How to Stop T-Shirts from Shrinking in the Wash

Why Cotton Shrinks

Cotton fibres are woven under tension during manufacturing. Heat — from hot water or a hot dryer — relaxes that tension and lets the fibres contract back to their natural, more compact state. That contraction is what you feel as shrinkage. It's almost never the washing itself; it's the heat.

The Wash Settings That Prevent It

• Cold or lukewarm water only. Hot water is the single biggest cause of shrinkage — avoid it entirely for cotton tees.
• Gentle or normal cycle, not a heavy-duty one — less agitation means less stress on the fibres.
• Don't overload the machine. Overcrowded loads mean more friction and tension on each garment.

Drying Is Where Most Shrinkage Actually Happens

If you only change one habit, make it this: skip the tumble dryer, or use it on the lowest heat setting only. Air-drying flat or on a hanger, away from direct sun, keeps a cotton tee at essentially its original size wash after wash. If you do tumble dry, pull it out slightly damp and let it finish air-drying.

What About "Pre-Shrunk" Fabric?

Pre-shrunk or bio-washed fabric (like the 240 GSM French Terry cotton we use) has already gone through a controlled shrinking process before it ever reaches you, so most of the natural shrinkage has already happened at the factory. That gives you more room for error — but hot water and high heat can still cause a small amount of further shrinkage over time, so the same cold-wash, low-heat-dry routine still applies.

Quick Reference

• Cold water wash — always
• Air dry, or lowest heat setting only
• Don't overload the machine
• Pre-shrunk/bio-washed fabric = extra safety margin, not immunity