How to Stop Oversized T-Shirts From Shrinking?

After searching for the right shirt, you manage to get a really large shirt that just happens to fit the way you like.

Not only does it feel comfortable on the shoulders but also the length and the quality of fabric is just right for your body type.

But wait! After washing it once, the shirt gets smaller by two sizes. How frustrating! However, the positive aspect of all of this is the fact that shrinkage can be avoided easily.

Wash in Cold Water Instead of Hot Water

And this single step alone ensures that most large tees will not shrink at all. Hot water leads to contraction of the cotton threads, and after this takes place, the shirt seldom returns to its initial dimensions.

Cold water cleans the shirt adequately without exposing it to any form of thermal pressure. Normal everyday perspiration and grime can be washed away effectively using cold water without compromising on hygiene.

Just set this as your default method, and your tees will forever thank you for it.

Read the Care Label Before Washing

There’s a reason the care label exists, after all. The care label gives you an indication of the highest washing temperature allowed, whether the garment can go into your washer, and how it should dry.

Many people miss that and then end up with an unexpected crop top because of it. Shirts that are oversized and made from cotton or organic cotton blend might require more delicate treatment than a regular t-shirt.

Use a Gentle Wash Cycle

Using either the regular or heavy duty cycle not only helps in cleaning your clothes but will cause damage to the fabric in the form of fiber agitation, hence causing shrinkage as well as altering the shape of the clothing item.

The delicate or gentle cycle is characterized by lower spin speed as well as low agitation. This method also cleans the clothing properly without damaging the fabric.

Avoid High Heat in The Dryer

Whereas the washing machine may be partially to blame, the dryer takes the cake. The high temperatures cause the cotton fibers to shrink rapidly, shrinking the shirt permanently due to constant exposure to them.

While many shirts manage to escape the washing process without shrinking, they rarely do so when placed in the dryer.

Select the lowest temperature setting possible, or even better, use an air-dry function on your dryer.

Remove the shirt when it is still somewhat wet, allowing it to air dry. This will not harm the shirt in any way.

Turn The T-Shirt Inside Out Before Washing

It only takes five seconds and prevents the outside of your shirt from being directly exposed to any friction in the process.

It helps prevent pilling, minimizes the loss of color, and spreads the wear out across the material. If you own dark oversized T-shirts or T-shirts with prints on them, this is one good habit that will make sure they last longer.

Use Mild Detergent For Cotton Fabrics

The tough detergents destroy the fibers of the cloth slowly. The mild detergents are used on the clothes since they do not take away from the fabric; this is important when using high-quality cotton T-shirts which are supposed to last.

Find a detergent that is marked for washing delicate fabrics. It is important to observe the right quantities of detergent used because using too much leads to staining of the cloth.

Avoid Frequent Washing If The Shirt is Still Clean

Not every individual wear requires you to throw the piece in the wash. For instance, if you have worn your oversized t-shirt for a couple of hours and your body is freshly washed, airing it is likely all you need.

Excessive washing, even on a cold wash cycle, eventually wears out the material fibers. Saving on the washing by only doing so when necessary maintains the quality of the material.

Store T-Shirts Folded Properly To Keep Their Shape

It also causes stress on the shoulder seams and deforms the neckline when hanging an oversized T-shirt for prolonged periods of time.

The best way to store the T-shirt is by folding it so that the fabric stays neutral. Instead of making a fold straight down the middle of the shirt, make folds along its seams.

It’s preferable to put the T-shirt on a flat surface or in a drawer than to hang it on a hanger.

Hand Wash Premium Oversized T-Shirts

In order for you to keep your oversized shirts in tip-top condition, it’s best if you wash them by hand instead of using a machine.

Simply fill up a basin with cold water and pour in a bit of mild detergent. Gently swirl the shirt around and rinse until all the dirt is removed. Afterwards, press out the water without twisting the material.

This collection of oversized shirts makes use of high-quality cotton materials that do really well being washed by hand. It will definitely last longer since the shirt doesn’t need to be agitated and dried in a machine.

Avoid Ironing With Very High Heat

High temperatures generated by the iron can produce the same effect as the high heat settings of a dryer.

The fibers will be compressed and weakened. For garments that require pressing, it is recommended that you use medium heat with a thin layer of cloth between the iron and the fabric.

Ironing cotton garments with steam using low heat is effective for most large cotton T-shirts. It is important to note the maximum ironing temperature recommended by the label before ironing any garments.

Conclusion

When it comes to stopping shrinkage in your oversized t-shirts, there's really only one thing you need to do - keep it cool!

This applies both to washing your shirts and drying them. Using cold water, choosing a gentle wash cycle, avoiding high heat when drying, and storing them properly can take care of all the major reasons why they might shrink.

Hand washing is an added bonus for those special shirts. It doesn't take much work after a while, and it ensures your oversized tees stay true to themselves for years to come.

Also Read: How to Dress Stylishly With a Big Belly