Will Shrink: My 100% Cotton Collared T-Shirts

  • Thread starter Thread starter Physics is Phun
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential shrinkage of 100% cotton collared t-shirts after washing and drying. Participants explore various factors influencing shrinkage, including washing methods, drying techniques, and the properties of cotton fabric.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that 100% cotton t-shirts will shrink when put in the dryer.
  • Others suggest that using a "cool dry" setting may mitigate shrinkage, although its effectiveness is uncertain.
  • There is mention of pre-shrunk cotton, with some participants questioning its existence and effectiveness in preventing shrinkage.
  • Several participants share personal experiences, indicating that they prefer to hang dry their shirts to avoid shrinkage.
  • A few participants humorously speculate about the relationship between clothing shrinkage and personal growth, particularly in relation to arm and pant lengths.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that cotton t-shirts are likely to shrink, but there is no consensus on the extent of shrinkage or the effectiveness of various drying methods. Multiple competing views remain regarding the impact of pre-shrunk cotton and different drying techniques.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the effects of washing in hot water and the specific conditions that lead to shrinkage. There is also a lack of clarity on the definitions and characteristics of pre-shrunk cotton.

Physics is Phun
Messages
100
Reaction score
0
quickly, before i take my clothes out of the washer. I have a few brand new collared t-shirts. 100% cotton. will they shrink if I put them in the dryer? should I hang them? they've never been washed before.

thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Yes, they will shrink.

EDIT: That's all I know :/
 
Thought experiment: If Physics is Phun would climb into the washer along with the clothes, would they shrink at the same rate and as such nullify the effect :confused: :wink:

Regards,

nazzard
 
damnit, it's dryer time...ok, I'm just going to hang these few shirts, to be safe.
 
Definitely they will shrink. I hang dry all of my work shirts. If I don't, the sleeves have a habbit of shortening.
 
Unless it's pre-shrunk cotton.
 
Evo said:
Unless it's pre-shrunk cotton.


Thats what I was thinking. What about if he used "cool dry". Don't know well it works but I've seen that setting on my dryer before :smile:
 
triden said:
Thats what I was thinking. What about if he used "cool dry". Don't know well it works but I've seen that setting on my dryer before :smile:
Let's just hope he didn't wash them in hot water, that will cause a lot of shrinkage also.
 
Evo said:
Unless it's pre-shrunk cotton.
No such beast. If it's cotton...I can shrink it.
 
  • #10
I hand wash my shirts and put them on a hanger driping wet, hang them on the line and do all the buttons up pull any creases out and hey presto no need to iron and no shrinking.
 
  • #11
FredGarvin said:
No such beast. If it's cotton...I can shrink it.
Me too. :frown: I hang most of my office clothes to dry (I can't just say work clothes, because the stuff I wear to the farm doesn't need such nice treatment). Even stuff that shouldn't shrink manages to do so. But, I also refuse to buy dry clean only stuff...I just don't have the time to run around to dry cleaners...if it can't get thrown into the washer, I don't buy it.
 
  • #12
I don't have too much trouble with shrinkage.
Some if its really really cold out :biggrin:

Wolram has the right idea.
Except I throw it in the dryer for 10 min or so to knock the washer lint off and fluff it out a bit.
Makes it easier to smooth out.

I hate dry clean only.
 
  • #13
FredGarvin said:
Definitely they will shrink. I hang dry all of my work shirts. If I don't, the sleeves have a habbit of shortening.
But can we be sure that its not your arms which are growing?:smile:
 
  • #14
hypatia said:
But can we be sure that its not your arms which are growing?:smile:
In my case, it seems to wind up being pants legs that get too short, and while I sometimes wish it were a sign I was growing a bit taller, I'm afraid it's just not happening. Of course, I'd also like to blame the dryer for the waist getting smaller too, but I suppose that would only happen in the first few washings. :rolleyes:
 
  • #15
hypatia said:
But can we be sure that its not your arms which are growing?:smile:
:smile:
""Amazing! You hang something in your closet for a while and it shrinks two sizes! "
 
  • #16
Yah guys don't like shrinkage
 

Similar threads

Do You Call a Plumber if Washing Machine is Dripping Water in Tub?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
7K
Estimating Impact Force from Rotating Shaft on Collar
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Equilibrium of a Collar and Pulley System with Spring - Free Body Diagram
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
9K
Did the South have a chance to win the Civil War?
  • · Replies 142 ·
5
Replies
142
Views
12K
Alkaline Alternative to Laundry Detergent?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
5K
Whether setting up a additional circuit with separate grounding and an
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
2K
Anyone sick and tired of all the fancy techy stuffs?
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K
Why is my house falling apart today?
  • · Replies 43 ·
2
Replies
43
Views
8K
Home Repair & Maintenance Advice for Newbie?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
Battery acid counter balance for longevity
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K