Understanding T-Shirt Shrinkage: Crew Necks And The Washer

how much does a crew neck t shirt shrink

Crew neck t-shirts are a versatile wardrobe staple, but how much do they shrink? The answer depends on the fabric and how you care for it. For example, a Uniqlo Supima Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt shrank by about 3 inches all around after a warm wash and tumble dry. On the other hand, a Lady White Co. T-Shirt, made from 100% North Carolina cotton, only shrank by 1 inch in total after the same washing and drying process. The Bella+Canvas Unisex Jersey Tee, a lightweight cotton option, shrank significantly more, losing around 4.25 inches in total. So, when it comes to crew neck t-shirts, the amount of shrinkage can vary, but you can expect some shrinkage, especially if you machine wash and tumble dry your shirts.

Characteristics Values
T-shirt type Crew neck
Neckline Round and collarless
History Originated from nautical fashion, specifically rowers and boatmen
Worn by the US Navy as a required undergarment from 1913
Popularised as everyday clothing after the 1951 movie A Streetcar Named Desire
Fit Fitted, loose, or muscle
Similar styles Scoop necks, v-necks, henleys, and collared shirts
Fabric Supima cotton, North Carolina cotton, or cotton jersey
Sizes XXS to 3XL
Shrinkage 3 inches (all around) after a warm wash and tumble dry

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The Uniqlo Supima Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt shrinks about 3 inches after a warm wash and tumble dry

The Uniqlo Supima Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt is a well-priced, classic staple for any wardrobe. It is made from 100% Supima cotton, which is a unique type of cotton grown in the US, known for its extra-long fibres that give the fabric premium properties of strength, softness and colour retention. The Uniqlo Supima Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt is a slim-fit shirt with a longer-than-average cut, a narrow neckline and a well-constructed crew-neck collar. It is available in a wide range of sizes, from XXS to 3XL, and comes in a variety of colours, including white, grey, navy and black.

While the Uniqlo Supima Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt is a durable and well-constructed shirt, it is important to note that it is prone to shrinkage. After a warm wash and tumble dry, the shirt can shrink by about 3 inches in both length and width. To minimise shrinkage, it is recommended to wash the shirt gently and dry it on a low heat setting.

Overall, the Uniqlo Supima Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt is a great value shirt that offers a classic, versatile look. However, due to its tendency to shrink, it may be necessary to size up when purchasing.

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The Bella+Canvas Unisex Jersey Tee shrinks about 4.25 inches after a warm wash and tumble dry

The Bella+Canvas Unisex Jersey Tee is a great choice for those seeking a comfortable, inexpensive, and well-made T-shirt. However, it is important to note that this T-shirt does experience notable shrinkage, especially when washed and dried using warm settings.

In fact, the Bella+Canvas Unisex Jersey Tee can shrink up to 4.25 inches overall when subjected to a warm wash and tumble dry. This shrinkage is primarily due to the nature of cotton fibres, which tend to stretch beyond their natural length during the fabric-making process and then try to return to their original state when exposed to warm water or heat during the drying process.

To minimise this issue, Bella+Canvas has implemented a pre-shrinking process that includes overstretching the fabric and using shrink drying chambers and compactors to trigger the cotton's natural shrinkage before the garment is sewn. This process ensures that the final product will only shrink by a maximum of 5%, which is significantly less than the 10% shrinkage experienced by some cheaper brands.

Despite this, the Bella+Canvas Unisex Jersey Tee still shrinks more than some of its competitors, such as the Uniqlo Supima Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt, which only shrinks by about 3 inches after a warm wash and tumble dry. Therefore, if you are concerned about shrinkage, it may be advisable to consider other options or take extra care when washing and drying the Bella+Canvas tee.

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Crew necks were first worn by rowers, stevedores, and miners

Crew necks, or crew-necks, are a type of shirt or sweater with a round, collarless neckline. The name "crew neck" comes from the crew that operates a ship, as the design was first worn by rowers, or oarsmen, and boatmen. The style was later adopted by stevedores and miners, as it provided a convenient covering in hot environments.

The crew neck's history is closely tied to the development of t-shirts. T-shirts gained their name because they resemble the letter "T" when laid flat. The t-shirt or "tee shirt" was first introduced to the United States during World War I when U.S. soldiers noticed European soldiers wearing lightweight, breathable cotton undershirts instead of itchy wool garments.

In 1913, the United States Navy began issuing basic white crew neck t-shirts as a required undergarment to be worn under uniforms. These t-shirts were nicknamed "gob" shirts, a slang term for "sailor." The crew neck t-shirt eventually became fashionable to wear after work or at work parties, when sailors didn't want to change out of their uniforms.

