Unshrinkit Update | Shark Tank Season 7

While in business school, Desiree Stolar accidentally shrank her wool sweater in the wash. Since there was no easy way to fix it, she and Nate Barbera created UnShrinkIt, a formula that loosens wool fibers so shrunken sweaters can return to their original size. This helps people save their favorite clothes instead of tossing them out. Let’s see how it played out when they pitched their product to the sharks in our Unshrinkit update and pitch recap.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick overview of what happened to Unshrinkit after Shark Tank.

Nate and Desiree entered Shark Tank Season 7, seeking $300,000 for 10% equity in Unshrinkit. They were able to secure a deal with Mark Cuban for $150,000 for 15% equity after making their presentation.

In terms of an Unshrinkit update, the company was acquired by an aggregator-operator group, signaling a shift in ownership and business strategy.

Shark	Result
Mark Cuban	Accepted offer of $150,000 for 15% equity
Kevin O’Leary	$150,000 for 33.3% equity
Daymond John	$150,000 for 25% equity
Lori Greiner	No offer
Robert Herjavec	No offer

Shark Tank Unshrinkit Pitch

• Entrepreneurs: Nate Barbera and Desiree Stolar
• Business: A solution that helps unshrink wool clothing
• Ask: $150,000 for 10% equity
• Result: $150,000 for 15% equity
• Shark: Mark Cuban

Desiree and Nate entered Shark Tank with a fix for a common laundry disaster—shrunken wool sweaters.

They sought an investment to expand retail distribution and build brand awareness.

The entrepreneurs explain how the product works in four steps. First, Unshrinkit is added to a gallon of water. Then, the shrunken sweater soaks for 30 minutes.

Afterward, it is rinsed under cold water, reshaped, and left to dry. By the time it dries, the wool fibers return to their original length, restoring the garment.

To prove its effectiveness, Desiree wears a sweater she once shrunk and saved using the solution.

Desiree told the sharks that her idea came to life after she shrunk her favorite sweater, she searched for a solution but found nothing on the market.

However, she discovered millions of YouTube views on DIY methods, proving that many people actively look for a fix.

Since launching, they have sold 5,000 units, earning $35,000 in sales.

Lori Greiner asks whether they have a chemistry background. Nate explains that while neither of them are chemists, he is a mechanical engineer and previously worked at Johnson & Johnson developing medical equipment.

Desiree adds that 45% of Americans shrink at least one clothing item each year. Daymond John pushes back, arguing that only 12% of wool products shrink.

First, they view Unshrinkit as a household essential, much like aspirin—a product that should always be available in case of emergencies.

Second, their projections indicate that by year-end, they will sell 20,000 units, generating $135,000 in revenue.

Desiree explains that retailers like Jo-Ann Fabrics and Macy’s have shown interest since September, just three months before filming.

The product retails between $12 and $15, while production costs are only $1 per bottle.

Lori questions why it is priced so high. Desiree explains that they initially launched at $9.99 but raised the price after customer feedback.

While Lori acknowledged that the best businesses solve real problems. However, she remains skeptical about the market size. Due to this, she is the first to drop out.

Rober Herjavec agreed that the product solves a problem but wants to know how big they can scale within a year. Nate estimates that they can reach $2 million in sales.

Seeing potential, Kevin O’Leary offered $150,000 for 33.3% equity. He admits he is unsure about the business’s valuation but sees promise in the idea.

Instead of immediately accepting, Nate counters with $150,000 for 15% equity.

Daymond spoke up, saying he would invest only if they pursue licensing opportunities. He offers $150,000 for 25% equity, contingent on licensing.

Mark Cuban, though not a clothing expert, liked the entrepreneurs and their execution. He matches Nate’s counter-offer, offering $150,000 for 15% equity.

They accepted Mark’s offer, thrilled that he didn’t try to negotiate further.

Let’s keep reading our Unshrinkit update to find out where the company is today.

Shark Tank Unshrinkit Update

Our Unshrinkit update found that the company achieved an annual revenue of approximately $1.5 million in 2023.

In 2019, the company was acquired by an aggregator-operator group for an undisclosed amount.

The product is designed to restore shrunken wool items like sweaters, scarves, gloves, and blankets to their original size, providing a cost-effective and stress-free remedy for accidental shrinking.

At the time of this writing, Unshrinkit remains operational, offering its products through its website and on Amazon.

If we get another Unshrinkit update, we will let you know.

Don’t forget to check out our company updates for the other companies featured in Season 7 Episode 8. 

• AfreSHeet Update
• Grip Clean Update
• PolarPro Update

Before you go, be sure to check out our list of all the Shark Tank Season 7 products.