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Have you ever bought tights, and they ended up being too small? You are not alone. After some time has elapsed, you may realize that you cannot return them to the store. In this article, I will look at how to stretch tights that are too small.
How to Stretch Tights That Are Too Small
Most people know their tights are too small when they feel uncomfortable in them. When you are uncomfortable, you end up making those around you uncomfortable. Small tights can be very constricting.
The following are ways you can stretch your small tights.
Wash Then Stretch
Soak your tights in hot water for about ten minutes. This helps to relax their fibers. Set the hot water cycle of your washing machine at its maximum temperature. Alternatively, you can use hot tap water if you do not have a washing machine and soak the tights in the sink.
Next is something that may be a little uncomfortable, but it will stretch the tights like how you stretch leggings. Wear the tights until they dry; about an hour. During this time, make sure that you move a lot.
This will help the material stretch a little more.
If you work out, use this time to get your time in. If you don’t, simple workouts like squats, bending, and jogging will suffice. If the fabric of your tight is thick, it will take a long time to dry.
Use Weights
Like the previous method, boil water from the sink or use the hot cycle in a washing machine. Soak for around 15 minutes and remove them when they are still hot. Do not let the water cool if you’re using boiled tap water.
Next, place it on a hot surface. Ensure that you are working on a hard-to-damage counter or table. Avoid surfaces that turn white when wet since they are more likely to leave watermarks on your tights.
Put some weights on it, preferably 1.5 to 2.3 kilograms.
You can use anything heavy that will not get damaged or leave stains. The main aim of establishing the weights is to weigh down the tights while stretching them. When pulling the fabric, do it from one side with the other sides secured with some heavyweights.
Tips When Using Weights
- Use weights that are heavy enough to prevent the fabric from snapping or retaining its original state.
- The weights should be able to maintain tension in small tights.
- Do not remove weights when the tights are still wet; wait for them to dry. It will cause the fibers to shorten when the tights are drying, and they will return to their original state. Your efforts will be futile.
Stretch the Waistline
Most tights tend to have an elastic waist. In order for your tights to fit you better, you can stretch the waist of your tights to ensure they fit you better. Follow the following steps:
- Soak the tights in cold water, and keep them completely submerged for about 30 minutes.
- Remove them from the water and wring them.
- Stuff enough clothing into the tights waistline to stretch it to its maximum point. Do not put too many clothes as that can damage the fabric of the tights.
- Hang them to dry for six hours or more until they are stretched completely.
Wash the Tights in Baby Shampoo
Although this will mean handwashing the tights instead of using a washing machine, it is a method that many people swear by. Follow the following steps.
- Fill the sink or tub with warm water.
- Add a generous amount of baby shampoo.
- If you do not want to wash your tights, let them soak for approximately thirty minutes.
- When time is up, wring the excess water out.
- Put the leggings on a dry surface and secure them with weights to soften the fibers. This encourages the material to stretch and relax more quickly.
Once the tights are dry, you will notice a considerable amount of stretching. A big plus is that they will smell nice. Combine this method with wearing them when they are still wet, and you may get your tights stretchier.
Different Ways to Stretch Too Small Tights
| Methods | What to do |
|---|---|
| Method 1 | Wash and stretch |
| Method 2 | Using weights |
| Method 3 | Stretch the waistline |
| Method 4 | Hand Wash in baby shampoo |
Things to Avoid
Imagine doing all the things mentioned above, and there is no change in how stretchier your tights are becoming. You may be self-sabotaging. You can do this by:
- Using the dryer to dry your tights will make them shrink further. Air dry your tights.
- Ironing – If you have to do it, use the cool setting. You can also put a towel between the tights and the iron if you must iron them.
- Using a harsh detergent. Use one that is gentle, even on your hands.
- Fabric softeners – They may discolor your tights or make them dull. When doing laundry, wash your tights separately and treat them delicately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Meant by Stretching Out Tights?
Stretching tights refers to stretching their fabric material to increase the shape and coziness. Stretching tights is quite simple despite sounding like a very complex process.
You need to identify the most practical and safe method of stretching your tights.
Why Should I Stretch Out My Tights?
You could stretch your tights because they appear snug when they are too tight.
Some materials may become transparent when they are too tight, including footless tights that seems like a see-through fit like your second skin and leggings for workout that you may not want see through.
Small tights also mean that you will be uncomfortable when wearing them.
How Tight Should Tights Be?
If you do not see any gaps or wrinkles on your tights when you wear them, they are fine. You should be able to comfortably bend, stretch, squat, and jump in your tights. If you cannot, they might need some stretching out.
Conclusion
The methods mentioned above may produce varying results. This is because there are variables that determine the results. The age of the tights, how tight they were in the first place, and the material all determine your results.
Try them and let me know how they worked for you.