If your denim pants or jeans have accidentally been over-shrunk in a top-loading washing machine, there are a few steps you can take to try and reverse the shrinking process. Keep in mind that the success of these methods may vary depending on the fabric and the extent of shrinkage. Here's what you can try:
1. Soak in lukewarm water: Fill a bathtub or a large container with lukewarm water. Submerge the jeans in the water and let them soak for about 30 minutes. Gently stretch and pull the fabric while it's submerged. After soaking, remove the jeans from the water, wring out excess water, and lay them flat on a towel. Continue stretching and pulling the fabric until they reach the desired size. Let them air dry.
2. Use a conditioner: Fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a few tablespoons of hair conditioner. Mix it well and place the jeans in the water, ensuring they are fully submerged. Let them soak for about 30 minutes. The conditioner may relax the fibers, making it easier to stretch the fabric back to its original size. After soaking, gently stretch and pull the jeans while they are still wet, then lay them flat to air dry.
3. Wear and stretch: Put on the jeans while they are slightly damp (not soaking wet). Move around, do some squats, and stretch the fabric as much as possible while wearing them. This can help loosen the fibers and give you a bit more room. Keep wearing them until they dry completely.
4. Professional alteration: If the above methods don't work, consider taking the jeans to a professional tailor. A skilled tailor may be able to let out some of the seams to gain extra room and bring the jeans back to a more wearable size.
Prevention for future washes: To prevent further shrinkage, avoid using hot water for washing your denim pants or jeans. Opt for cold water instead, and consider air-drying them instead of using a dryer.
It's important to remember that over-shrinking may cause irreversible damage to the fabric, and there's no guarantee that the methods above will fully restore the jeans to their original size. Always follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer and be cautious when attempting to resize clothing items at home.