If your goal is to intentionally damage a sweater, several methods—ranging from shrinking and stretching to staining and creating holes—can be used depending on the effect you want.
Ways to intentionally damage a sweater, see most effective approaches here:
- Shrinking (Especially for Wool or Cotton Sweaters)
Wash the sweater in very hot water or soak it in boiling water, then dry it in a hot dryer. This will cause significant shrinkage and may alter the texture of the fabric.
- Overdrying
Repeatedly overdrying a sweater in a dryer can cause shrinkage, warping, and roughen the fibers, leading to a damaged appearance.
- Creating Holes and Distressing
Use a seam ripper or similar tool to pull out threads and create holes. Gently tug at the holes to enlarge them for a distressed look. Avoid using scissors as they can create a less natural effect. Stretching the holes with your fingers can further enhance the distressed style.
- Improper Washing and Handling
Ignore care labels and wash the sweater with incompatible items, or use too much or too little detergent. This can lead to color fading, stretching, or fabric breakdown.
- Hanging Sweaters
Hang heavy sweaters on regular hangers. Over time, this will stretch out the shoulders and neckline, causing permanent distortion.
- Staining
Rub spills into the fabric instead of blotting, or let stains set overnight. This can cause permanent discoloration and weaken the fibers.
- Storing in Damp or Poor Conditions
Store the sweater in a damp place or in plastic, encouraging mildew, mold, and unpleasant odors that are difficult to remove.