Cotton
Does cotton shrink?
Yes – cotton shrinks in hot water and the dryer, especially as a knit. Wash at 30 °C and dry without heat.
How to prevent it
- Wash cool: 30 °C or as the label says, never hotter.
- Use a gentle cycle and a lower spin.
- Dry without heat – on a line or flat; the dryer is the main culprit.
- Iron at the temperature on the label.
If it has shrunk
- If it has shrunk: soak in lukewarm water with hair conditioner for 30 minutes, gently stretch and dry flat. It helps some fabrics; felted wool won't recover.
About cotton
The fibre is combed, spun into yarn and woven or knitted. Long staples (Pima, Egyptian) are softer and stronger.
Which fabrics shrink most and least
Other questions
Questions and answers
Frequently asked
01What is cotton?
The fluffy fibre around cotton plant seeds. The fibre is combed, spun into yarn and woven or knitted. Long staples (Pima, Egyptian) are softer and stronger.
02Is cotton a natural fabric?
Yes – a natural plant fibre.
03Is cotton breathable?
Very well: cotton is one of the most breathable fabrics – the coolest choice for hot weather.