Quick answer
Wash your men's long sleeve t-shirts in cold water on a gentle cycle, then air dry flat to avoid shrinkage. Heat and agitation are the main causes of fabric contraction.
Why t-shirts shrink and how to prevent it
Shrinkage happens when heat and moisture relax the fibers, then agitation tightens them back into a smaller shape. Cotton and lyocell blends, like those in a premium men's long sleeve t-shirt, are especially prone if exposed to hot water or high dryer heat. The key is controlling water temperature and drying method.
Step-by-step washing guide to prevent shrinkage
- Turn the t-shirt inside out: This protects the outer surface from friction and pilling. Fasten any buttons or zippers if present. Inside-out washing also helps preserve color and print details.
- Use cold water and a gentle cycle: Set your machine to cold (below 86°F / 30°C) and select the delicate or gentle cycle. Hot water relaxes fibers and leads to shrinkage. A common mistake is using warm water thinking it's safe—always use cold for long sleeve t-shirts.
- Choose a mild detergent and skip fabric softener: Use a small amount of liquid detergent formulated for delicates. Fabric softener can coat fibers and reduce breathability over time. Over-dosing detergent leaves residue that stiffens the fabric.
- Never wring or twist the wet shirt: After the cycle ends, lift the shirt out gently. Press out excess water with your hands or roll it in a clean towel—do not wring. Wringing distorts the shape and can cause uneven shrinkage.
- Air dry flat away from heat and sunlight: Lay the t-shirt flat on a drying rack or a clean towel, reshaping it to its original dimensions. Do not hang it to dry, as gravity can stretch the shoulders. Keep it out of direct sun and away from radiators. If you must use a dryer, select the lowest heat setting and remove the shirt while still slightly damp.
Product care spotlight
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2 × Midweight Long Sleeve T-Shirt: Our 220 gsm Midweight Long Sleeve T-shirt is made of a unique Tencel™ lyocell and pima cotton blend. Due to the natural characteristics of the fabric, this garment will slowly and... This blend offers silk-like softness and breathability, but the natural fibers can shrink if exposed to high heat. Gentle washing preserves the fabric's drape and longevity.
2 × Midweight Long Sleeve T-Shirt
