Have you ever heard of clothes shrinking in the washing machine?

Question

I know they can shrink in the dryer but the washing machine??? My mom bought I think 8 shirts for her new job. All of them shrunk in the washing machine. I made sure she had not dried them but I saw them and they were still wet. I could not believe it. Has anyone else ever had that happen?

Answer 1

I have yet to purchase any kind of fabric that doesn't shrink a little after the first wash.

Answer 2

never happened to me .

Answer 3

Washing clothes in hot water can shrink them.

Answer 4

Contrary to popular belief, clothes do not shrink in the dryer.  Clothes shrink in the washing machine.  (In the 70's, we used to shrink our bluejeans by putting them on and sitting in a tub of very hot water!)

You don't mention the fabric content or the brand of the shirts, which might help us explain how this happened.  Now that it's too late, your mother might try washing in cold water next time.  By law, most garments must have specific laundering instructions on them.

One option is to return to the store where the shirts were bought and explain the situation.  Some stores may provide an exchange or refund.  If the store is unsympathetic, you might try contacting the manufacturer since such a large number of shirts were involved.

Answer 5

I don't think that has ever happened to me. Wash the shirts on the hottest setting you can and then hang dry them, this should stretch them back into shape!