Why does cotton shrink?

Learning the dos and don’ts of fabric care can help keep your family’s wardrobe in good shape, and understanding cotton is no exception. Cotton fibers loosen and swell as they’re washed or heated, then absorb water and shrink as they dry, tightening the fabric. Hot water, agitation in the washer and dryer heat can all make shrinking worse.

Read on to learn more about which laundry habits contribute to shrinking. Discover how to help prevent shrinking and possibly unshrink affected clothes, then get tips for washing cotton clothing.

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Does cotton shrink in the washer or dryer?

Cotton clothes like sweaters or dress shirts can shrink in both the washer and dryer if the settings aren’t right. Heat and agitation are the biggest offenders.

Washing in hot water with a heavy cycle can lead to shrinkage, and drying on high heat only adds to the problem—especially if you tend to overdry your clothes. Opt for a gentler, cold-water wash and low drying heat to help keep your garments in better shape.

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Does 100% cotton shrink every time you wash it?

Cotton typically shrinks the most during its first wash, but it can still shrink a bit more if it's exposed to high heat over time. Some clothing manufacturers pre-wash their cotton clothes before they hit the rack try and alleviate this issue. You can help minimize any future shrinking by sticking to the care tag instructions.

How much does cotton shrink?

How much your cotton clothes shrink ultimately depends on how they were treated during the manufacturing process, the fabric’s weave and how they’re cleaned at home. Preshrunk cotton typically shrinks around 2% to 5% when you wash it, but untreated, non-preshrunk cotton can still shrink up to around 20%, depending on the garment.

Cotton fibers are often blended with synthetic fabrics like polyester, rayon or spandex to create clothing that’s less susceptible to shrinking, so you can worry less when washing cotton blends.

Can you unshrink cotton?

You may be able to help stretch your garment back to its original size by trying to relax the fibers that tightened up from heat or agitation. Try using some lukewarm water to rehydrate the fibers and a bit of hair conditioner to soften them up, making the fabric flexible again. Always check your care tags first. Read on to discover the step-by-step process for unshrinking cotton clothes.

How to unshrink a cotton shirt

You may not be able to restore clothes to their original size and shape, but warm water with conditioner mixed in might help relax the fibers so you can stretch and reshape them. Follow the steps below to help try to unshrink clothes.

1. Soak in water and conditioner mixture

Fill a sink with lukewarm water and mix in two tablespoons of conditioner. Add your shrunken garment. Let the garment soak for 30 minutes.

2. Remove excess water

Gently wring out your garment, then lay it out on a towel and roll it up to remove excess water.

3. Gently stretch clothing

Unroll the towel, then gradually stretch out the clothing. Once you’ve stretched it to your desired shape, consider using heavy items to hold the clothing in place as it dries.

Person loading clothes into laundry basket

Tips for washing cotton and helping prevent shrinkage

Cotton is loved for its durability, breathability and softness. With the right wash settings and laundry habits, you can help keep your cotton clothes looking and feeling just right. Check out the tips below to learn how to wash cotton fabrics.

Read the care tag: Every garment has distinct coloration and a unique fabric blend, so always reference your clothing’s care tag for specific washing and drying instructions.
Use a Gentle cycle: Use a Gentle or Delicate cycle to help prevent excessive agitation that can damage fibers.
Dry with low heat: Drying with low heat, air drying or using a cycle like the Tumble Dry cycle on select Whirlpool^® Dryers can help prevent shrinkage caused by high heat or overdrying.
Use a mesh bag: Excessive agitation can damage clothing fibers and make shrinking worse, so put particularly delicate cotton items in a mesh bag before washing.

Explore Whirlpool^® Washers and Dryers

Whirlpool^® Washers and Dryers have the features you need to care for your delicate fabrics. The Cold Wash Cycle on select models adjusts wash actions and time, using gentle temperatures to help protect fabrics. Advanced Moisture Sensing on select dryers offers added protection against overdrying, as three sensors detect both moisture and temperature and adjust drying time accordingly.