Shrinking Cotton Tees: Can They Be Done?

Shrinking a 100% cotton T-shirt is a great way to get a better fit. Cotton is a flexible, shrinkable fabric that can be resized using some hot water. Cotton shirts can be shrunk in a washing machine or dryer, or with a pot of boiling water. The amount of shrinkage depends on the duration of exposure to hot water and the temperature of the water. A pure cotton garment will shrink about 20% at most.

How to shrink a 100% cotton t-shirt in a washing machine

Yes, you can shrink a 100% cotton t-shirt in a washing machine. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Check the label

Before attempting to shrink your t-shirt, always check the label to identify its fabric composition. Different fabrics shrink at varying rates, and not all fabrics can endure every method. Pure cotton garments will shrink up to a maximum of 20%.

Step 2: Wash your t-shirt with hot water

Wash your t-shirt in the washing machine using the hottest water setting. If you are shrinking multiple t-shirts, wash them in batches of similar colours to avoid colour bleeding. If you are shrinking a t-shirt with a graphic print, turn it inside out before washing to protect the print.

Step 3: Transfer to the dryer

Once the wash cycle is complete, transfer the t-shirt to the dryer and dry it on a high heat setting. First, check and clean your lint filter to avoid a fire hazard. Leave the t-shirt in the dryer until it cools down completely to maximise shrinkage. If further shrinkage is required, repeat the wash and dry cycle.

Step 4: Future care

To prevent further shrinkage and potential damage to your t-shirt, dry your cotton t-shirts on a medium heat setting in the future. High heat and tumbling may cause your t-shirt to shrink even more and can wear out and crack the fibres of your shirt, reducing the fabric's strength.

How to shrink a 100% cotton t-shirt with boiling water

Yes, you can shrink a 100% cotton t-shirt with boiling water. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Boil a pot of water

Use a pot that is large enough to submerge your entire t-shirt. If you are planning on shrinking multiple shirts, use an extra-large pot that can accommodate all of them. Remember that submerging cotton in hot water will help the fibres contract and shrink.

Step 2: Cut the heat and place your shirt in the pot

Once the water is boiling, cut the heat and place your shirt in the pot. The longer you leave the shirt in the water, the more it will shrink. For maximum shrinkage (about 2 sizes smaller), put the shirt in the water as soon as you remove the pot from the heat. If you only want to shrink the shirt a little, wait a few minutes before placing it in the water.

Step 3: Cover the pot and let the shirt soak

Cover the pot and let the shirt soak in the water for 5 to 20 minutes. The longer the shirt is exposed to hot water, the more it will shrink. If you are only shrinking it by up to 1 size, check the shirt's size every couple of minutes. If it needs to shrink further, put it back in the pot.

Step 4: Remove the shirt from the pot and drain the water

Use tongs to remove the shirt from the pot slowly to avoid splashes that could scald your hands. Drain the water from the pot.

Step 5: Squeeze the excess water and let the shirt air dry

Once the shirt has cooled down, gently squeeze the excess water out of it. Then, lay the shirt on a clean towel or drying rack to air dry. Air-drying will preserve the shrinkage from the hot water without shrinking the shirt any further.

Additional Tips:

• If you want to shrink the shirt even more (by up to 2 sizes compared to its original shape), use a dryer on high heat after air-drying.
• If there are stains on your t-shirt, pre-treat or remove them before shrinking as the heat will set the stains permanently.
• If your t-shirt is a graphic tee, consider using the washer and dryer method instead as the boiling method is more likely to damage the print.
• You can add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the hot water to prevent colours from bleeding out.

How to prevent 100% cotton t-shirts from shrinking

Cotton is a natural, breathable fibre that may shrink when heated. This is especially true for 100% cotton t-shirts that haven't been pre-shrunk. To prevent your t-shirts from shrinking, there are a few rules to follow:

• Always read the label and follow the instructions.
• Wash 100% cotton t-shirts in cold water.
• Avoid drying your t-shirts at a high temperature.
• Take your t-shirts out of the dryer while they're still damp and air dry them for the remainder of the time.
• If you want to be extra careful, turn off the dryer before the cycle finishes.

