Yes, cotton usually shrinks in the dryer due to heat causing the fibers to contract. To prevent shrinkage, wash cotton in cold water and air dry when possible, or use low heat settings.
You just pulled your favorite cotton t-shirt out of the dryer, only to find it's now better suited for your pet dog—yikes.
Shrinking cotton clothes in the dryer is a common laundry mishap that can turn your comfy wardrobe into doll-sized disappointments. Okay, maybe not doll-sized—it usually only shrinks up to a full size. But nonetheless, it doesn't fit you anymore.
In this article, you'll learn how to prevent cotton from shrinking, and we'll show you a few tricks to salvage those already-shrunken favorites. Whether you're a laundry newbie or a seasoned spin cycler, you'll get the inside scoop on keeping your cotton crisp, comfy—and most importantly, the right size.
Does Cotton Shrink in the Dryer?
Short answer: Yes, cotton absolutely can (and often does) shrink in the dryer.
This comfy natural fiber we all love is made up of long chains of molecules that twist and curl around each other. When your cotton clothes go for a spin in the hot dryer, the cotton fibers contract, ultimately shrinking the whole garment.
But not all cotton shrinks equally. Long-staple cotton (like Pima or Egyptian) tends to shrink less than short-staple varieties. Tighter weaves usually shrink less than looser ones. And some clothes are preshrunk, which can help reduce shrinkage.
How to Prevent Cotton from Shrinking
While that 100% cotton label might be shouting "will shrink in the dryer" at you, don't despair. There are ways to keep your cotton clothes in shape.
Check the Care Instructions
Trust us, those tiny tags can save you from big laundry disasters. Look for phrases like "pre-shrunk" or specific washing instructions. It's a cheat code for keeping your clothes in good condition.
You might learn that your clothes need to be washed at a certain temperature or dried a certain way.
Wash with Cool Water
When it comes to washing cotton, keep it cool. It keeps those cotton fibers from getting all tight and curly. Plus, it's a win for your energy bill and Mother Earth. Talk about a cool move.
Air Dry
Forget the dryer and let your cotton clothes hang free on a drying rack. Air drying is the foolproof way to dry your garments. No heat, no tumbling, no shrinkage. Your clothes will thank you by keeping their shape (and size).
Use a No-Heat Setting On Your Dryer
Sometimes air drying isn't an option (we're looking at you, rainy days and tight schedules). In that case, use your dryer's no-heat setting.
How to Un-Shrink Cotton Clothes
Did your favorite cotton tee just go from cool and comfy to tight and tiny? Don't toss it in your donation pile just yet. While we can't promise miracles (we're laundry experts, not magicians), there are a few tricks you can try to coax those cotton fibers back to their original size.
1. The Stretch and Reshape Method
Take matters into your own hands:
- 1. Get your garment damp and lay it on a flat, absorbent towel.
- 2. Gently stretch the fabric in all directions to restore its original shape. Pay attention to areas that seem extra shrunken, like sleeves or length.
- 3. Leave the garment to air dry in its stretched state.
This method works best when your garment is damp but not soaking wet.
2. The Steam and Iron Technique
You can also coax your clothes to relax with a little moisture and heat:
- 1. Hang your garment in a steamy bathroom—like while you take a shower—or use a garment steamer to add moisture to the fabric.
- 2. Set your iron to the lowest heat setting suitable for cotton.
- 3. Gently iron the garment through the damp cloth, stretching as you go.
This method uses moisture and heat to relax those cotton fibers and a bit of manual stretching to encourage them back to their original size.
3. Soak in Baby Shampoo
Time to give your clothes a bubble bath:
- 1. Fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water.
- 2. Add a squirt of baby shampoo or hair conditioner.
- 3. Soak your shrunken garment for about 30 minutes.
- 4. While it's soaking, gently stretch the fabric underwater.
- 5. Remove the garment, press out excess water, and reshape it.
The gentle cleanser helps relax those tightly curled cotton fibers, making them more pliable and stretchable.
Common Questions About Cotton Shrinkage
Alright, consider this your crash course in Cotton Shrinkage 101 with some burning questions you might have.
Does 100% Cotton Always Shrink in the Dryer?
100% cotton is indeed prone to shrinkage, but the extent can vary. Factors like the quality of the cotton, the tightness of the weave, and any pre-shrinking treatments play a role. That said, if you toss a 100% cotton item in a hot dryer, chances are it'll come out a bit smaller than it went in.
How Many Sizes Does Cotton Shrink?
On average, cotton can shrink anywhere from 3-5% after a first wash. Cotton can shrink up to one full size down. When in doubt, size up or stick to cold water and air drying.
What Temperature Does 100% Cotton Shrink in?
Cotton typically starts to shrink at temperatures above 90°F (32°C) in the dryer. However, the shrinking process can begin at lower temperatures too. To play it safe, wash your cotton in cold to cool water (below 80°F or 27°C). And when it comes to drying, think "cool breeze" rather than "desert heat."
Can You Reverse Cotton Shrinkage?
Yes, you can often reverse some shrinkage, but don't expect miracles. Try the techniques above, but success varies depending on how much the item has shrunk and how many times it's been washed and dried in high heat. That's why prevention is your best bet.
Dry Your Laundry Like a Pro
Now you know everything you need to know to keep your cotton in tip-top shape. The key takeaways? Cold water is your friend (our laundry pods perform like a champ in chilly water), low heat is the way to go, and when in doubt, air dry. But we know sometimes you need to use that dryer, and that's where a couple of laundry heroes come in handy.
Laundry Sauce's wool dryer balls can help prevent shrinkage by reducing drying time. Pair them with Laundry Sauce dryer sheets to level up your scent game while reducing static. These luxurious dryer sheets will leave your clothes smelling sophisticated—with scents like Australian Sandalwood, Indian Tuberose, and French Saffron—not "fresh breeze". It's the perfect finish to your laundry routine.
