How to Shrink Wool?

I just bought a cashmere/wool blend dress, but it's a little big. None of the stores had the size I needed. Is there any way I can shrink it a little without ruining it?
—Liana, Columbia, Missouri

Well, yes. You can shrink it. Ruining it, however—well, that depends on what you mean. Whether your dress will shrink in a way that is happy and fashionable in your eyes, I can't guarantee. The garment could shrink in a boxy, balloony, '80s way, you know. Or a nubby, puffy way. Just warning you. You sure you can't just belt the thing and enjoy the roominess?

The basic elements for shrinking wool include steam—or some other source of moisture—and a moderate degree of heat. Try laying the garment flat on a solid surface. (Nothing wood. How about your clean kitchen floor?) Then take a steam iron and blast quick bursts of steam in a uniform application all over the dress. Then wait for it to dry.

Aside from sending the dress to the dry cleaners to be reshaped, this is certainly the gentlest method, and if it doesn't work, there's a good chance your dress is already pre-shrunk.

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