shrinking wool ?

[nockhunter]

I was wondering if there is a formula or method to shrink wool? I got a Columbia unlined wool jacket and pants. My wife got them fron Dick's after Christmas 05. I haven't been able to wear them because they are too big, I can't return them because they were on clearance. I also waited too long to try them on. I would appreciate any info on shrinking them to fit.

Thanks

Mike

[Full Quiver II]

How much do you need to shrink them. I have the exact same jacket and pants in Medium and I am 5'10" 160 pounds. I had a local seamstress take up over 4" on the inseam and everything fits great. If you wash them on DELICATE warm water and dry them on DELICATE low heat...you will see minimal shrinkage, but some shrinkage indeed. To hot of water and too hot on the drying and your set of wools would fit my 6 year old.     Just take it easy on the water temp and dry temp and you should be able to shrink them some. Other option is to not do anything, sell them for what you paid for them on the Clothing Forum and purchase the correct size. The wool pants and jacket are just too nice not to be 100% confident and satisfied. Somebody out there will buy them..especially on sale. Good luck

[nockhunter]

Thanks< I will try to give them a wash. I would hate to sell them because my wife paid a clearance price.

Mike

[sndmn11]

i've washed mine atleast 2 dozen times, just take it easy on the heat

[Dave Bulla]

Just be aware....

Usually wool only shrinks in one direction.  Most often the length.  It has something to do with the way it is woven.

The real bummer would be to two parts of the same garment with pieces oriented in different directions.  One sleeve could end up at your elbow and the other you wouldn't get your arm through...

Not likely though as manufacturers keep pretty close tabs on that and all pieces are cut oriented the same direction on the roll.

[madness522]

Eating more supper every night might help.

[John Scifres]

I would not try to shrink it.  I'd almost bet you can find someone willing to trade the wool thy accidentally shrunk too small with your too big pieces.  Have you checked the classifieds?  If you got a great deal, it might be worth going to an alteration place.

[gwhunter]

You cannot estimate how much it will shrink, only know that it will shrink.  Try trading or selling for less than market value.  Everyone needs wool for cold weather.

[MI_Bowhunter]

Originally posted by madness522:
Eating more supper every night might help.

I laughed out loud on that one.        

[BobW]

I'd seriously look into getting alterations done to them.

[Roger Norris]

Pork rinds and beer shrunk mine.

[CJ Pearson]

Roger,,, Now that's funny right there, I don't care who ya are!

[katie]

Thanks guys-I read this one and got to thinking.  Went upstairs and dug out my Grandfathers WWII uniform.  After washing and drying on hight heat 2x, the pants fit me great.  I can't wait to hunt this season in my Grandpa's pants.  Kinda cool.
Kate