General Cycling Discussion - Shrinking Polyester

Hi all,
Does anyone know of a way to shrink a 100% polyester cycling jersey? I know that it can be hot washed in the washing machine and then thrown in the dryer with high heat, but how hot should it be and for how long? I've heard polyester can get brittle or melt when it gets too hot.

Can't shrink it as far as I know. I have some poly stuff that's surely been washed close to 100 times, and I throw it in with jeans or whatever, washer and dryer. Still the same size it was when I bought it.
If only I could say the same.

Put it on me. It will get tight.

Might be a little bigger in the waist when I take it off, though...

Poly doesn't shrink. All you'll do by frying it in the dryer is ruin th fabric so it stretches and doesn't return.

Poly doesn't shrink. All you'll do by frying it in the dryer is ruin th fabric so it stretches and doesn't return.
This. Sew it in where needed.

I tried the hot water/hot dryer a couple of years ago. Didn't work and didn't help the jersey either. :o

Polyester does not shrink, it is the "miracle" no iron, no shrink fabric that plagued the 60s and 70s. It also stinks and is essentially woven petroleum.

It also stinks.

Not if you wash it properly and take showers periodically. ;)

The only proven way to shrink Polyester is to eat a lot of sweets & fried foods, and ride less.

Not if you wash it properly and take showers periodically. ;)

No, it stinks new off the rack, it stinks after being washed, it stinks while wearing it and it stinks more after wearing it. That is why poly finally went out of style, that and the little poly balls.

Haha, great answers everyone. I happen to have a really light build, and it isn't a problem for plainclothes, but I can't seem to find an inexpensive extra small jersey. I've noticed that large and extra large sizes for clothing tend to be much more common. But sewing it might help.

By the way, would something like an Underarmour compression shirt that doesn't flap around be fine to wear?

Haha, great answers everyone. I happen to have a really light build, and it isn't a problem for plainclothes, but I can't seem to find an inexpensive extra small jersey. I've noticed that large and extra large sizes for clothing tend to be much more common. But sewing it might help.

By the way, would something like an Underarmour compression shirt that doesn't flap around be fine to wear?

Yes, wear what's comfortable to you. My GF puts the dryer on high whenever she does laundry, and hasn't managed to shrink anything yet. I doubt you'll ever shrink polyester.

Underarmour works well, only disadvantage are the missing pockets.

Best bet is to go to alterations and have it "taken in". I've done it for a few jerseys that I bought too big but the price was right.

This is the first time I have ever seen someone complain that cycling clothes are too big.

No, it stinks new off the rack, it stinks after being washed, it stinks while wearing it and it stinks more after wearing it. That is why poly finally went out of style....

Out of style??? Polyester it the most common material used in active wear - by a lot, like >95%. :rolleyes: