Preventing T-Shirt Shrinkage: Tips To Keep Your Tees True-To-Size

T-shirts are prone to shrinking, and it's usually heat that's the culprit. The good news is that there are several ways to prevent this from happening. The first is to avoid putting your t-shirts in the dryer. If you do use a dryer, make sure it's on a low-heat setting and take your clothes out while they're still damp. You can then hang them up to finish drying. It's also recommended to wash your t-shirts in cold water and to check the labels for specific care instructions.

Wash in cold water

Washing your t-shirts in cold water is a simple yet effective way to prevent shrinkage. The reason why clothing shrinks is that the heat from the water or dryer causes the fibres in the fabric to contract and tighten. Therefore, by washing your t-shirts in cold water, you can avoid this issue.

Most modern detergents are designed to work effectively in cold water, so you don't have to worry about your clothes not getting clean. In fact, washing your clothes in cold water has several benefits beyond just preventing shrinkage. It's also an energy-efficient option that can help you save money on your utility bills.

If your washing machine has a "delicates" setting, this can also help to prevent shrinkage. This setting uses low agitation (less moving and shaking) and a slower, shorter spin cycle to drain the water, which is gentler on your clothes. However, sometimes these cycles default to a warm wash, so be sure to check and change the setting to cold if needed.

Additionally, it's important to read the care labels on your t-shirts before washing. Different fabrics have specific care instructions, and following these instructions can help you keep your t-shirts looking new for longer. For example, wool and cashmere garments should be taken to a dry cleaner, as any sort of agitation can cause these animal-based fabrics to shrink.

Air-dry

• Hang your T-shirts on a rod or drying rack inside, or use a clothesline outside. This method is energy-efficient and prevents shrinkage.
• If you're drying your clothes outside, avoid hanging wool items in direct sunlight to prevent shrinkage. Also, keep an eye on the weather, and don't hang your clothes out to dry in high winds or storms to prevent stretching or damage.
• If you're using a dryer, remove your T-shirts while they're still damp and finish air-drying them by hanging them up. This will help avoid over-drying, which can cause shrinkage.
• Make sure to follow the care instructions on the T-shirt's label. Some fabrics are more prone to shrinkage than others, so it's important to check the recommended drying method.
• If you're washing multiple delicate items, air-drying can be a good option as it saves space compared to laying items flat.
• If you're short on space, you can use a shower rod to hang your T-shirts to dry. Just make sure the rod is securely attached to the wall, as wet clothes can be heavy.

Wash inside out

Washing your t-shirts inside out is a simple but effective method to protect them from the harsh conditions of the washing machine and prevent shrinkage. By turning your shirts inside out, you create a protective barrier between the fabric and the machine drum, water, and detergent. This simple step can make a significant difference in maintaining the shape, color, and overall quality of your t-shirts. Here's why and how to implement this technique effectively.

The inside-out method is particularly beneficial for graphic tees or printed t-shirts. It helps preserve the design or print on the shirt by preventing direct friction and abrasion during washing. This is crucial for keeping the colors vibrant and the design intact, especially if the shirt has a complex or detailed print. Turning the shirt inside out creates a protective layer, ensuring that the focus of the wash is on cleaning the less sensitive inner fabric.

For plain t-shirts, washing inside out is still advantageous as it reduces the exposure of the outer fabric to the agitator or drum of the washing machine. This minimizes the mechanical impact on the cloth, reducing the chances of fiber damage and subsequent shrinkage. It also helps to preserve the color of the shirt, as the dyes in the fabric are shielded from the full force of the wash cycle, preventing fading and keeping the original shade intact.

To implement this technique effectively, start by turning your t-shirts inside out before placing them in the washing machine. Ensure that the entire shirt is reversed, including the sleeves. If your shirt has a tag with care instructions, ensure that the tag is also on the outside when you load it into the machine. By doing this, you ensure that the sensitive parts of the shirt, such as the design or the colored fabric, are protected during the wash cycle.

Avoid tumble drying

Tumble drying is one of the main causes of T-shirt shrinkage. The heat from tumble dryers can cause the fibres in your T-shirt to contract and tighten, resulting in a shrunken garment. Therefore, to keep your T-shirts from shrinking, it is best to avoid tumble drying.

Air-drying your T-shirts is a great alternative to tumble drying. You can hang your T-shirts on a rod or drying rack inside, or on a clothesline outside. Not only is this method shrink-proof, but it is also energy-efficient. If you are drying your clothes outside, avoid hanging them in direct sunlight or in high winds, as this can cause damage or stretching.

If you are short on space, you can lay your T-shirts flat on a surface to dry. However, be sure to handle them gently while they are wet to avoid causing any distortion to the fibres.

If you are in a hurry, you can partially dry your T-shirts in the tumble dryer and then finish drying them by hanging or laying them out. This will speed up the drying process while still avoiding shrinkage.

Overall, by avoiding tumble drying and utilising alternative drying methods, you can effectively prevent your T-shirts from shrinking.

Check the label

Garment labels contain two critical pieces of information: fibre type and care instructions. Checking the label before washing your clothes is essential to ensure proper care and prevent stretching or shrinking.

Fibre type is important because certain natural fibres, such as wool and cotton, are more likely to shrink than others. Wool fibres are covered in scales, and when these scales come into contact with heat and moisture, they mesh together, causing fabrics to shrink. This is known as felting shrinkage. Additionally, cotton and wool can both absorb quite a bit of water, which can also lead to shrinking. Therefore, fabrics made of cotton or wool should generally be washed in cold water.

Care instructions are also key. Pay special attention to the manufacturer's instructions for washing and drying, such as hand washing, dry cleaning and line drying. Some clothes can go through the drying cycle on low heat, and some should be air-dried to maintain their size and shape.

If you're in doubt about whether to put a garment in the dryer, it's better to be cautious and hang it up to air-dry instead.

Frequently asked questions