The ability to increase the dimensions of a garment made of knitted fabric, often cotton or a cotton blend, is a desirable outcome when the item has shrunk or become too small. This process aims to enlarge the material without causing damage or significantly altering its inherent properties.
Expanding the size of a sweatshirt can save money by avoiding the need to replace it. Furthermore, it can extend the lifespan of a favorite article of clothing, reducing textile waste and offering a more sustainable approach to wardrobe management. The practice itself likely emerged alongside the development and widespread adoption of machine-washable knit fabrics.