Guides

How to wash cotton

Cotton is known for its durability and good moisture absorption, which gives clothes made from cotton great cooling properties. In this guide, we explain how to wash your cotton garments and explain why cotton shrinks.

Text: Mimmi Ljungblad
Photos: Patrik Johansson

Published 2023-01-24

Cotton is known for its durability and good moisture absorption, which gives garments in cotton cooling properties. However, the properties of the fibres also lead to untreated cotton garments easily wrinkling and can also shrink when washed.

How to wash cotton garments:

1. PREPARE THE GARMENT

Prepare the garment by opening the buttons, especially if it is a cotton shirt you are about to wash, and close the zippers, press studs and any Velcro straps.

2. READ THE WASHING GUIDELINES

Read the washing instructions carefully for each garment. Cotton is, depending on fibre quality, a relatively compliant material in terms of washing and high temperatures, but the washing guidelines are always controlled by the most delicate component in the garment. Buttons, embroidery or the like may therefore lower the recommended temperature.

3. SELECT WASH PROGRAM

Select a suitable machine wash program. When you wash your cotton garments, a temperature of 30-40 degrees Celsius is usually enough as long as it is not about home textiles, underwear or garments with stains or hard dirt. The lower the temperature, the lower the risk that the garments will shrink or lose their shape. Today's detergents are very effective.

4. USE THE RIGHT DETERGENT

Use a liquid detergent, adapted to the colour of the wash, and feel free to skip fabric softener.

5. DRY THE GARMENT

Remove the garment from the washing machine and shake it lightly to remove creases. Then hang up to dry. Remember to hang your freshly washed shirts on a hanger with the top button buttoned for best results. Do not tumble dry your cotton garments if you want to preserve the shape.

DO COTTON GARMENTS SHRINK?

Cotton is a compliant material as it is durable in the wet state and can withstand relatively high temperatures. However, a residual shrinkage of between 10-15% is usually added for untreated cotton, so remember not to buy too slim a fit. Cotton garments may also shrink or pull at their seams when washed at temperatures that are too high.