How to Shrink Wool Gloves

Co-authored by Hannah Madden

Last Updated: August 25, 2021 References Tested

Wool gloves are the perfect accessory for cold weather activities—but gloves that are too big can be a nuisance. If you have a pair of the perfect gloves that are just a few sizes too large, you can shrink them at home with a few DIY methods. Pick the one that works best for you to get gloves that fit your hands perfectly.

Method 1

Method 1 of 6:
Steam them with a steam iron.

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This is the most common method for shrinking wool. Fill up your steam iron with water and set it to the highest setting. Hover the steam iron about ¹⁄₂ in (1.3 cm) over your gloves and slowly pass it over each one on both sides. When you’ve covered the entirety of both gloves, lay them out flat to dry.^{[1]
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- Try not to press the steam iron directly onto your gloves, as this could cause them to shrink unevenly.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 6:
Use a wet sheet.

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Create steam with a wet sheet and a dry iron. Lay your gloves out flat and press a damp piece of fabric on top of them. Turn your iron on high and press it on top of the sheet 3 to 4 times, then lay your gloves out flat to dry.^{[2]
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- This is a great alternative method to use if you don’t have a steam iron.

Method 3

Method 3 of 6:
Wash them in the washing machine.

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The heat and agitation will shrink your gloves in no time. Set the cycle to warm or hot water, then let the washing machine do its thing. Lay your gloves out flat to dry when they’re done.^{[3]
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- This method will shrink your gloves a lot—they may come out a few sizes smaller. If your gloves are way too big, this is the method for you!
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Method 4

Method 4 of 6:
Soak them in warm water.

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This method ensures your gloves shrink evenly. Fill a bucket up with warm water and submerge your gloves overnight (or for at least 6 hours). Wash the gloves with mild detergent, then rinse them out with cool water before laying them out to dry.^{[4]
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- If your gloves are super brightly colored and you want to keep them that way, soaking might not be the best option. Submerging your gloves in water can cause the colors to fade.

Method 5

Method 5 of 6:
Boil your gloves.

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It sounds strange, but boiled wool is a real thing. Fill a pot with warm water and put your stovetop on high until the water is boiling. Submerge your gloves in the water, then leave them in for 2 to 3 minutes. Take them out using tongs to check the size—if they’re not small enough, put them back in the water. When they’re the perfect fit, lay them out flat to dry.^{[5]
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- The longer you leave your gloves in the water, the stiffer the wool will get. If you want to keep them soft, try to only leave them in for 2 to 3 minutes.
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Method 6

Method 6 of 6:
Throw your gloves in the dryer.

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As any wool owner knows, the dryer will make your gloves shrink in no time. Spray them down with a light misting of water and put them in the dryer on high heat. Check your gloves every 2 to 3 minutes to make sure they aren’t getting too small, then lay them out flat to cool down.^{[6]
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- Make sure you really keep an eye on your gloves during this method. If your gloves spend too long in the dryer, they might end up way too small.