How To Wash and Shrink with Bobbe Joy

Formats available:Quicktime (.mov)

Looking for that great coat for the holidays? Maybe you already own it. Did you know you can shrink leather? Or shrink an oversized wool coat? Watch this video as I show you how to take an oversized coat from circa 1990's and update it just by throwing it in the washing machine. Here are some tips on what you should be looking for to shrink in your own wardrobe.

1-Oversized leather and wool coats-boxy will only shrink down to less boxy, you should be looking for a coat that has a nipped in waist.

2-Only natural fibers will shrink, but don't be afraid to wash coats that aren't natural for a good cleaning.

3-But you might be saying, what about the lining and the shoulder pads?

4-Wrinkled linings are very chic and while most of them will shrink up quite a bit, you can steam the wrinkles out quite nicely.

5-If the shoulder pads get a little twisted, it is a minor alteration to fix the, but consider taking the shoulder pads out all together, for a cleaner, leaner look.

6-Sleeves sometimes can shrink a little too much, don't be afraid to push your sleeves up, showing the lining for the ultimate care don't care attitude.

7-If pushed up sleeves is not your thing, you can have your seamstress place a slit in the sleeve to create a chic stylish look on your now shorter sleeve.

8-No need to put detergent in the washer, turn the water on high and get ready for a new coat. Either way, you weren't wearing it.

9-Each coat will shrink completely differently, this tip is a great alternative to spending a lot of money in alterations, but will not work perfectly and is a case by case situation.

SO, DO YOU REALLY THINK YOU HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR?