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T-shirts are prone to shrinking due to the tension applied to the fabric during construction. The tension is released when heat is applied to the shirt via washing, drying, or even sunlight. To avoid shrinking, it is recommended to wash t-shirts in cold water and air dry them, avoiding direct sunlight. If air drying is not possible, use the lowest heat setting on the dryer and remove the shirt while it is still damp.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wash in cold water | Prevents shrinkage |
| Wash on a delicate cycle | Uses low agitation and a slower, shorter spin cycle to drain water |
| Hand-wash cotton, linen, and silk | Avoids shrinkage |
| Dry on a low heat setting | Less shrinkage |
| Remove clothes from the dryer while still damp | Prevents over-drying |
| Air-dry clothes | Shrink-proof |
| Sort clothing by fabric type | Easier than sorting through a large load of wet clothes |
| Remove laundry from the dryer immediately | Reduces wrinkling |
| Use a de-wrinkle spray | Avoids heat damage |
Wash in cold water
Washing your t-shirts in cold water is a great way to avoid shrinkage. The cold water prevents the fibres in fabrics from contracting and tightening, which is what causes shrinking. It's a good idea to check the label on your t-shirts, but most fabrics are much more susceptible to shrinking when exposed to high heats.
Most modern detergents are designed to work with cold water, so you can be confident that your clothes will still get a thorough clean. Using cold water also saves energy and money on your utility bills.
If you're washing cotton t-shirts, it's especially important to use cold water. Cotton is very sensitive to heat due to the tension applied to the fabric during construction. The tension is then released when heat is applied to the shirt, causing it to shrink.
To ensure your t-shirts are washed effectively in cold water, consider buying laundry detergent designed for cold water.
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Air dry
If you want to air dry your t-shirts, you can use a clothing rack, or hang them outside away from direct sunlight. If you don't have space for a rack, you can hang your t-shirts from the shower rod in your bathroom. Just make sure that whatever you're hanging them from is secured to the wall, as wet clothes can get heavy. You can also use plastic hangers to increase the amount of hanging space and reduce wrinkles.
If you're worried about your clothes smelling damp or getting mouldy, try to air dry them in a well-ventilated room.
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Avoid direct sunlight
Sunlight can be a major factor in the shrinking of t-shirts. The heat from the sun is comparable to that of a dryer, and the UV rays can cause fading and cracking of designs. Therefore, it is important to avoid direct sunlight when drying t-shirts outside.
Firstly, choose a shady spot to dry your t-shirts. This will help to prevent the fabric from being exposed to direct sunlight and reduce the risk of shrinkage. If possible, dry your t-shirts inside on a rod or drying rack, as this is an energy-efficient and shrink-proof method. If you do not have the space to dry your t-shirts inside, try to find an outdoor area that is shaded, such as a covered porch or balcony.
Secondly, avoid drying your t-shirts during the hottest parts of the day. The sun's rays are strongest between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm, so try to dry your t-shirts early in the morning or later in the afternoon if possible. This will help to reduce the amount of direct sunlight and heat that your t-shirts are exposed to.
Thirdly, be mindful of the material of your t-shirts. Some fabrics, such as cotton, are more susceptible to shrinkage than others. If you have t-shirts made of cotton or a cotton blend, it is especially important to avoid direct sunlight when drying them. These fabrics should be dried in a shady area and brought inside as soon as they are dry to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
Finally, consider using a laundry detergent that is designed for cold-water washing. By washing your t-shirts in cold water and avoiding the use of high heat in the drying process, you can help prevent shrinkage. Look for detergents that are specifically formulated for cold water and follow the instructions on the label for best results.
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Dry on low heat
Drying your t-shirts on low heat is one of the most important steps to avoid shrinking. Cotton is a natural, breathable fibre, and it may shrink when heated. Therefore, it is important to dry your t-shirts on the lowest heat setting possible.
If you are using a tumble dryer, always opt for the tumble-dry or air-dry setting. These settings are the best option to ensure your clothes come out of the dryer unchanged. If your dryer does not have these settings, use the lowest heat setting available.
If you are in a rush, you can dry your t-shirts on low heat for a short period, and then hang them to dry for the remainder. This will speed up the drying process while minimising the risk of shrinkage.
If you have been disappointed with the results of drying your t-shirts on low heat in the past, there may be other factors at play. For example, if your t-shirts are coming out of the dryer wrinkled, try removing them from the washer and giving them a good "flap" to reduce wrinkles before drying. If you are still experiencing issues, you may want to consider increasing the heat setting slightly or using a dryer ball to reduce wrinkles.
Additionally, make sure you are following the care instructions on the t-shirt label, as some fabrics are more prone to shrinkage than others. For example, cotton and wool can absorb a lot of water, which can lead to shrinkage. Therefore, it is important to follow the recommended washing and drying instructions for these fabrics to avoid over-drying and minimise the risk of shrinkage.
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Buy pre-shrunk shirts
One of the best ways to avoid the disappointment of a favourite t-shirt shrinking in the wash is to buy pre-shrunk shirts. This way, you can avoid any stress and worry about your t-shirt shrinking.
Pre-shrunk shirts are washed ahead of time and then sized according to the fit after they are "shrunk". This means that the tension applied to the fabric when the shirt is constructed is released during this pre-washing stage, so you don't have to worry about it happening when you wash your shirt for the first time.
How to Know if a Shirt is Pre-Shrunk
When buying a new t-shirt, check the tag. The tag may provide insight into whether a garment is particularly prone to shrinking, and some may even indicate that they are "pre-shrunk".
Other Benefits of Buying Pre-Shrunk Shirts
Not only will you avoid the disappointment of a favourite shirt shrinking, but you will also save time and effort on the often tedious task of hang-drying your shirts. Pre-shrunk shirts are also a good option if you don't have the space to air-dry your clothes.
Other Ways to Avoid T-Shirt Shrinking
Even if you buy pre-shrunk shirts, it's still a good idea to follow best practices for avoiding t-shirt shrinkage. This includes:
- Washing your shirts in cold water
- Avoiding tumble drying, and instead air-drying your shirts
- Avoiding direct sunlight when air-drying
- Avoiding ironing your t-shirts, and instead using a de-wrinkle spray
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Frequently asked questions
Wash your t-shirts in cold water and dry them on a low heat setting. If you can, air-dry your t-shirts instead of putting them in the dryer.
Air-drying is the best way to prevent shrinkage. Hang your t-shirts inside on a rod or drying rack, or outside on a clothesline. If you don't have space to air-dry your t-shirts, dry them in the dryer on a low heat setting and remove them while they're still damp.
Yes, buy pre-shrunk shirts or shirts made from synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, or spandex.
