When it comes to denim it’s an age-old question: Can jeans shrink in the dryer?
It all comes down to the type of fabric and the temperature but the answer is an absolute yes.
The truth is that with the right combination of fabric and heat jeans can indeed shrink in the dryer.
But it’s important to note that not all jeans are made the same and not all jeans will shrink the same way.
Different Kinds of Jeans
Before we dive into the particulars of how and why jeans shrink in the dryer let’s look at the different types of jeans that are available on the market.
There are two main types of jeans: pre-shrunk and non-shrunk.
Pre-shrunk jeans have already been washed and dried so they are less likely to shrink when you wash them.
Non-shrunk jeans on the other hand have not been washed and dried so they are more likely to shrink when you dry them.
What Temperature To Dry Jeans
Now that we know the different types of jeans let’s look at the temperature that you should dry your jeans at.
For pre-shrunk jeans you should dry them on a low to medium heat setting.
This will help to prevent the fabric from shrinking further.
On the other hand non-shrunk jeans should be dried on a higher heat setting as this will help the fabric to shrink.
It’s important to remember that even if you dry your jeans on the right setting they can still shrink a bit.
This is because the fabric is more susceptible to shrinkage when it is wet.
Can You Stretch Your Jeans Back Out
If your jeans do shrink in the dryer don’t fret.
It is possible to stretch them back out.
The best way to do this is to turn them inside out and place them in the dryer on a low setting.
This will help to prevent further shrinkage and can even help to stretch the jeans back out.
Different Levels of Shrinkage
Not all jeans will shrink the same amount.
Some jeans are made with pre-shrunk denim meaning the manufacturer has already washed them at high temperatures to shrink them.
This means they’re less likely to shrink in the dryer than regular jeans.
On the other hand raw denim jeans are not pre-shrunk so they are more likely to shrink in the dryer.
The amount of shrinkage also depends on the type of denim and the size of the jeans.
Generally speaking the bigger the size and the heavier the denim the more shrinkage you’ll get.
Tips to Avoid Shrinkage
If you want to avoid shrinkage there are a few things you can do.
First read the care label on your jeans.
If the care label says “dry clean only” you should follow that advice.
Second if you’re washing jeans at home always use cold water and wash them on the delicate cycle.
Third when it comes time to dry them always hang dry or lay flat.
Final Thoughts
So can jeans shrink in the dryer? The answer is yes.
The type of fabric and the temperature that you dry your jeans at will determine how much they will shrink but it is possible for them to shrink.
If your jeans do shrink don’t worry.
You can stretch them back out by placing them in the dryer on a low setting.
But if you don’t want to take the risk you can always opt for pre-shrunk jeans.