Can Hoodies Shrink in the Dryer? What You Need to Know Before You Toss Them In
Hoodies are a wardrobe staple for good reason — they’re cozy, stylish, and versatile enough to wear in almost any casual setting. But if you’ve ever pulled your favorite hoodie out of the dryer only to find it a size smaller, you’re not alone. Shrinkage is a common concern, especially for those who want to keep their hoodies looking and fitting just right.
So, can hoodies shrink in the dryer? The short answer: Yes, they can. But the extent of shrinkage — and whether it can be avoided — depends on a few key factors. Let’s break it all down in this simple guide.
Why Do Hoodies Shrink in the Dryer?
Shrinkage in the dryer mainly happens because of heat and agitation. Most hoodies are made from cotton or cotton-blend fabrics, which are particularly vulnerable to high temperatures. Here’s why:
- Heat Causes Fibers to Contract: When cotton is exposed to high heat, especially during drying, the natural fibers tighten and compress. This leads to a noticeable reduction in size.
- Agitation Adds to the Damage: Tossing and tumbling in the dryer creates friction, which can stress fabric fibers even more, causing additional shrinkage.
In other words, if you regularly wash and dry your hoodie on a hot cycle, you’re speeding up its journey from “oversized and comfy” to “tight and snug.”
Fabric Type Matters
Not all hoodies are created equal. The fabric blend plays a big role in how much a hoodie will shrink:
100% Cotton Hoodies
These are the most prone to shrinkage. If not pre-shrunk during manufacturing, a cotton hoodie can shrink up to 5–10% after the first few washes. That might not sound like much, but it can easily turn a relaxed fit into something too tight to wear comfortably.
If you’re curious how cotton behaves in other types of apparel, you might enjoy this breakdown of how t-shirts are printed and how the process can impact fabric care.
Cotton-Polyester Blends
Blended hoodies tend to hold their shape better. Polyester is a synthetic fiber that resists shrinkage, so hoodies with 50% or more polyester will generally shrink less, or not at all.
Fleece and Specialty Fabrics
Some hoodies made from fleece, bamboo, or other performance materials may behave differently depending on how they’re treated during manufacturing. Always check the care label for specific instructions.
How to Prevent Your Hoodie from Shrinking
If you want your hoodie to last longer and stay the same size, here are a few laundry tips that can help:
1. Check the Label
It may sound obvious, but the care label is your best friend. It tells you exactly how the hoodie should be washed and dried. If it says “tumble dry low” or “lay flat to dry,” follow those directions to avoid unwanted shrinkage.
2. Wash in Cold Water
Hot water speeds up fiber contraction. Cold or lukewarm water is gentler on the fabric and helps retain the hoodie’s original size and shape.
3. Use the Gentle Cycle
Avoid aggressive washing settings. A gentle or delicate cycle minimizes agitation and keeps the fibers from breaking down as quickly.
4. Air Dry When Possible
The best way to prevent shrinkage? Skip the dryer altogether. Hang your hoodie on a rack or lay it flat on a clean towel to air dry. If you’re in a rush and must use a dryer, opt for a low-heat or “air dry” setting.
5. Avoid Overdrying
Even if you use a low heat setting, leaving the hoodie in the dryer for too long can still cause shrinkage. Remove it while it’s still slightly damp and let it finish drying naturally.
Can You “Unshrink” a Hoodie?
It’s not always possible to fully reverse shrinkage, but in some cases, you might be able to stretch your hoodie back out slightly:
- Soak the hoodie in lukewarm water with a bit of conditioner or baby shampoo.
- Let it sit for 15–30 minutes to relax the fibers.
- Gently stretch it by hand, especially at the arms and torso, then lay it flat to dry.
This method doesn’t always work perfectly, but it might help you regain a little extra room.
Should You Size Up Just in Case?
If you’re buying a hoodie made from 100% cotton and you plan to use a dryer, consider going up one size — especially if it’s not labeled as “pre-shrunk.” This way, you’ll have some wiggle room if the fabric tightens after the first few washes.
That said, high-quality brands often take shrinkage into account when designing their garments. So if the product description mentions being pre-shrunk, you’re probably safe to order your regular size.
And if you’re looking for style inspiration beyond hoodies, here’s a fun read on whether women can wear Hawaiian shirts — spoiler: they absolutely can, and they look great doing it.
Final Thoughts: Handle with Care for a Longer-Lasting Hoodie
Hoodies might be low-maintenance, but they’re not shrink-proof. If you’ve ever felt the disappointment of a hoodie that no longer fits the way you want it to, now you know why — and more importantly, how to stop it from happening again.
To keep your hoodie looking and feeling its best:
- Wash in cold water
- Dry on low heat or air dry
- Read the care label
- Be mindful of the fabric type
Taking just a little extra care during laundry day can help your favorite hoodie stick around for years to come — no shrinking surprises required.
