To shrink a padded bra, you will need to follow these specific steps. Hand wash the bra in lukewarm water with mild detergent and gently agitate it for a few minutes. Then, rinse the bra thoroughly with cold water to remove all soap residue. After that, carefully press out any excess water from the padding and fabric without wringing or twisting it. Next, lay the bra flat on a towel and roll it up to absorb even more moisture before laying it out to air dry.
One common misconception about shrinking padded bras is that using hot water or high heat in the dryer will effectively shrink them. However, this can actually damage the padding and cause it to lose its shape and support over time. The truth is that gentle hand washing with cool water is the best method for shrinking a padded bra without compromising its structure.
A less-known fact about shrinking padded bras is that adding a small amount of white vinegar to the wash water can help maintain their color and elasticity while also acting as a natural fabric softener. Knowing this information can be useful in preserving the quality of your padded bras for longer use. The next step would be to ensure proper storage of your shrunken padded bras by laying them flat in a drawer or hanging them on lingerie hangers to maintain their shape.
Remember: A little care goes a long way.
| Method | Materials | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Water | Large bowl, hot water | Soak the padded bra in hot water for 10-15 minutes, then air dry |
| Dryer | Dryer, dryer sheet | Place the padded bra in the dryer on high heat for 10-15 minutes |
| Ironing | Iron, ironing board | Iron the padded bra on low heat, stretching as needed |
| Boiling | Pot, stove | Boil the padded bra for 5-10 minutes, then air dry |
| Steamer | Garment steamer | Steam the padded bra, stretching as needed |
| Shrinkage Spray | Shrinkage spray | Spray the padded bra with shrinkage spray, then air dry |
| Stretching | Hands | Stretch the padded bra by hand, then let it air dry |
| Washing Machine | Washing machine, detergent | Wash the padded bra on a hot cycle, then air dry |
| Weighted Stretching | Weights | Attach weights to the padded bra and let it hang to stretch |
| Professional Alteration | None | Take the padded bra to a professional tailor for alteration |