6 Laundry Mistakes That Are Shrinking Your Clothes

There are plenty of ways to damage your clothing—spills, stains, and general wear and tear. But one of the most frustrating mishaps is accidentally shrinking your favorite top in the wash. Once that oversized sweater turns into a dog sweater, there’s (usually) no going back. The good news? Shrinking is entirely avoidable if you know how to care for your garments properly. Here, experts share the laundry mistakes that can cause your clothes to shrink.

Not Reading the Garment Care Label

The number one reason your clothing shrinks in the laundry is that you aren’t washing the material according to the manufacturer’s instructions. “The key to prevent shrinkage is to always check the care label and follow the recommended washing instructions,” says Frej Lewenhaupt, co-founder and chief product officer of Steamery. As long as you follow the instructions on the label, your garment shouldn’t shrink.

Washing with Hot Water

A few things should be washed in hot water, but more often than not, it’s unnecessary and harsh on your clothing. “Shrinkage most often happens in natural fibers like cotton, wool, and linen due to the structure of their fibers and ability to absorb water,” explains Lindsay Droz, co-founder of plant-based cleaning product and laundry detergent brand L’Avant Collective. “When these fibers get hit with hot water, they contract.”

But contrary to popular belief, shrinkage isn’t just limited to natural fibers. “Even some synthetic fabrics, like polyester, can shrink if exposed to very high temperatures, although they’re generally more resistant,” says Lewenhaupt. “If synthetic or linen fabrics have shrunk a bit when washing, you can always try steaming the garment, and the hot steam will relax the fibers, helping clothes to regain their natural shape.”

Using the Wrong Wash Cycle

Choosing the right cycle can sometimes feel tricky. However, it’s hard to go wrong if you always select the delicate cycle. “If you’re serious about keeping your clothes looking great and lasting longer, the gentle cycle is your best friend,” says Lord. “Think of it as a spa day for your clothes—it’s gentle, with less agitation and slower spin speeds, so it’s kinder to delicate fabrics.”

This cycle prevents fibers from stretching and breaking, which is especially important for more fragile items like cashmere, silk, and wool. “It allows your clothes to keep their shape and feel soft after each wash, which is exactly what you want if you care about longevity,” she says.

Using Harsh Detergents

Most standard detergents are formulated to remove stains, but the problem is that they may end up being hard on the fabrics in the process. To make your wardrobe last longer, opt for an eco-friendly or plant-based detergent instead. “That’s why we created our laundry detergent,” says Lord. “It’s free from all the harsh chemicals that end up stripping your clothes of their color and softness.”

Lewenhaupt recommends keeping multiple types of detergent on hand. “For delicate fabrics like wool or silk, it’s important to use a detergent specifically formulated for those materials,” he explains.

Drying on High

Any type of heat—whether from water or air—can do a number on your clothing. While there are certain things you need to put in the dryer, like towels and bedding, it’s best to avoid it for anything prone to shrinking. Most garments will last longer and keep their shape if you let them air dry on a drying rack or on a hanger.

“Heat from tumble dryers is a common cause for shrinking garments, so hanging your clothes to dry naturally is not only safer, it also extends their lifespan,” Lewenhaupt says. “I generally do not recommend tumble drying as it can harm the garment and cause shrinking, but if you do, use dryer balls to shorten the drying time and remove static electricity.”

If you prefer to dry everything together (after all, it’s far more convenient), Droz suggests always going with a low heat setting. “If that’s not an option, take your clothes out while they’re still a little damp, and let them finish drying naturally,” she recommends. “It’s kind of like a compromise between lazy and careful.”

Not Steaming Your Clothes

Lewenhaupt says using a steamer can be an excellent alternative to washing and refreshing your clothes. “It’s gentler on fabrics, helps maintain their shape, and even reduces wrinkles without exposing them to water or heat extremes,” he says. “My best tip is to make steaming a part of your daily routine, and your clothes will last much longer!”