When a favourite shirt suddenly turns two sizes smaller after laundry day, it can be frustrating. Many fabrics naturally react to heat, movement, or moisture, and without the right care, shrinking happens fast.

However, shrinking is not unavoidable. Follow these nine ways to prevent shrinking in the wash.

And if you prefer a worry-free option, a professional laundry service like Tumble can do the job.

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1. Understand Why Fabrics Shrink

Before jumping into the how-to, it helps to know why shrinking happens in the first place. Most fabrics shrink because of three main factors:

• Heat. High temperatures tighten and contract fibres.

• Agitation. Vigorous spinning or tumbling can distort fabric structure.

• Moisture + movement. Together, they relax fibres and let them reshape in unpredictable ways.

Natural fibres like cotton, wool, linen, and rayon shrink the easiest, while synthetics like polyester are generally more stable (though still not immune).

Once we understand what causes shrinkage, preventing it becomes much simpler.

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2. Always Check the Care Label

Care labels exist for a reason. They’re the closest thing to a “manual” for each garment. And yet, they’re also the most commonly ignored step in laundry care.

To prevent shrinking, check the care label and look out for things like:

• Washing temperature. A “30°C” or “cold wash only” symbol is a clear sign that heat will cause shrinking.

• Drying instructions. A crossed-out dryer symbol means absolutely no heat.

• Hand-wash only. Often found in wool, rayon, and delicate knits that shrink easily.

• Ironing symbols. Some fabrics shrink or distort under high heat.

If the care label says cold wash, gentle cycle, or low heat drying, following those instructions is the best way to prevent clothes from shrinking.

Read also: The Complete Guide to Laundry Symbols & Care Labels

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3. Wash With Cold Water Whenever Possible

If avoiding shrinkage is the priority, cold water (around 20–30°C) is the safest option. Cold water slows down fibre contraction, protects elasticity, and minimises distortion during washing.

Cold water is ideal for:

• Cotton tops and tees

• Baby clothes and kids’ wear

• Delicate fabrics

• Sportswear and elastic blends

• Bright or dark pieces that fade easily

Warm water can still be used occasionally, but for clothes that shrink easily, cold water is always kinder.

Read also: Cold Wash vs. Hot Wash: What’s Best for Your Clothes?

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4. Use Gentle Wash Settings

The way clothes move inside the machine matters just as much as water temperature. Gentle cycles reduce agitation, which is one of the biggest contributors to shrinkage.

To protect fabrics during wash:

• Choose a gentle or delicate cycle for sensitive items

• Use a mesh laundry bag for knits, lingerie, and lightweight fabrics

• Don’t overload the machine. Clothes need space to move without stretching

• Use a mild detergent that doesn’t overstrip fibres

These simple adjustments support the fabric’s structure so it stays closer to its original shape.

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5. Treat Delicate Fabrics Differently

Some materials are naturally more delicate than others. Wool, cashmere, rayon, linen, silk, and knits from animal fibres can shrink dramatically with the slightest mistake.

For these delicate fabrics:

• Hand-washing is often the safest method

• Avoid twisting, wringing, or aggressive scrubbing

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6. Dry Clothes the Right Way

Most shrinkage actually happens in the dryer, not the washer. Heat from dryers causes fibres to tighten rapidly, and tumbling movement makes them contract even more.

Here are shrink-preventing drying methods:

• Air dry whenever possible. Hang items on a rack or clothesline. It’s gentle, energy-efficient, and safe for almost all fabrics.

• Flat dry for knits and wool. Sweaters and heavy knits stretch out when hung, so it’s best to reshape and lay them flat.

• Use low heat if a dryer is necessary. “Low heat” or “delicate dry” minimises fibre contraction.

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7. Avoid High Heat at All Costs

Heat is the number one culprit behind shrinking. Here are things to avoid:

• Hot water wash

• High-heat dryer settings

• Placing wet clothes in direct, strong sun

• Using a hot iron on sensitive fabrics

• Leaving laundry in the dryer for too long

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8. Handle Clothes Properly After Washing

Shrinking doesn’t only happen during washing or drying. It can also happen after, if clothes aren’t handled correctly.

To maintain shape and avoid shrinkage after washing:

• Reshape garments while damp

• Store clothes in a cool, dry place

• Avoid hanging heavy knits as they stretch out easily

• Fold sweaters instead of hanging them

Small habits like these keep fibres stable, preventing post-wash distortion.

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9. When in Doubt, Let a Professional Handle It

Some clothes are simply unpredictable. Luxury fabrics, sentimental pieces, and garments with mixed materials can behave differently every wash.

If you want to avoid taking risks, a professional laundry service like Tumble Laundry is a reliable option. Our fabric-safe washing, temperature control, and careful drying methods help keep clothing in its original size and condition, without guesswork or mistakes.

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Final Thoughts

Clothes shrink for many reasons, but preventing it isn’t complicated. With cold water, gentle cycles, proper drying habits, and a little extra attention to care labels, it’s easy to keep fabrics soft and comfortable in their original shape.

And for anything delicate, expensive, or special, Tumble is always ready to handle the laundry safely and professionally.

Book a laundry service at Tumble today and keep your wardrobe in perfect shape