Shrinking your clothes is a surefire way to ruin your day (or week!). If you've ever found that a shirt has magically shrunk in the wash, you're not alone. It happens to the best of us. One of the most common questions people have about clothing is: does cotton shrink in the wash?
In this guide, we'll explore that topic and examine everything you need to know about cotton shrinkage. We will also discuss some tips to help you keep your cotton safe when doing laundry. Here's everything you need to know about this common fabric.
Does cotton shrink?
First, let's address the main question. The short answer is yes, cotton can shrink.
However, it's not always that straightforward. Cotton is a natural fibre, and like many natural fibres, it tends to shrink when it comes into contact with water and heat. Of course, the amount it shrinks can depend on several factors. For example, how it's washed and dried, plus the type of cotton, may impact how much cotton shrinkage takes place.
With that in mind, let's take a look at the various times when cotton may shrink:
Does cotton shrink in the wash?
Yes, cotton can shrink in the wash, especially if it's washed in hot water. For that reason, you need to make sure that you use the right cycle setting when washing cotton. Cotton cycles can range in temperature from 40°C to 90°C. If you want to reduce the chance of your garment shrinking, it may be smart to go for a lower temperature overall. However, you may want to experiment with different cycles to see which one best suits your needs.
Does cotton shrink in the dryer?
Now, here's where things get even trickier. Does cotton shrink in the dryer? More often than not, the answer is yes. High heat settings can cause your cotton clothing to shrink significantly. You might also notice that this approach includes a lot of agitation, which can damage your clothing. When possible, it's much smarter to allow your cotton clothing to dry naturally on the line.
Dealing with different types of cotton
Not all cotton is created equal. When you're washing your clothes, consider the type of cotton they are made of. Let's break down how different types of cotton react in the wash.
Does 100% cotton shrink?
100% cotton tends to shrink more than cotton blends because nothing is mixed with it to help maintain its shape and size. However, how much it shrinks can depend on how it's treated. Many 100% cotton garments are pre-shrunk. That means they've already been washed and dried at high temperatures before being sold. Of course, if you're dealing with raw or untreated cotton, you should expect some significant shrinkage.
Do 100% cotton jeans shrink?
Now, let's talk about denim. Cotton jeans, especially those made from 100% cotton, can shrink in the wash and the dryer. To keep your jeans fitting just right, it's best to wash them in cold water and let them air dry. If you absolutely have to use a dryer, keep the temperature low.
Does organic cotton shrink?
But wait, what about the eco-friendly option? Organic cotton is better for the environment, but it's still cotton. While this is often the better choice, it doesn't make much difference when it comes to shrinking. If you're concerned about cotton shrinkage, you should treat your organic cotton clothes the same as you would any other cotton item.
Does ringspun cotton shrink?
Ringspun cotton is softer and stronger than regular cotton due to its spinning process. However, it can still shrink when not treated right. You can expect ringspun cotton to be of a higher quality than your average material. That may mean that there is less shrinkage when it comes to washing this type of clothing.
Does Supima cotton shrink?
Supima cotton represents less than 1% of cotton worldwide and is known for its superior quality and extra-long fibres. However, it still has the properties of regular cotton. But does Supima cotton shrink?
Yes, Supima cotton can shrink, but it might not shrink as much due to its higher quality and stronger fibres. However, to maintain its luxurious feel and size, it's best to wash Supima cotton in cold water and let it air dry or use a low-heat setting.
What about polyester and other blends?
Of course, many of the clothing items you buy won't be 100% cotton. It is much more likely that you get a blend of fabrics—for example, cotton mixed with synthetic fibres like polyester.
When you have these types of clothes, you should know that they are less likely to shrink. For instance, polyester is more resistant to shrinking. That means you don't have to be so picky when you're washing your clothing. Choosing a blended fabric is a good option if you want the comfort of cotton but less risk of shrinkage.
Tips for preventing cotton shrinkage
By this point, you should have a good idea of what type of cotton shrinks. Whatever fabric your clothes are made from, you need to make sure that you take care of it. To wrap things up, here are some handy tips to keep your cotton clothes from shrinking:
Always use a cold setting
As we've discussed, cold water is less likely to cause shrinkage. That is because cotton may change size and shape when it comes into contact with heat. To solve this problem, it's worth using a cooler setting on your washing machine.
Use a gentle cycle
Similarly, you want to avoid using a heavy cycle when you're washing cotton clothing. Going for a light or eco cycle could save you trouble when it comes to cotton shrinkage. It may be worth trying out a few different cycles until you find the one that works the best for you.
Try to air-dry your clothes
While there are times when you will want to use a dryer, avoid it if possible. Air-drying your clothes is the best way to help them keep their shape and size. This rule of thumb should be used for all fabrics, but especially cotton, as it can be fragile and may shrink.
Always read the clothing label
All fabrics are different! Before you start washing an item of clothing, you should read the label on the item. Often, this label will tell you exactly how to wash the piece. Follow it as much as possible to prevent damaging your clothing.
Cotton is a fantastic fabric—soft, breathable, and versatile. However, it is also quite fragile. That means that it is at risk of shrinking, particularly when exposed to heat and water. Luckily, by understanding how different factors affect cotton, from water temperature to dryer settings, you can better care for your clothes and keep them looking their best. Follow the guidance we've outlined here if you want to keep your clothing looking new.
Q&A
Did we miss something along the way? Take a look at our frequently asked questions now:
Does hot water shrink cotton?
Yes, it does! Hot water can often cause cotton fibres to tighten and contract, leading to cotton shrinkage. If you've accidentally tossed your favourite cotton shirt into a hot wash, it could shrink. To avoid this, stick to cool water when washing cotton clothing.
Does cotton shrink with warm water?
While hot water is the real problem, you should also be careful with warm water. While it may not shrink your cotton as much as hot water, it can be a risk. Stick to cool water instead. It's often the safest bet for washing cotton if you're concerned about germs but don't want to risk too much shrinkage.
Does cotton shrink when washed in cold water?
Generally, the answer to this question is no — or, at least, not as much. Cold water is much gentler on cotton fibres, reducing the likelihood of any shrinkage. So, if you want to keep your cotton clothes looking their best, washing in cold water is a good practice.
Does cotton shrink continuously?
One of the biggest misconceptions when it comes to cotton is that it shrinks continuously. However, once the initial shrinkage takes place, you should find that it does not continue to shrink. That's why pre-shrunk cotton often does not shrink any more than your average garment. However, you should still take care when washing your clothing.
Do you have any tips to share? Leave them in the comments below!
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