Shrinking Wool Pants

WJackson11x · February 23, 2012, 09:55:00 PM

I've got some Columbia wool pants that are a tad big for me. I got a great deal on them, so I got them. Any tips on washing them to shrink them a little. Can I just wash them in the washing machine? cold or Hot water? Will washing them hurt the fabric?

BOHO · February 23, 2012, 10:06:00 PM

most of that is hand wash I think. does it still have the tag? if not, Id prolly contact the company to be on the safe side. dont wanna mess em up and void the warranty

Rudy Cariello · February 23, 2012, 10:13:00 PM

Eat more Twinkies, you won't have to worry about shrinking them.

WJackson11x · February 23, 2012, 10:21:00 PM

At 6'1" and 155 lbs, I'm not what you would call "Healthy", Everything is big on me. I know I can hand wash it, but I would like to shrink it on purpose.

twigflicker · February 23, 2012, 10:34:00 PM

Good land Wes... at that height and weight I'd need that much extra room for all the longjohns I'd have to wear just to keep warm...

Let me poke around some... I read somewhere that someone tried the shrinking trick on the Columbia wool and it didn't shrink much at all...

Jonathan

wooddamon1 · February 23, 2012, 10:34:00 PM

Wet 'em and throw 'em in the dryer for a while, might want to keep an eye on 'em, though...

WJackson11x · February 23, 2012, 10:36:00 PM

That's why I bought them, to keep my skinny butt warm. Even in Ga, I get very cold. Thanks twig, let me know what you find.

twigflicker · February 23, 2012, 10:49:00 PM

Here's some info I found from a while back...

http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=049238#000000

Another on washing wool...
http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=070401

And another on washing...
http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=100538

Not sure any will answer your question, but just might...

Jonathan

WJackson11x · February 23, 2012, 10:56:00 PM

twig, Thanks brotha!

Mudd · February 23, 2012, 11:15:00 PM

All of my clothes are shrinking so I need just the opposite kind of help...lol

God bless,Mudd

khardrunner · February 24, 2012, 07:53:00 AM

6'0 145 here so I hear ya. My problem is finding length to go with a waist that will fit... that and staying warm in general. Medium Talls are a blessing when they can be found.

Anyway, I'd wet it then throw it in the dryer. Just check often or you will end up with XS shorts!

BigErn · February 24, 2012, 08:42:00 AM

QuoteOriginally posted by Mudd:
All of my clothes are shrinking so I need just the opposite kind of help...lol

God bless,Mudd

Mudd, :D
I'm having the same problem! :p
Ernie

Chuck Jones · February 24, 2012, 10:02:00 AM

I know what you mean, Mudd. My belt has shrunk 2 notches since last summer.

MOFISH · February 24, 2012, 10:39:00 AM

I've had pretty good success by just hanging them in the closet between seasons.

SCATTERSHOT · February 24, 2012, 10:41:00 AM

Don't know of a controllable method to shrink wool. You may get a good result, or they may shrink so badly you can't wear them. Could you just have them taken in?

twigflicker · February 24, 2012, 10:59:00 AM

You're welcome...

Jonathan

WJackson11x · February 24, 2012, 11:13:00 AM

I'm just going to have them altered, don't want to risk it

Littlejake · February 24, 2012, 12:12:00 PM

My brother found 2pr. of wool coveralls at Cabella's bargin cave they were xlarge but we needed large I took them to a local seamstress she fixed them right up,they fit great.

Zdogk9 · February 24, 2012, 05:43:00 PM

Most towns have people who do alterations to clothing, find the one closest to you. Trying to shrink wool might work or you could wind up with a pair of pants with a perfect waist and cuffs about your knees, or third rate hotel pants,(no ball room)or ones you wont be able to get into at all.

Dave Bulla · February 24, 2012, 06:29:00 PM

QuoteI'm just going to have them altered, don't want to risk it

That's the best decision. When you shrink wool, it seldom if ever shrinks evenly. I've seen sweaters that accidentally got mixed in with the regular laundry and shrunk about 30 percent in width and about 70 percent in length. It was my wifes and after it came out of the dryer, it would have fit a 12 year old like a tube top with sleeves.

FYI, for those of you in the normal size ranges, I just bought two pairs of VERY nice wool lined bibs from sportsman's guide. They were under military surplus as I think Italian navy wool lined bibs. These things are amazingly well made. Kinda remind me of Filson but not the tin cloth. More like the softer stuff they sell but I can't recall the name. Very tight weave though. The lining is like the old brown army blankets and they are built VERY well. Only problem is, the size XL fits me in the legs and but but not up over the belly and chest. I'm 6'2" and 270 so... usually wear a 2x but I was hoping for a baggy fit item that I could squeeze into. Oh, and get this! Only $17.97 and they're brand new, never issued.