In 1932, the crew neck t-shirt was adopted as the primary undergarment for American football players. The cotton material absorbed sweat and helped prevent shoulder pads from chafing the skin. The same year, the first crew neck sweatshirt was produced by Russell Athletic, invented by football player Benjamin Russell Jr., who wanted a comfortable alternative to itchy wool jerseys.

In the 1930s, during the Great Depression, t-shirts were the default garment for farm and ranch chores in the South and Midwest, and they rose to popularity as an undergarment in urban areas. In 1938, Sears began advertising crew necks as outerwear, and in 1951, after the film *A Streetcar Named Desire*, crew necks became a common piece of clothing for boys doing chores, playing outside, and everyday wear.

Today, crew necks are a favourite of the masses, offering versatility in fashion and functionality. They provide excellent insulation in winter, breathability in warmer months, and layering options, as well as business casual choices all year round.

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Crew necks were first worn as undergarments by American football players in 1932

The crew neck t-shirt's history is closely tied to the development of t-shirts in general. During World War I, U.S. soldiers noticed that their European counterparts wore light, breathable cotton undershirts, rather than the heavy wool garments of the U.S. soldiers. In 1913, the U.S. Navy began issuing sailors basic white crew neck t-shirts as required undergarments to be worn under their uniforms. These t-shirts were nicknamed "gob" shirts, a slang term for "sailor."

In 1932, the crew neck t-shirt was adopted as the primary undergarment for American football players. The shirts were so popular that other students began stealing them from the athletes, and by the end of the decade, Fruit of the Loom began manufacturing them for the public.

Today, crew necks are a versatile wardrobe staple, offering excellent insulation in the winter, breathability in warmer months, and layering options all year round. They can be dressed up or down and are suitable for a variety of occasions, from casual days at the office to weekend getaways.

In terms of shrinkage, crew neck t-shirts typically shrink slightly when washed and dried, especially if they are made from 100% cotton. For example, the Uniqlo Supima Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt shrank by about 3 inches after being washed and dried, while the Bella+Canvas Unisex Jersey Tee shrank by about 4.25 inches.

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Crew necks were first sold by Sears in 1938 for 24 cents each

Crew necks, or crew-necks, are a variation of the classic t-shirt with a round, collarless neckline. The name comes from the crew that operates a ship, as the design was initially popularised by oarsmen and boatmen. In 1938, Sears began advertising shirts modelled after the navy's gob undershirts for 24 cents each.

The crew neck t-shirt was first developed in 1932 as an undergarment for American football players. The crew neck was ideal because of its fit, sweat-absorbing capabilities, and inexpensive bulk price. The cotton material also helped prevent the shoulder pads of their uniforms from chafing the players' skin.

By the 1930s, during the Great Depression, t-shirts had become the default garment for farm and ranch chores in the south and midwest, and they were also popular as undergarments in urban areas. In 1938, Sears began selling crew necks as legitimate outer garments, rather than undergarments.

The crew neck's history is closely tied to the development of t-shirts. T-shirts, or tee shirts, first came to the United States during World War I, when U.S. soldiers noticed European soldiers wearing light, breathable cotton undershirts. However, some sources claim that the U.S. Navy began issuing t-shirts to sailors as early as 1913, as they wanted an undershirt that would cover chest hair.

In 1932, officials from the University of Southern California's football team asked Jockey International, Inc. to develop crew necks for their players. The shirts proved so popular that other students began stealing them, and the athletic department's attempts to deter thieves by printing "Property of USC" on the shirts only increased their fame. By the end of the decade, Fruit of the Loom began manufacturing crew necks for the public.

The crew neck t-shirt eventually became fashionable to wear after work or at work parties, and celebrities such as Marlon Brando, James Dean, and Elvis further popularised the use of t-shirts as outerwear. In the 1950s, both men and women wore "sporty" clothing, and more colourful and decorative t-shirt varieties emerged. Today, crew necks remain a staple for both men and women and are used on many designs for different styles of tops.

Frequently asked questions

The amount of shrinkage depends on the fabric and how you wash and dry it. For example, the Uniqlo Supima Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt shrank by 3 inches all around after a warm wash and tumble dry.

A crew neck t-shirt is a type of shirt with a round, collarless neckline. It is often worn as an undergarment or base layer and is known for its simplicity and versatility.

The crew neck t-shirt originated from a nautical background, with oarsmen and boatmen popularising the style of a simple white t-shirt. The name "crew neck" comes from the crew that operates a ship.

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