Shirts that shrink in length after washing
Short answer: Shirts shrink in length when heat and mechanical stress make the fibres contract. Wash at a low temperature, avoid the tumble dryer, and pull the shirt into shape while it is wet. Buy slightly longer if you want it to fit right after washing.
Why shirts get shorter
Woven and knitted fabrics can contract when they get wet and warm. The fibres release the tension they were given in production, and the fabric often shortens most in length. That applies to many materials, and with bamboo viscose it pays to be careful when washing.
Washing temperature
Wash at a low temperature, often thirty to forty degrees, and always follow the care label. High heat is the most common reason a shirt ends up too short. For everyday wear a low temperature is plenty, and it is kind to fabric and colour. See our bamboo long sleeve T-shirt for men.
The tumble dryer is the biggest culprit
Hot air and tumbling pull the fabric together and can make a shirt a size smaller in one go. Air dry instead, or use the lowest heat and take it out while damp. If in doubt, let the dryer rest and hang the laundry up.
Pull it into shape while wet
When the shirt comes out of the machine, you can gently pull it in length and width so it regains its shape. Smooth the fabric with your hands and lay it flat or hang it. Then it dries in the right shape, and the length is kept better.
Hang or lay flat
Thick knitted shirts can stretch out when hung, while thin shirts dry fine on a hanger. Lay flat if the fabric is heavy, or hang on a wide hanger. Avoid hanging the shirt by the shoulders with clips that leave marks.
Buy a little long
If you want to be sure, choose a size that is slightly longer than you would otherwise take. Then you do not lose the right fit if the shirt contracts a little. Check the size guide and any notes about shrinking in the product description.
If it has already shrunk
If the shirt has become too short, you can try dampening it lightly and gently pulling it into shape while wet. It does not always work, but it can make a difference. If it has become too small, it can serve as a layer under other clothes.
Care for the whole wardrobe
The same rules apply to the rest of your clothes. Wash all bamboo socks for men and bamboo underpants for men at a low temperature, so the whole wardrobe keeps its shape and fit. Small habits make clothes last longer.
Frequently asked questions
Why do shirts shrink in length?
The fibres release the tension from production when they get wet and warm. The fabric often shortens most in length. A low temperature and air drying reduce the risk.
Can I stretch a shrunken shirt back out?
You can try dampening it lightly and pulling it into shape while wet. It does not always work, but it can help a little if it has shrunk only slightly.
Which size should I choose so it does not end up too short?
Choose a size slightly longer than you would otherwise take, and check the size guide. Wash at a low temperature and air dry, so the shirt keeps its length.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
