Pre-shrunk cotton garments generally shrink only about 2-5%, maintaining their fit and size. On the other hand, cotton that hasn’t been pre-shrunk may shrink up to 20% if proper care isn’t taken during laundry. This is particularly relevant for items made exclusively from 100% cotton.

Generally, cold water doesn’t shrink 100% cotton fabric but hot water does. 

While your clothing fits fine before you wash and dye it, then if it shrinks 20% is too tight. But if it’s a bit larger, then 20% shrink will fit better. Making a cotton shrink is not too easy but not impossible. 

Which Type of Cloth Shrink in the Dryer

Cloth shrinking depends on cloth material and temperature. Here is the list of the material fabric that shrinks more while you use the dryer.

  • Cotton
  • Silk
  • Linen
  • Silk
  • Hemp

Above all types of fabric are shrink-sensitive in the dryer. Therefore those shrink in the heat.

Why Does Cotton t-shirt Shrink?

Since cotton is a natural and organic fabric, high heat shrunk the thread due to the relaxation of fibers. To make high-quality clothes cotton is stretched while threads are made. Washer heat releases tension, sunlight, and steam and also reduces the size of the cloth.

Which Temperature Should you Wash Cotton?

Temperature over 60 degrees shrinks the fabric. A temperature below 60 degrees is recommended to avoid shrinkage. But if you want to shrink then up to 95 degrees is for white cloth and 60 degrees or below for colorful cloth. Also, it’s preferable to use a mild detergent to preserve the cloth quality. Air dry is the best option to dry cloth.

Does every time Cotton shirt Shrink in the Dryer?

It depends on the water temperature. If you wash it with high-temperature water in the dryer then it will shrink. Therefore you should use cold water to prevent shrinkage. When cotton isn’t pre-washed then it shrinks once. Therefore make sure to check the label whether it is pre-washed or not.

What Type of Clothes are not for Dryer?

Each type of fabric does not suit the dryer. Using a dryer will cause damage to those clothes. For example, jackets, coats, and Suit pants are not suitable to use in the dryer. So they add the tag “dry-clean or air-dry only”. Therefore, those formal expensive clothing is not for dryer. Those are

As per the recommendation from the manufacturer air drying or dry cleaning is the perfect solution.

  1. Knitted or Woven fabric. Such as sweaters, cardigans, and a variety of products that are made from knitted or woven fabric
  2. Silk.
  3. Leather or Artificial Leather
  4. Any leather or artificial leather product
  5. Spandex or elastane or lycra a synthetic fiber

When does the Cotton Stop Shrinking?

Plant pre-washed cotton shrinks every time it those clean with high-temperature water. Hence there isn’t any stop time for shrinking pre-washed cloth. While it’s not pre-washed cotton it will do it once.

To identify a good quality t shirt you may read best quality t shirt for printing.