Your clothes were washed too hot once

Short answer: One hot wash shrinks the fabric and takes some spring out of the elastic. Wet the garment, ease it back into shape and dry flat, and you recover most of it.

What happens at too high a temperature

Heat releases the tension put into the yarn during manufacture, and the stitches contract. At the same time the elastane loses some of its spring. Colours also lose a little depth, especially deep red and black.

How to put it right

Soak the garment for twenty minutes in lukewarm water, squeeze without wringing, and ease it back into shape while wet. Dry it flat on a towel. You rarely get all of it back, but often most.

What you cannot fix

If the elastic in a waistband or sock leg has gone slack, it does not return. The same goes for dye that has left in the water. That is why one hot wash is worse for underwear and socks than for a t-shirt. See bamboo underwear for men.

How to avoid a repeat

Set the machine to thirty degrees as standard and use sixty only for towels and bedding. Put a note on the machine if several people in the household use it. See bamboo clothing for women and bamboo clothing for men.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a garment shrink at sixty degrees

Often a couple of percent the first time, and less on repetition.

Is the damage always visible

No. On thick fabric you barely notice it, while a thin garment can end up clearly smaller.

Can a mesh bag prevent it

No. A bag protects against friction, not against heat.