Cotton shrinks most on its first hot wash, and the shrinkage is permanent. If a garment is not pre-shrunk, wash it cold the first time.
How to wash cotton
| Garment | Wash | Dry | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton | 30°C (86°F), or 40°C for whites and heavily soiled items | line dry, or tumble on low | any standard detergent |
Use a normal cycle and any standard detergent. It is one of the few fabrics genuinely improved by tumble drying on low — the agitation softens the fibres. High heat is what causes damage.
Drying and ironing
Dry line dry, or tumble on low. For ironing: hot, while slightly damp.
Cotton absorbs about a quarter of its weight in water before it feels wet, which is why cotton takes so long to line dry and why it is a poor choice for rain.
How long it should last
Two to five years of regular wear, longer for heavyweight weaves.
Quick reference
Cotton at a glance
- Wash: 30°C (86°F), or 40°C for whites and heavily soiled items
- Cycle: normal
- Detergent: any standard detergent
- Dry: line dry, or tumble on low
- Iron: hot, while slightly damp