So I stretched the shoulders of a cotton Tshirt by 1" - Implications?

[blatman23]

So, I bought very nice 60 dollar cotton T-Shirt from abroad, waiting 3 weeks to get with customss delays....
The shoulders are about an inch short off the published chart.

Having no abiliity to return it and fuss over 60 dollars I decided to wet it, hang it from a coat hanger and put a 2kg weight tied to the sleeves, pulling on the shoulders downwards.

A day later, the shirt dried, the hanger slack stretch marks were ironed out with steam and the shirt fits perfectly, gaining 1" on the shoulder measurement.

My question is.... Will this shrink back in the wash? Do you also use such tricks with your failed purchases? Is there a better / safer way to do it or did I do fine?
I assume having 1" extra over the same material, the cotton is now thinner than when the shirt was manufactured. But at about 280g there is some to spare i hope!

Anywaay, it's my first "forced" alteration thaht worked, haha.

Couple years ago I tried to do the same with a waxed canvas jacket, going up to 5KG weights, and NOTHING happened to it. Not even 0.1" gain. I could use that jacket as towing strap i swear.

 

[Boyo]

i would expect it to shrink back with a wash, why not just wear it and let nature take its course.. the cotton will stretch in areas under tension and not stretch in areas that are not..
seems like to much work to set up your stretching device every time you wash the t shirt.. which should be after just about every wearing..

 

[blatman23]

Probably huh?
Welp, I'll wear it and see how it molds.

Gotta love the new age of internet purchases - For every bargain there is an unfitting garment Education costs i guess

 

[AeroFan_07]

This seems like a topic for the General Attire forum...

 

[jchance]

You can minimize shrinkage by washing in cold water and hang dry the tee. It would still shrink a bit, for it being cotton.

 

[barnabus]

I don't think I've ever owned a t shirt that hasn't changed size or shape over the course of the first few wears and washes.

Probably because I don't spend $60 on a t shirt though.