Yes it is likely for 100% cotton fabric to shrink in the dryer if you’re not careful.
This is because cotton fibers are naturally very absorbent meaning that they can absorb moisture from the air.
When they are exposed to heat they can contract and become shorter.
This is why when you put a 100% cotton item of clothing in the dryer it may come out a bit smaller than it did when it went in.
That said there are some ways to prevent your 100% cotton items from shrinking in the dryer.
The key is to avoid heat and to keep the fabric as dry as possible.
Shrinkage Basics
In general 100% cotton will shrink if it is exposed to hot temperatures.
Cotton fibers are made up of long chains of molecules that are held together by hydrogen bonds.
When exposed to heat these bonds can break and cause the fabric to shrink.
The amount of shrinkage will depend on the temperature and the amount of time the fabric is exposed to heat.
Factors that Affect Shrinkage
In addition to temperature there are other factors that can affect how much your 100% cotton fabric will shrink.
The type of weave the weight of the fabric and the amount of dye used in the fabric can all play a role in how much the fabric will shrink.
The dye can act as an insulator which can reduce the amount of heat that is transferred to the fabric and therefore reduce the amount of shrinkage.
Avoiding Shrinkage
The best way to avoid shrinkage is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Different fabrics and dyes will require different drying temperatures so be sure to check the care instructions before drying your fabric.
If the instructions say to tumble dry on low heat then that is what you should do.
It’s also a good idea to avoid over-drying your fabric.
If the fabric is exposed to heat for too long it may shrink more than you would like.
Machine-Drying Tips
If you plan on machine-drying your 100% cotton items there are some steps you can take to minimize the chances of them shrinking.
First you should always check the care label on the item to see whether the manufacturer recommends machine-drying.
If they do recommend it you should still take extra caution.
Whenever possible opt for the lowest heat setting available and try to run the cycle for a shorter amount of time.
You should also try to remove the item from the dryer as soon as possible when the cycle is finished.
If the item is still damp you can air-dry it instead.
Air-Drying Tips
If you’d rather air-dry your 100% cotton items there are some simple steps you can take to ensure they don’t shrink.
First you should always separate the items from each other to ensure that air can circulate around them properly.
You should also avoid hanging them outside in direct sunlight or near a heat source.
When the items are dry you should fold them or hang them up on hangers.
This will help them keep their shape.
Conclusion
It is possible for 100% cotton items to shrink in the dryer if you’re not careful.
To avoid this you should always check the care label opt for the lowest heat setting and remove the item as soon as possible when the cycle is finished.
If you’d rather air-dry the item you should separate them and avoid hanging them near a heat source.
With these simple steps you can ensure your 100% cotton items stay looking their best.