Why Do T-Shirts Shrink in the Dryer?
What It Is
Many t-shirts become smaller after being dried with heat.
How It Works
Natural fibers are stretched during manufacturing.
Heat allows them to relax.
Why the Dryer Causes Shrinking
High temperatures loosen fiber bonds.
The fibers return closer to their original size.
Why Cotton Shrinks More
Cotton fibers absorb water.
Heat changes their structure more easily.
What Shrinking Looks Like
Shorter length and tighter fit.
Noticeable after the first few washes.
Common Examples
- Cotton t-shirts
- Blended fabrics shrinking unevenly
- Clothes shrinking more in hot dryers
What to Know Next
Lower heat reduces shrinking.
Closing Summary
T-shirts shrink in the dryer because heat allows stretched fibers to tighten back toward their original size.
