Summer is in full swing, which means it’s time to break out the cotton jumpers! You know, the ones that are just a little too large when you buy them but always feel perfect by the end of the season? Turns out, those might not be so perfect after all.
So before you put your jumper into the wash for the first time this season, take a moment to read on and find out how to avoid any shrinkage.…
A cotton jumper is an excellent item of clothing to have in your wardrobe. They are comfortable, stylish, and versatile. But do they shrink?
Do Cotton Jumpers Shrink?
Cotton jumpers may shrink after a few washes, but you can easily prevent this by washing them in cold water and drying them on low heat.
For best results, I recommend hanging your cotton jumper to air dry. If you must put it in the dryer, use a mesh bag to protect it from lint. Wrinkles are another issue you may encounter with cotton jumpers.
To avoid this, gently stretch the jumper while it’s damp and lay it flat to dry. Once it’s completely dry, give it a quick blast with an iron on low heat. With proper care, your cotton jumper will stay looking great wash after wash.
What is a Cotton Jumper?
Cotton jumpers are often seen as summer clothing because they are lightweight and airy. If the cotton jumper is not dried correctly, it can also cause the fabric to become brittle and crack.
Why are cotton jumpers popular?
Cotton jumpers are famous because they are versatile and comfortable. You can wear them in various ways, which keeps them fresh and new.
Additionally, cotton jumpers are relatively affordable, making them an excellent choice for those on a budget.
How to Remove Wrinkles from a Cotton Jumper
- Use warm, soapy water and a gentle cleanser to clean the jumper.
- Apply a small amount of moisturizer with a bit of water and place it on the jumper.
- Let the moisturizer work its magic for a few minutes before rinsing off with cool water.
How To Shrink a Jumper
Shrinking a jumper can be a daunting task, especially if you’re unsure of how to go about it! Don’t worry – we have the perfect 3 step process that will leave your jumper looking as good as new.
Step 1: Read The Labels First and Foremost. Before doing anything else, make sure you read any labels that may be attached to the garment. Some jumpers are pre-shrunk, meaning they won’t change size when put in water or on heat.
Look out for instructions such as “Do Not Tumble Dry” or “Dry Clean Only” and obey these guidelines religiously!
Step 2: Wash It Gently With Cold Water. When washing your jumper with cold water, don’t be tempted to use hot in order to speed up the process – this could damage the fabric irreversibly! Instead, select a gentle cycle setting on your washer machine then allow it complete its work before taking out and lightly wringing out excess moisture.
To prevent any stretching during drying later on (which would ruin all your hard work!), hang over an indoor line or rail until almost dry before continuing onto Step 3
Step 3: Dry Flat In Open Air/Indoors On A Towel Or Cooling Rack. Once almost dry, lay flat on either a towel or cooling rack inside so air can circulate around all sides evenly allowing the garment to properly shrink according to its original shape.
Leave it there overnight so that fibres can gradually tighten without risk of losing their original form due one side being more exposed than another (as often happens when tumble dried).
Et voila – you now have a perfectly shrunken jumper ready for wearing again thanks no doubt in part due to following our simple three step process!
Do Cotton Sweaters Shrink?
Absolutely! Cotton sweaters are notorious for shrinking when washed and dried, although the amount of shrinkage varies by sweater. Here are three reasons why cotton sweaters tend to shrink:
Percentage of Stretched Fibers: During production, some cotton fibers are stretched to create a more even layering in the fabric. These stretched fibers will contract back when exposed to heat or water, resulting in what we call “shrinkage”.
Heat Cycling: When washing and drying your cotton sweater, it undergoes a process called “heat cycling”—where each cycle (wash & dry) causes additional shrinking due to exposure with hot temperatures. This is because the fabric is constantly flexing between wet and dry which affects its shape.
Tumble Dryer Settings: When using a tumble dryer on your cotton sweater, it’s important to use low temperature settings as high heat can cause extreme shrinkage and damage the fibers of the garment beyond repair!
Does fleece shrink when washed?
The short answer is “yes”, but the long answer depends on a few factors. Here are three reasons why, plus a few tips for preventing it from shrinking:
- Fleece is usually made from synthetic materials like polyester or acrylic, which can both shrink in hot water and/or high heat settings in the dryer.
- Fleece might contain some natural fibers like wool and cotton, which are more prone to shrinking than synthetic fibers.
- If your fleece has been pre-washed, then it’s already been exposed to heat and can be more likely to shrink when you wash it again at home.
To prevent your fleece from shrinking, here are three tips:
- Always check the label before washing – if possible avoid using hot water altogether as well as higher temperatures in your dryer; instead opt for cold or lukewarm temperatures and low / gentle tumble drying settings!
- Use mild detergents – stronger detergents can be too harsh on delicate fabrics like fleece; try using a special fabric softener specifically formulated for fleeces instead of regular laundry detergent!
- Air-dry whenever possible – this will help preserve the shape of your garment without exposing it to any additional heat that could contribute towards its eventual shrinkage!
