Shrink swimsuits aren’t as easy as we may expect or assume. It is a bit tough when you want to walk through this part because of the materials used in manufacturing the swimsuits. It is usually tougher when it involves a nylon swimsuit. The primary culprits are usually exposure to harsh sun, chlorine in swimming pools, and incorrect washing methods. These factors can harm the fabric’s elasticity, leading to a stretched-out swimsuit.
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Generally, you can shrink the nylon swimsuit by just dipping the swimsuit in boiling water. Let the swimwear soak for 15 minutes, and after that, squeeze out excess water and dry it using a dryer. Furthermore, in this blog post, I will put you through the process of how to shrink a swimsuit.
Can You Shrink Nylon Swimsuit?
Yes, nylon swimsuits can be shrink because of its texture, although the process requires care to prevent damaging the material. As a synthetic fabric, nylon is designed to be durable and resist damage, but it’s also susceptible to changes when exposed to heat.
In addition, heat is the key factor when attempting to shrink a nylon garment. This is why methods like using hot water, a clothes dryer, an iron, or even an oven can effectively cause nylon to contract and shrink. Each methods will be discussed in details below.
4 Methods on How To Shrinking Nylon Swimsuits

Below are some methods on how to shrink swimsuit and also these same methods can be used as a guide on how to shrink nylon bathing suit bottoms.
Method 1: Get A dryer
For the dryer method to shrink your nylon swimsuit:
- Start by gently washing the suit in cool water with a mild detergent. Once you’ve thoroughly cleaned it, the next step is to transition to drying. The key here is to use your dryer judiciously.
- Place your swimsuit inside, ensuring it’s set on the lowest heat setting. This is important as excessive heat can damage the nylon material. Remember to keep a close watch during this process to avoid over-shrinking.
- After the dryer has completed its cycle, resist the temptation to use heat again. Instead, transition smoothly to the final step – air drying.
- Let the swimsuit dry naturally, keeping it away from direct sunlight. This simple yet effective method can help you successfully shrink your nylon swimsuit while preserving its quality and fit.
Method 2: Hot water
The hot water technique is an effective method to shrink your nylon swimsuit. This method starts with preparing the hot water.
- You’ll need to fill a basin with hot, but not boiling, water (At least 40 degree Celsius). It’s crucial to ensure that the water is hot enough to facilitate shrinkage, but not so hot that it might damage the fabric. Once you have the water ready, it’s time to submerge your swimsuit.
- Immerse the swimsuit in the hot water, making sure it’s fully covered. The next stage requires patience.
- Let the swimsuit sit in the hot water for approximately 30 minutes. This timeframe allows for the heat to sufficiently penetrate the nylon fabric, enabling it to contract. After allowing the swimsuit ample time in the hot water, it’s time to rinse and dry.
- Rinse the swimsuit under cool water to wash off any residue from the hot water. Gently squeeze out the excess water, but avoid wringing the swimsuit as it can cause stretching. Finally, let the swimsuit air dry.
Method 3: Ironing
The iron method is yet another practical approach to shrink your nylon swimsuit. The first step is to wash your swimsuit in cool water, followed by letting it air dry. This preps the swimsuit for the subsequent phase.
The ironing phase comes next. Set your iron to the lowest heat setting. This is crucial as nylon is susceptible to heat damage. Gently press the swimsuit with the iron, paying extra attention not to stretch the fabric during this process.
This iron method might require a bit more care, but when done correctly, it can effectively shrink your swimsuit while preserving its elasticity and quality.
Method 4: Hot oven
Using a hot oven to shrink a nylon swimsuit is another method that can be applied, but it requires utmost care and constant monitoring to avoid damaging your swimsuit.
- Start by preheating your oven to a low temperature, ideally no more than 150°F (65°C). While the oven preheats, rinse your swimsuit in cool water and squeeze out excess water without wringing the fabric.
- Next, place your damp swimsuit on a baking sheet and put it in the preheated oven. Monitor the swimsuit constantly during this process to avoid overheating, which can cause severe damage to the nylon fabric.
- Allow the swimsuit to remain in the oven for around 5 to 10 minutes, then remove it. It’s important to let it cool down before you handle it. Once
- cooled, check the fit of your swimsuit. If it still needs more shrinking, you can repeat the process, but always with extreme caution.’
Conclusion
Shrinking a nylon swimsuit is an easy task that you can just pull off like the normal steps you’re to follow when washing a bathing suit. For you to shrink your suit successfully, you have to imbibe a virtue called patience. Shrinking a swimsuit requires not just time but effort as well.
I presume with the detailed steps and procedures on how to go about shrinking your swimsuit, you’re up to the task of carrying out a fantastic job. Replicate all that has been written on your suit and experience more blissful days with your bathing suit.
