part as it dries to tighten one area without affecting the whole garment.

Styling a Perfectly Fitted Wool Jumper

A properly sized sweater becomes versatile and stylish, elevating your wardrobe.

For Women

A cropped jumper paired with high-waisted trousers or midi skirts creates a fresh, balanced look.
Tuck slim knits into tailored pants or under blazers for a polished, layered ensemble.
Fine-gauge merino jumpers fit effortlessly under jackets without bulk.

For Men

A slightly shrunken wool sweater layers neatly over shirts without bunching.
Combine with dark trousers or wool chinos for a timeless, smart-casual outfit.
Add a crisp Oxford shirt underneath for structured lines and sophistication.

Explore how to layer smart knitwear effectively with our guide:

Layering Smart Knitwear with Tailoring: tellar.co.uk/how-to-layer-smart-knitwear/

Top Wool Sweater Brands Worth Tailoring

High-Street & Accessible

& Other Stories – Sophisticated cropped and boyfriend-fit merino knits.
COS – Scandinavian minimalism and crisp wool classics.

Premium & Long-Lasting

Johnstons of Elgin – Scottish-made wool and cashmere jumpers.
Luca Faloni – Italian craftsmanship in fine-gauge men’s merino.
Sézane – Romantic wool pieces with sustainable sensibility.

Pro Tip: Only attempt shrinking on 100% wool or wool-rich blends—synthetic fibres won’t shrink as expected.

Avoid Sizing Issues—Trust Tellar.co.uk

Struggling with fit is a pain—but Tellar.co.uk removes that guesswork.

What is Tellar.co.uk?

A free UK-based sizing tool that matches your real body measurements to 1,500+ brands, giving you the correct size before you shop.

How It Works:

Input your chest, waist, and hips (in cm or inches).
Select the brand you’re shopping.
Receive your ideal size recommendation, instantly—no returns, no guesswork.

Visit now: tellar.co.uk

Essential Tellar Resources for Knitwear:

Best‑Fitting Wool Jumpers for Layering: tellar.co.uk/best-fitting-wool-jumpers/
Petite & Oversized Knitwear Guide: tellar.co.uk/petite-and-oversized-knitwear-guide/
How to Measure Yourself Accurately: tellar.co.uk/how-to-measure-yourself/
Printable Measuring Tape: tellar.co.uk/free-tape/

Why Tellar Makes a Difference

Brand-specific size logic helps you avoid guessing between S/M/L or UK 8/10/12.
Real body data ensures you match your actual fit preferences.
Save time & money—avoid returns, wrong purchases, and wasted effort.

Stay Connected for Ongoing Style & Fit Tips

Unlock in-depth styling ideas, fit science, and seasonal trend highlights through Tellar:

Instagram: @Tellarsizing
Twitter/X: @Tellar100
Facebook: Tellar Sizing
Pinterest: TellarUK

Final Thoughts

Shrinking a wool sweater gently at home is a smart hack for a better fit—but staying confident in your size is even smarter. Tellar.co.uk gives you the tools to master fit across all your favourite brands—no guesswork, no anxiety, just truly wearable style.

Tailored style starts with fit. Begin your journey here: tellar.co.uk

Perfect knitwear awaits—let Tellar guide you to it.