Yes, 100% cotton can definitely shrink after washing. It is one of the most common properties of this natural fiber.
However, how much it shrinks depends almost entirely on how you wash and dry it.
Why Does Cotton Shrink?
There are two main reasons:
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Relaxation Shrinkage: Cotton fibers are stretched during the manufacturing process of turning them into yarn and fabric. When you wash cotton, especially for the first time, water and agitation relax the fibers, causing them to return to their natural, shorter state.
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Felting Shrinkage (in the dryer): This is the primary cause of significant shrinkage. The combination of heat and agitation in the dryer causes the cotton fibers to contract and tighten together.
How Much Does It Shrink?
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On average, with improper washing/drying, 100% cotton can shrink between 3% to 5%.
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With high heat, some fabrics can shrink up to 10% or more, which is a full size down.
How to Prevent Cotton from Shrinking
The good news is that shrinkage is largely preventable with proper care.
1. Wash in Cold Water.
This is the single most important step. Always use the cold water setting on your washing machine. Hot water causes the cotton fibers to contract.
2. Avoid High Heat in the Dryer.
The dryer is the biggest culprit.
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Air Dry: This is the safest method. Hang your cotton clothes to dry or lay them flat.
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Tumble Dry on Low/No Heat: If you must use a dryer, select the lowest heat setting or the “air fluff” (no heat) cycle.
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Remove While Slightly Damp: Taking clothes out while they are still a little damp and letting them finish air-drying helps prevent wrinkles and minimizes any residual shrinkage.
3. Check the Care Label.
Some modern cotton garments are “pre-shrunk” or “sanforized.” This means they have undergone a process during manufacturing to minimize future shrinkage. They will still shrink slightly, but much less than non-pre-shrunk cotton.
4. Pre-Shrink It Yourself (Pro Tip for New Items)
If you buy a 100% cotton item that you know is prone to shrinking (like a t-shirt), you can pre-shrink it before wearing it for the first time.
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Wash it on a warm setting (this is the one time you intentionally use warmer water).
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Dry it on medium heat.
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This will cause most of the potential shrinkage to happen upfront, so the garment will be stable for future cold washes.
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In Summary:
| Action | Result on Cotton |
|---|---|
| Wash in Hot Water & Dry on High Heat | High Shrinkage (Likely 5-10%) |
| Wash in Warm Water & Dry on Medium Heat | Moderate Shrinkage (Likely 3-5%) |
| Wash in Cold Water & Air Dry | Little to No Shrinkage |
Bottom Line: Yes, 100% cotton can shrink, but you are in control. By washing in cold water and avoiding the high heat of the dryer, you can easily prevent most, if not all, of the shrinkage.
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