To wash a shirt without shrinking it, the most effective method is to use cold water and a gentle wash cycle, and avoid high heat during drying.
Understanding Why Shirts Shrink
Shrinking primarily occurs due to heat exposure, especially with natural fibers like cotton, wool, and linen. Heat causes these fibers to contract. Agitation can also contribute to shrinking, particularly in materials prone to felting, like wool.
The Cold Water Advantage
According to LaLonde, "A good general rule of thumb is to stick to cold and delicate cycles." Using cold water is crucial because, as LaLonde explains, "Cold cycles are the way to go to prevent shrinking. Most fabrics are much more susceptible to shrinking when exposed to high heats.” Cold water helps fibers retain their original structure and prevents them from contracting.
Recommended Washing Settings
For most shirts, especially those made from natural or blended fibers that you want to protect from shrinking, follow these steps:
- Select Cold Water: Always opt for the cold water setting on your washing machine.
- Choose a Gentle or Delicate Cycle: These cycles use less agitation, further reducing the risk of fiber contraction and damage.
- Turn Shirts Inside Out: This helps protect the fabric surface and any prints or embellishments.
- Don't Overload the Washer: Giving shirts room to move freely in the machine prevents excessive friction and stretching/pulling.
Here's a quick comparison of wash settings:
| Setting | Water Temperature | Agitation Level | Shrinking Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shrink-Safe | Cold | Low (Delicate) | Low |
| Shrink Risk | Warm/Hot | High (Normal) | High |
Drying is Just as Important
Washing isn't the only stage where shrinking can occur; high heat in dryers is also a major culprit.
- Air Dry: The safest method is to air dry shirts by laying them flat or hanging them. This eliminates heat exposure completely.
- Low Heat Tumble Dry: If you must use a dryer, select the lowest heat setting or an "air fluff" (no heat) setting. Remove shirts while slightly damp and lay flat or hang to finish drying.
- Avoid Over-Drying: Prolonged exposure to heat, even on a low setting, can still cause some shrinkage.
By combining cold water washing with careful drying methods, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of your shirts shrinking and help them maintain their size and shape.
