Garments are made of different fabrics, some cotton, some wool, and some leather. Most clothes nowadays are a combination of two or more materials. I own many shirts and different clothes that combine cotton and polyester, and I love how they fit and look.
Suppose that you are wearing a t-shirt which earlier that same week fitted perfectly, and now, it doesn’t fit anymore. You will most likely think that you’ve gained some weight, however, that’s not always the case.
In this article today, I will write about 60% cotton and 40% polyester garments, and whether they shrink or not! Let’s get started, then.
Key Takeaways
- Clothes made of cotton and polyester blend require maintenance to be able to wear them for long periods.
- Yes, 60% cotton and 40% polyester garments shrink, and several things affect this.
- Avoid washing these clothes with hot water; better hand wash them.
- Do not throw clothes made of polyester and cotton blend in a dryer since the hot temperature and friction will shrink your clothes.
- The best way to dry these clothes is air drying; by doing so, you will avoid shrinking.
Does 60% Cotton and 40% Polyester Shrink?
Yes, the 60% cotton and 40% Polyester mix will shrink.
As you can see, this query has a very straightforward answer. The answer is so simple, but it is a bit disappointing, to be honest since I hate seeing clothes that don’t fit me properly due to shrinkage.
Your garments won’t shrink without any reason, though, since several factors will cause shrinkage. Many types of fabrics are prone to shrink, and all of them require maintenance; otherwise, you won’t be able to wear them.
I think it is all clear, and now it is time to discuss what causes a 60% cotton and 40% polyester blend to shrink. Let’s see.
Also Read: Will My Polyester Shirt Shrink?
What Causes 60% Cotton and 40% Polyester to Shrink?
How you take care of your 60%cotton and 40% polyester garments play a significant role in their shrinkage. Especially how you wash and dry them determines whether they will shrink or not. Most fabrics are prone to shrinkage, and so is this blend. So, always ensure that you wash and dry them properly.
Washing Garments in Washing Machines and High Temperatures
I will not say that it will shrink 100%, but most of the time with many fabrics, the high temperature of the washing cycle is the main cause of the shrinkage. Both fabrics, especially cotton, are very delicate and can’t withstand high temperatures. Hot water will damage your garments, and not only that, but also the friction inside the machine will cause them to shrink as well.
Putting Garments in a Dryer
If you are putting your garments in a dryer, don’t get surprised if you see them shrink. There are many reasons why your clothes will shrink in a dryer. The main reason is the high temperature; you already know that a 60% cotton and 40% polyester blend is not a fan of high temperatures and friction. Excessive heat and friction will cause your garments to shrink, so better not to put them in a dryer; otherwise, you will be upset by the results you will get.
Also Read: Will My Cotton Shirt Shrink?
What Are the Ways to Avoid 60% Cotton and 40% Polyester Shrinkage?
I know that many of you worry about this case a lot, but there is nothing to get stressed about since all you have to do is give your garments the necessary maintenance. There are many ways how you can avoid shrinkage; I will discuss all of them one by one in detail.
Machine Washing
Washing clothes that are 60% cotton and 40% polyester in a machine won’t cause shrinkage if you do it properly. The first thing you should pay attention to is the temperature level at which you will wash the garments. Always ensure that you are washing them at the lowest temperature, and also pay attention to which washing program you choose. To be able to avoid shrinkage, use an adequate washing program for these garments; I mean, if your machine has one of these programs.
Hand Washing
Hand washing is the best way to avoid shrinking. I know that most of you don’t prefer hand washing and find it a complicated process. If you want to avoid shrinking, I highly recommend you hand wash your garments. Please ensure that you are cleaning them with cold water. The optimum temperature for washing 60% cotton and 40% polyester is 40 degrees. I know it will take much more time than putting them straight in a washing machine, but washing is better for several reasons.
Air Drying
The worst thing you can do to your 60% cotton and 40% polyester clothes is to put them in a dryer. The best way to dry clothes made of this blend is to let them air dry. All you have to do it to hang them end let them dry. One thing that I will point out, in this case, is that do not put your clothes under direct sunlight because doing so will cause the colors of your clothes to fade.
How Much Can 60% Cotton and 40% Polyester Shrink?
Your clothes made of cotton and polyester blend will shrink every time you wash them with hot water or throw them in a dryer. I am not capable of saying how much exactly they will shrink, but I guess you will be able to notice it once you will put on your shirt, sweat, or whatever garment it is.
Also Read: Full Comparison of Polyester Vs. Cotton
Final Words
It is a pleasure for me to be able to share my knowledge with you. I have tried to cover everything you need to know about cotton and polyester blend shrinkage in this article. It is obvious that most blends containing cotton are prone to shrinking, unfortunately. So, you should always pay attention not to wash those clothes with hot water or throw them in a dryer.
I hope that you will like this article and find value in it. Take care, everyone!
Sewing is definitely one of my biggest hobbies. I’ve been doing it since i was young, thanks to my mother. I specialize in sewing, and that’s what i mostly write about.
