How to Shrink an NFL Jersey

NFL jerseys are essential uniforms for football fans during the fall and winter months. While official jerseys are made of nylon, they are meant to be a little big and baggy. But what can you do if you jersey is too large? The trick to shrinking nylon is to remember that the fabric has many identical properties to polyester, according to Ohio State University; so follow a polyester shrinkage process. Football jerseys are typically washed with cold water. Changing this step, and adding a few others, will reduce your jersey's size in no time.

Things You'll Need

  • Washing machine soap
  • Iron
  • Ironing board
  • Kettle
  • Bucket
  • Oven mitts
  • Tongs
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Instructions

    • 1

      Empty your washing machine. Place the jersey into the washing machine. Turn the temperature up to the highest possible heat option. Pour in washing machine soap and start. High heat reduces the size of fabric fibers, often resulting in shrinkage. While washing machines alone do not always fully shrink jerseys, they may start the process. Repeat for maximum effect.

    • 2

      Remove and dry the jersey on the highest heat setting in your dryer.

    • 3

      Iron the jersey. Run a very hot iron over both sides of the shirt. Avoid leaving the iron sitting on the jersey to prevent scorching or melting.

    • 4

      Boil water in a kettle. Slide on oven mitts. Add boiling water to a bucket. Submerge the jersey in the water for 20 minutes with tongs. Remove the jersey from the bucket. Ring the water out of the jersey. Repeat for maximum shrinkage.