Is There Any Way to Shrink Jeggings or Make Them Tighter?

Read the fiber-content label. Stretch cotton blends with a high percentage of cotton are prone to shrinkage, but those with a low percentage of spandex -- generally less than 5 percent -- have less fabric recovery when the textile is stretched during natural movement. Stretch cotton blends with a high percentage of spandex -- 5 percent or more -- are prone to damage in the high-heat settings used for shrinking cotton, causing the synthetic fibers to weaken, break down and eventually lose elasticity.

Set your washing machine cycle to a hot-water temperature setting, even if the label suggests a cold-water wash. Turn your jeggings inside out and machine wash with an all-purpose liquid laundry detergent.

Lay the jeggings on a mesh laundry rack and dry flat if your jeggings have a high percentage of spandex. Do not hang the bottoms to avoid stretching the fibers. If your jeggings have a low percentage of spandex, button the waistband and zipper the fly front. Turn the bottoms inside out. Toss them into the dryer at a high-heat setting to shrink them.

Try on your dry jeggings in front of a full-length mirror. Look at the fitted contour along the side seams as well as the fit around your wear patterns -- front pockets, front rise, hips, back seat, thighs and knees.

Check the bottom hem length. If your jeggings have a high cotton percentage, the bottoms are prone to shrink crosswise and lengthwise.

Sit in a chair and check for comfort around the seat, thighs and knees. Make sure the bottom hem is not hiking up.

Rewash your jeggings again in hot water if you're not satisfied with the fit or length. Dry flat or in your dryer, depending on the stretch blend. Skip this step if you're happy with the results.

Turn your jeggings inside out and slip them on. Button the waistband and zipper the fly front. Have a friend pin the right and left side seams with dressmaker or safety pins. Pin along the waistband, upper and lower thigh as well as the knee and calf area.

Pin the inseam. Adjust the side seam pins if you begin to experience an uncomfortable fit.

Repin the knee, leaving bending room for natural movement and sitting. You can have your friend pin across the front and back of the knee as a guide for your tailor.

Pin the bottom hem if you want to shorten the jeggings. For a customized and accurate length, put on the heels or shoes you regularly wear with your bottoms.

Take the jeggings off and carefully turn them inside out to review the side seams, inseam and length. If your bottoms have rivets, pocket detailing or embroidery, you may lose these details with the tailored side seam. If your jeggings have back pockets, their positions can shift as you take in the side seams.

Pack a pair of jeggings or skinny jeans that fit you as a guide for your tailor. If you're adjusting the length, pack your shoes. You can also take any fit adjustment notes you made at home to direct your tailor. Although this step is optional, remember that tailoring is not free and any additional adjustments affect your cost.