If you want to shrink your 100% cotton t-shirts, you can do the opposite of the above and wash them in hot water and dry them at a high temperature.

How to shrink a 100% cotton t-shirt in a tumble dryer

Yes, you can shrink a 100% cotton t-shirt in a tumble dryer. Cotton is a natural, breathable fabric that may shrink when heated. The heat from a tumble dryer can, therefore, be used to shrink an oversized cotton t-shirt.

To shrink a 100% cotton t-shirt in a tumble dryer, follow these steps:

• Wash the t-shirt with hot water in a washing machine. If you are shrinking multiple t-shirts, wash them in batches of similar colours to avoid colour bleeding. Use a top-loading washing machine if possible, as the increased agitation will result in more shrinkage.
• Transfer the t-shirt to the tumble dryer.
• Set the tumble dryer to the hottest drying cycle. If the t-shirt is vintage or has a graphic print, use medium heat to avoid damaging the print.
• Run the tumble dryer. Check the t-shirt's size periodically throughout the cycle, removing it once it has reached the desired size.
• Repeat the cycle if the t-shirt requires further shrinkage.

Note that a pure cotton garment will only shrink by a maximum of 20%. Pre-shrunk cotton garments will only shrink by 2-5% and may be resistant to further shrinkage.

How to shrink a 100% cotton t-shirt without damaging it

Yes, you can shrink a 100% cotton t-shirt without damaging it. Cotton is a flexible, shrinkable fabric that's easy to resize—all you need is some hot water. Here are four methods to shrink your cotton t-shirt:

Method 1: Boiling Water

• Boil a pot of water large enough to submerge your t-shirt completely. If you have multiple shirts to shrink, use an extra-large pot.
• Check your t-shirt for any stains and pre-treat them before shrinking, as the heat will set the stains.
• Check the tag on your t-shirt to see if it's pre-shrunk. If it is, it will only shrink a tiny bit, so you may not get the results you're looking for.
• Once the water is boiling, turn off the heat and place your t-shirt in the pot. The longer you wait before adding the shirt, the less it will shrink. For maximum shrinkage, put the shirt in the pot right away.
• Cover the pot and let the shirt soak for 5 to 20 minutes. The longer it soaks, the more it will shrink.
• Remove the shirt from the pot with tongs and drain the water. Be careful to avoid splashing hot water on your hands.
• Let the shirt cool for a few minutes, then squeeze out the excess water gently, being careful not to stretch the fabric.
• Air dry your shirt to preserve the shrinkage. If you want to shrink it further, machine dry on high heat.

Method 2: Washing Machine and Dryer

• Wash your t-shirt in the washing machine using the hottest water setting and the longest cycle. Wash with like colours to avoid colour bleeding.
• If you're shrinking a graphic t-shirt, turn it inside out before washing to protect the print.
• Check the shrinkage after the wash cycle. If it's shrunk enough, air dry it.
• Transfer the shirt to the dryer and dry it on high heat. For vintage or graphic t-shirts, use medium heat to avoid damaging the print.
• Check on the shirt's progress periodically to avoid over-shrinking.
• Once the dry cycle is complete, your shirt is ready! If it still needs more shrinkage, repeat the wash and dry cycle.

Method 3: Garment Steamer

• Use a garment steamer on delicate fabrics like silk, linen, or wool.
• Steam the clothing while it's hung on a hanger in an open space.
• Keep the steamer head about an inch or two away from the fabric.
• This method is also useful if you want to shrink specific areas of the garment rather than the whole thing.

Method 4: Cold Wash and Air Dry

If you want to prevent your 100% cotton t-shirt from shrinking, wash it in cold water and avoid high-heat drying. Air drying is a good way to ensure your clothes don't shrink.

Frequently asked questions