Quick answer
Wash your Headphones.com Unisex Tee in cold water on a gentle cycle, then air-dry flat to avoid shrinking and preserve the garment-dyed color.
Why cotton tees shrink (and how to stop it)
The Headphones.com Unisex Tee is made from 100% ring-spun cotton, a natural fiber that can contract when exposed to heat or agitation. The garment-dyed process also means the fabric has already gone through one wet treatment, but improper washing can still cause further shrinkage.
Hot water and high heat drying are the main culprits. By keeping water temperature cool and skipping the dryer, you can maintain the tee's relaxed fit and soft hand feel.
What about the garment-dyed finish?
Garment-dyed tees have a unique, slightly faded look that can change with washing. Harsh detergents or bleach will strip the color unevenly. Stick to a mild detergent and turn the tee inside out before washing to protect the outer surface.
Step-by-step washing guide
- Turn the tee inside out: Flip the tee so the printed or dyed side faces inward. This reduces friction on the outer surface and helps preserve the garment-dyed look.
- Use cold water and a gentle cycle: Set your machine to cold water (below 85°F / 30°C) and choose the gentle or delicate cycle. Hot water is the main cause of cotton shrinkage. Common mistake: using warm or hot water thinking it cleans better — it only shrinks the cotton.
- Choose a mild detergent: Use a small amount of a mild liquid detergent. Avoid bleach, fabric softener, or anything with optical brighteners, as they can alter the garment-dyed color.
- Air-dry flat, never tumble dry: Lay the tee flat on a clean towel or drying rack, reshaping it gently to its original dimensions. Do not wring or hang wet, as gravity can stretch the relaxed fit. Tumble drying is the fastest way to shrink a cotton tee — even on low heat.
- Iron on low if needed: If wrinkles appear after drying, iron the tee inside out on a low setting. Avoid high heat, which can scorch the cotton or fade the dye.
Product details
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Headphones.com Unisex Tee: 100% ring-spun cotton, garment-dyed, relaxed fit. The ring-spun cotton is softer but more prone to shrinkage if washed hot; the garment-dye requires gentle care to keep the color even.
Headphones.com Unisex Tee
