Shrinking Shirts: Inches Lost In The Wash

Shrinking a T-shirt can be a great way to customise your wardrobe, but it's important to know the risks. While a T-shirt can shrink up to a maximum of 20% in size, it's difficult to predict exactly how many inches this will equate to. This is because different fabrics shrink at varying rates, depending on their composition and the method used to shrink them. For example, cotton fibres can shrink up to 20%, while polyester shrinks less than 3%.

Boiling water

Step 1: Prepare the T-Shirt

Before boiling your t-shirt, check the fabric. Boiling is most effective on natural fibres like cotton, wool, and linen. These materials are more prone to shrinkage than synthetic fibres like polyester, acrylic, and nylon. Also, check if the t-shirt has any stains. If it does, pre-treat or remove them before boiling.

Step 2: Boil the Water

Fill a large pot with water and place it on the stove. The pot should be large enough to completely submerge the t-shirt. Turn the heat to high and bring the water to a rolling boil.

Step 3: Add the T-Shirt

Once the water is boiling, turn off the heat. Use kitchen tongs to carefully add the t-shirt to the pot, ensuring it is fully immersed in the water. If you are shrinking a graphic t-shirt, it is recommended to turn it inside out to protect the print.

Step 4: Soak the T-Shirt

Allow the t-shirt to soak in the hot water for at least 5 minutes. The longer it soaks, the more it will shrink. For slight shrinkage, 5 minutes should be enough. For more shrinkage, leave it in for 10 to 15 minutes. For maximum shrinkage, let it soak for up to 20 minutes.

Step 5: Remove the T-Shirt

Carefully remove the t-shirt from the pot using tongs. Allow the t-shirt to cool down, then wring out the excess water. You can speed up the cooling process by pouring cool tap water over the t-shirt.

Step 6: Dry the T-Shirt

After removing the excess water, check if the t-shirt has shrunk to your desired size. If it has not shrunk enough, put it in a clothes dryer on the highest temperature setting and tumble dry. If you are happy with the size, hang the t-shirt on a hanger and let it air dry.

Tips:

• If you only want to shrink the t-shirt a little bit, wait a few minutes after turning off the heat before adding the t-shirt to the pot.
• To prevent colours from bleeding, add half a cup of white vinegar to the boiling water.
• Always turn t-shirts inside out before boiling to reduce the risk of damage.
• Be cautious when handling the hot water and tongs to avoid scalding your hands.

Washer and dryer method

This method is suitable for cotton, denim, and synthetic fabrics like polyester and spandex. It involves using the hottest setting on your washing machine and the longest cycle to encourage the fabric threads to relax and shorten.

Step 1: Wash

First, check the label to ensure the shirt is not pre-shrunk and that it is made of a natural fabric like cotton, wool, silk, linen, or hemp. These natural fibres are more prone to shrinking than synthetic fibres.

Next, set your washing machine to its hottest setting and longest cycle. If you're dealing with graphic or vintage t-shirts, turn them inside out to protect the prints.

Step 2: Dry

After washing, tumble dry the shirt using your dryer's highest heat setting and longest cycle. Leave the shirt in the dryer until it completely cools off to maximise shrinkage.

Step 3: Repeat

If the shirt is still not the right fit, repeat the above steps. You can also try boiling the shirt in a pot of water for 5-20 minutes, then letting it air dry. This method is suitable for most fabrics but use with caution on delicate fabrics like silk, wool, or linen.

Tips:

• Always check the label to identify the fabric composition. Different fabrics shrink at varying rates, and not all fabrics can endure every method.
• Anticipate your shirt reducing by no more than one size.
• Natural fibres like cotton, wool, silk, linen, and hemp are more prone to shrinking than synthetic fibres. Cotton fibres can shrink up to 20%, while polyester shrinks less than 3%.
• For delicate fabrics like silk, linen, or wool, consider using a garment steamer on a high-heat setting instead of the washer and dryer method.
• To prevent colours from bleeding, add half to one cup of white vinegar to the wash.
• Preshrunk garments will not shrink as much, but it is still possible to shrink them further.
• If you have accidentally shrunk your shirt too much, you may be able to unshrink it by re-wetting it and stretching it back into shape, then letting it air dry.

Preventing shrinkage

Preventing T-Shirt Shrinkage

Shrinking a t-shirt is a common problem, and it can be frustrating when your favourite tee no longer fits. While it's difficult to reverse shrinkage, there are several ways to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some tips to help you avoid that dreaded moment when you pull your t-shirt out of the wash and realise it's now too small.

Choose the Right Fabric

When buying a t-shirt, opt for one that is pre-shrunk. Pre-shrunk means the fabric has been treated with a controlled process during manufacturing to minimise further shrinkage. While pre-shrunk garments may still shrink a little, it will be less noticeable. Look out for this label when shopping to save yourself the headache of accidental shrinkage.

