How to prevent clothes from shrinking when washing

There’s nothing more frustrating than pulling a freshly washed sweater or your child’s favorite t-shirt out of the laundry, only to find that it’s suddenly two sizes smaller. 

Shrinking clothes is a common laundry woe that can leave you feeling like you’ve ruined your wardrobe or wasted money on kids’ clothes that barely got worn. But don’t worry—with the right techniques, you can keep your clothes in perfect shape, wash after wash. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to prevent clothes from shrinking, so you can keep your favorite garments looking and fitting just right. Let’s dive in!

Understanding the problem of shrinking clothes

We’ve all been there—your favorite shirt or your child’s adorable new outfit comes out of the wash two sizes smaller. It’s frustrating, right? 

Clothes shrinking during washing is a common issue that can turn your wardrobe into a tight fit. This problem often hits children’s clothes the hardest, with their delicate fabrics and frequent washing making them more vulnerable. 

The key to avoiding this? Understanding why clothes shrink in the first place and taking the right steps to prevent it.

Why proper washing techniques matter

Washing clothes might seem like a straightforward task, but doing it wrong can spell disaster for your wardrobe. Proper washing techniques are crucial, especially when it comes to children’s clothes. A little extra care goes a long way in keeping clothes from shrinking, stretching, or fading. And let’s face it—kids outgrow their clothes fast enough without the laundry making things worse!

Choosing the right washing method

When it comes to washing your clothes, not all methods are created equal. Here’s how you can make sure your clothes come out of the wash looking as good as new.

Read and follow care labels

Think of care labels as the manufacturer’s cheat sheet for keeping your clothes in top shape. These labels tell you exactly how to wash and dry each item without causing damage. Before you toss anything into the wash, take a second to check the label. It’s a small step that can save you from a major laundry disaster, especially with children’s clothes.

Not sure how to interpret those care symbols? Check out our article How to read clothing labels for children’s safety! 

Use cold water

Hot water might seem like the best choice for getting clothes super clean, but it’s also a top culprit in making them shrink. Cold water, on the other hand, is much more gentle on fabrics. It helps prevent fibers from contracting, keeping your clothes the size they were meant to be. 

This is particularly important for children’s clothes, which often have bright colors and soft fabrics that can be easily damaged by heat.

At Coco Au Lait, our 100% organic cotton garments are designed to be machine washed in cold water to maintain their softness and shape. 

Select the gentle cycle

The gentle cycle on your washing machine isn’t just for delicates—it’s a great option for any clothing you want to protect from shrinking. 

This setting uses less agitation and slower spin speeds, reducing the stress on your clothes. It’s perfect for kids’ clothes that need to withstand frequent washing without losing their shape.

Proper drying techniques

Even if you nail the washing part, drying clothes the wrong way can still lead to shrinkage. Here’s how to dry your clothes without any unpleasant surprises.

Avoid high heat

High heat is a big no-no if you want to avoid shrinking your clothes. Whether you’re using a dryer or hanging clothes outside, too much heat can cause the fibers to contract. 

Instead, stick to low heat settings on your dryer, or better yet, try air drying.

Opt for air drying

Air drying is the safest method to keep your clothes from shrinking. Hanging clothes on a line or laying them flat to dry helps them retain their original size and shape. 

It might take a little longer, but it’s worth it to keep your clothes looking great, especially when it comes to your children’s favorite outfits.

Use the tumble dry low setting

If you prefer the convenience of a dryer, the tumble dry low setting is your best friend. This setting uses lower temperatures, which are much kinder to fabrics. While it might take a bit longer, your clothes will thank you for it.

Special tips for different fabrics

Different fabrics need different care. Here’s how to handle some of the most common materials to avoid shrinkage.

Cotton

Cotton is notorious for shrinking, especially if washed in hot water or dried on high heat. To keep your cotton clothes in top shape, always wash them in cold water and either air dry or use the tumble dry low setting.

For 100% organic cotton garments that combine style and quality, don’t miss out on our latest Fall/Winter 2024 collection, “The Wild”. Your son will love the Brown Sugar Trousers, and if you have a daughter, get her this adorable Crochet Collar Dress, also available for babies!  

Wool

Wool is delicate and prone to shrinking, sometimes drastically. To avoid turning your wool sweater into a doll-sized version, hand wash it in cold water or use your machine’s wool setting. Always lay wool items flat to dry—never hang them, as this can stretch them out of shape.

Want your kid’s Herringbone Coat to keep looking its best? This relaxed-fit coat from our Fall/Winter 2024 collection is made with a blend of wool, silk, and other fibers, and lined with an organic cotton voile.

To preserve its quality and elegance, be sure to machine wash cold and follow the care instructions. 

Synthetics

Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon are more resistant to shrinking, but they’re not immune. Wash them in cold or warm water and dry on a low heat setting. These fabrics dry quickly, so air drying is also a good option.

Delicates

Delicate fabrics like silk or lace require extra care. Hand wash them in cold water with a mild detergent, and avoid the dryer altogether. 

Lay delicates flat to air dry to keep them from shrinking or getting damaged.

Common mistakes to avoid

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make mistakes that lead to shrunken clothes. Here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of:

Overloading the washing machine

It’s tempting to stuff as many clothes as possible into one load, but overloading the washing machine can lead to uneven washing and excessive friction. This can cause shrinkage or even damage the fabric. Give your clothes some space to move around during the wash.

Ignoring care labels

Skipping the care labels is one of the easiest ways to ruin your clothes. Always follow the washing and drying instructions provided—they’re there to help you keep your clothes in great shape.

Using excessive detergent

More detergent doesn’t equal cleaner clothes. In fact, using too much detergent can create too many suds, which can trap heat and lead to shrinking. Stick to the recommended amount for the best results.

By following these simple steps, you can keep your children’s clothes looking as good as the day you bought them. With the right washing and drying techniques, you’ll avoid the dreaded shrinkage and keep their favorite outfits in perfect condition. Happy washing!