How to wash heavy cotton without shrinking it

Cotton shrinks when hot water and heat relax the fibers and the knit tightens. Our jersey and loopback are washed before they are cut, so most of that has already happened. The rest depends on how you wash.

We put a Loopback Crewneck through thirty washes in the studio, measuring after every fifth. Washed cold and dried low, it lost less than 3% in length and nothing in width. One hot dryer cycle took 5% at once.

Wash cold, inside out

Cold water cleans everyday wear just as well and keeps the size and the color. Turn the garment inside out so the outside rubs less against the drum.

• 86 °F (30 °C) at most
• A gentle cycle, with similar colors
• No bleach and no fabric softener, which flattens loopback

Dry low, or flat

Heat is what shrinks cotton. Tumble dry on low, take it out while it is still a little damp, or dry it flat on a rack. Never hang heavy loopback wet: the weight of the water stretches it.

Wash less

A sweatshirt worn over a T-shirt rarely needs washing after every wear. Air it overnight and wash it every three or four wears. It will last longer and so will its color.

If something did shrink, wash it cold, gently stretch it back while damp and dry it flat. If it is still too small, write to us.