Wash with Care

The way you wash your t-shirts has a significant impact on whether they shrink. To avoid shrinkage, hand wash your t-shirts in cool or lukewarm water. If you're using a washing machine, choose the delicate cycle and cold water setting. Avoid high temperatures as heat relaxes the threads, causing them to compress and shrink. Also, be sure to use a gentle laundry solution designed for natural fabrics.

Avoid the Dryer

The dryer is the biggest culprit when it comes to t-shirt shrinkage. The high heat and tumbling cause the fibres to contract and shrink further. Instead of machine drying, hang your t-shirts up to air-dry. This will help you avoid that unwanted shrinkage and keep your t-shirts looking their best.

Be Gentle

When handling your t-shirts, avoid wringing or twisting the fabric. This can compress the fibres and lead to uneven shrinkage. Gently squeeze or roll the water out of your t-shirts after washing, and lay them flat on a drying rack or hang them on hangers to dry.

Choose the Right Hangers

If you're hanging your t-shirts to dry, use non-metal hangers with rounded ends. This will help your t-shirts retain their shape and prevent wrinkles.

Iron with Care

When ironing your t-shirts, use the lowest possible temperature setting. Quickly pass the iron over the fabric instead of pressing down heavily. High heat from the iron can cause shrinkage, so it's important to be mindful of the temperature and your technique.

By following these simple tips, you can effectively prevent t-shirt shrinkage and keep your favourite tees fitting perfectly for longer.

Dry cleaning

While it is possible to dry clean a t-shirt, it is not the best method to achieve the desired shrinkage. Dry cleaning a t-shirt will not shrink it as much as washing it regularly in water. However, if you are looking to shrink a t-shirt, the best method is to use a washing machine and dryer on the highest heat settings.

T-shirts made from 100% cotton are the most prone to shrinking, and can shrink anywhere from 5% to 20% depending on the quality and cotton blend. Cotton fibres have natural properties that make them contract under high temperatures. For example, a collar size of 15" can shrink by 0.3", and a sleeve length of 35" can shrink by 0.7".

To shrink a t-shirt, turn it inside out to protect the colours and prints on the outer layer of the fabric. Then, place it in the washing machine with liquid laundry detergent and adjust the settings to the hottest water temperature and the longest rinse cycle. Once the wash cycle is finished, remove the t-shirt and place it in the dryer on the highest heat setting. Leave the shirt in the dryer until it cools off completely to maximise shrinkage. If the desired fit is not achieved, the process can be repeated.

It is important to note that shrinking a t-shirt is not always predictable, and the amount of shrinkage can vary depending on the quality of the fabric, the weave density, and even the brand. Additionally, while dry cleaning may not be the most effective method for shrinking a t-shirt, it is still an option for those who rarely wear the shirt and only need occasional spot cleaning.

Ironing

While there is no definitive answer to how many inches a t-shirt can shrink, it is possible to estimate based on the type of fabric. Natural fibres like cotton, wool, silk, linen, and hemp are more prone to shrinking than synthetic fibres. Cotton fibres, for example, can shrink up to 20%, while polyester typically shrinks less than 3%.

Now, if you're looking to iron a t-shirt, here's a comprehensive guide:

Preparing Your T-Shirt for Ironing:

• Always iron your t-shirts while they're still damp. It's best to iron them right after laundering when they're still damp, as this makes it easier to remove creases.
• If your t-shirt has dried completely, spritz it with water to dampen it before ironing.
• Check the care label on your t-shirt before ironing. The more dots on the iron symbol, the higher the temperature you can use. If there are no dots, you can iron at any temperature.
• Reduce the heat setting on your iron to a medium temperature to avoid burning the fabric.
• For delicate materials like satin or silk, use an ironing cloth as a barrier between the fabric and the hot plate of the iron.
• If you want to avoid scorch marks, iron the t-shirt inside out.

Step-by-Step Guide to Ironing a T-Shirt:

• Place the t-shirt on the ironing board, ensuring the fabric lies flat but isn't stretched too much.
• Smooth out any major wrinkles with your hands to ensure the fabric is as flat as possible.
• The key to ironing a t-shirt, or any knit fabric, is to avoid moving the iron in a circular or arced motion. Instead, press the iron to one spot at a time and avoid moving it when it's in contact with the fabric.
• Rotate the t-shirt and continue ironing until the entire shirt is done.
• Once finished, lay the t-shirt flat until it cools, ensuring all wrinkles are smoothed out.
• Finally, fold the t-shirt or hang it up to prevent wrinkles from forming before wearing it.

Frequently asked questions