Washing a T-Shirt

[Poppetchops]

I've been given a new T-shirt which is about two sizes too big for me and unfortunately I cannot obtain any other size. The girl who gave it to me says that as it's 100% cotton if I wash it in the machine and spin it, it will shrink. Is this right and if so on what cycle ?

[woofgang]

Well it probably would shrink but there's no guarantee of how much or how little or that it would shrink evenly. Its not the spinning that shrinks it but the heat of the water. if you want to go ahead, look at the recommended washing temp and go up by one level on your washing machine. This may also damage any printing or remove embellishments

[Robinia]

I agree with woofgang, cotton t's tend not to shrink as much these days unless it was washed in very hot water which might ruin it in other ways...and if it's a dark colour it may fade. I don't think I'd want to waste electricity and water washing one t-shirt in a machine. Tumble drying it hot could shrink it.

[gingejbee]

A good quality T will stay pretty much the same size. A poor quality one may shrink or even get bigger and baggier, because poorer ones have a loose weave which gets looser on washing. So, proceed with care!

[rowanwitch]

Find someone with a good sewing machine to take it in for you.

[Poppetchops]

Thank you, all answerers ! I washed the T-shirt on a Sports Cycle (60 degrees) which is hotter than the recommended one on the label (40 degrees) and it shrunk down sufficiently for it to look okay on me. I was lucky, the embroidered designs remained undamaged.