Cotton is one of the most comfortable and popular fabrics for T-shirts, hoodies, and sweatshirts. But if you wash it the wrong way, cotton can shrink, fade, or lose its shape. Here’s how to wash cotton pieces properly so they stay soft and last longer.
1. Read the Care Label First
Not all cotton is the same. Some pieces are pre-shrunk, others are blended with polyester or elastane. Always check the label for temperature and tumble-dry instructions.
2. Turn Inside Out Before Washing
Turn your cotton T-shirts, hoodies, and sweatshirts inside out to protect the outer surface and prints from friction in the washing machine.
3. Choose the Right Water Temperature
- Cold water: best for dark colors, printed tees, and hoodies.
- Lukewarm water: works for light colors and heavy sweatshirts when deeper cleaning is needed.
Avoid hot water unless the garment label explicitly allows it — high heat is the main cause of shrinking.
4. Use a Gentle Cycle and Mild Detergent
Set your washer to a gentle or normal cycle. Harsh cycles create too much agitation and can twist cotton fibers. Use a mild, bleach-free detergent to preserve color vibrancy.
5. Avoid Overloading the Machine
Cotton absorbs water and becomes heavy. If the drum is too full, clothes rub excessively and don’t rinse well. Leave space for clothes to move freely.
6. Drying: Air-Dry Is Best
- T-shirts: hang or lay flat to dry.
- Hoodies & sweatshirts: dry flat on a rack or towel to avoid stretching.
If you must use a dryer, choose a low heat or air-only setting and remove garments while still slightly damp to finish drying naturally.
7. Ironing Cotton Safely
Use a medium heat setting and iron inside out. Avoid ironing directly over printed graphics — use a pressing cloth for protection.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using hot water for every wash.
- Tumble-drying on high heat.
- Hanging heavy hoodies from the shoulders (causes stretching).
Related Products
Discover our durable Cotton T-Shirt Collection and cozy Cotton Sweatshirts & Hoodies made for everyday wear.
Internal Resources
Pair this with:
– How to Wash T-Shirts Without Fading or Shrinking
– How to Make Your Sweatshirts Last Longer
Final Tip: Cold water, gentle detergent, and low heat are the three golden rules for cotton care.
