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Making shirts fit

Posted: Wed Feb 29, 2012 11:26 pm
by maxvintage
Hi all,

I just bought my all-time favorite vintage shirt. However, it's quite small and I can't walk in it without showing some skin :oops:

Any ideas of how I could stretch this thing out to make it a bit longer/wider?

I'm dying to wear this, but it's probably a 14 pit to pit and maybe 19 long. If I could give it a couple of inches each way it would work.

Thanks in advance!

Re: Making shirts fit

Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2012 2:13 am
by Johnny65
Max is it 50/50 or 100% cotton?

If it's 50/50 I'm afraid you're out of luck. They will stretch out but then quickly return to the original dimensions.

However; if it's 100% cotton give it a quick soak, ring out the excess water, stretch it out and then lay it flat to dry.

That's what I do with my 100% cotton tees that are a bit too small.

Good luck! :D

Re: Making shirts fit

Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2012 1:40 pm
by jimmyj
Shrinking yourself might be easier....Rick Mornis could use the work too.

Re: Making shirts fit

Posted: Sat Mar 03, 2012 12:22 pm
by maxvintage
@Johnny, I'm not sure what the material is as the tag as been removed. I might as well give it a try though. Have you ever gotten any to really stretch much. I feel like I'm gonna need a couple of inches, which seems like a lot.

@Jimmy, if I shrunk down to fit this shirt, I might blow away next time it gets a little breezy.

Re: Making shirts fit

Posted: Sat Mar 03, 2012 12:35 pm
by Johnny65
^ Max I've had mixed results stretching 100% cotton tees.

Some that are older where the cotton fibers have weakened over time have a tendency to really stretch. Sometimes more than I want.

Others that are not as old and the cotton fibers are still fairly sturdy will only stretch an inch or so.

Basically I've had to stop purchasing tees that aren't my dimensions because I end up with all these great pieces I can't wear.

If the dimensions aren't 21" x 27" I won't bid or buy. This adds a degree of difficulty in finding the tees I want. :cry:

Re: Making shirts fit

Posted: Sat Mar 03, 2012 12:59 pm
by maxvintage
Hmmm, well, it's an older shirt so hopefully it will stretch out.

Yeah, I need to figure out what measurements fit me best. I kinda see it as if I get something and it doesn't quite fit, I can always just resell it. But yeah, nothing feels quite like a vintage tee that fits like a glove.

Here's the shirt......

Re: Making shirts fit

Posted: Sat Mar 03, 2012 1:20 pm
by Johnny65
Wow! Amazing piece!!!

I've never seen that one before. If I were you I would probably not try to stretch it. It's a highly sought after collectors piece worth probably $300-$500.

Best to leave that one just as it is. Wouldn't want to damage or tear it trying to stretch it.

Re: Making shirts fit

Posted: Sat Mar 03, 2012 1:36 pm
by maxvintage
I know I know. It's a great find and I had never seen it either.

It's my favorite band and the only thing that would make it better for me is if it were Keith. Ha!

Tough call.......I'll have to mull it over. :?

Re: Making shirts fit

Posted: Sat Mar 03, 2012 1:41 pm
by Johnny65
Well good luck either way :D

I'm headed this morning to hunt for more vintage gold!

Have a great weekend.