Quick answer
Choose the size your toddler normally wears in 100% cotton tees, then wash the Murakami Toddler Tee inside out in cold water and air-dry it to protect the print.
Why cotton sizing feels different from synthetic tees
The Murakami Toddler Tee is 100% cotton, so it has little stretch compared with polyester blends. If your child is between sizes or broad through the chest, size up rather than expecting the fabric to give. A slightly roomier fit also leaves space for the tee to shrink a little after the first wash.
The first wash matters more than later ones
New cotton graphics are most vulnerable during the first wash, when loose dye and print residue can transfer. Washing the tee separately or with similar dark colors the first time prevents pink or gray tinting on lighter items. Skip fabric softener on the first wash and after; it coats cotton fibers and can dull the print over time.
When to size up and when not to
Size up if your toddler is at the top of a size range, wears cloth diapers, or layers the tee under a hoodie. Stay with the usual size if the tee is meant as a standalone summer shirt and you want a closer fit. Because the catalog lists only size as an option, check the size chart before ordering rather than guessing from age alone.
Step-by-step: fit check and first wash
- Measure before you order: Lay a well-fitting toddler tee flat and measure the chest width and body length. Compare those numbers with the Murakami Toddler Tee size chart instead of relying on your child's age. If the chest measurement lands between two sizes, pick the larger one.
- Do a dry try-on: Have your toddler wear the tee over a light layer for a few minutes. Check that the neckline clears the head easily and the sleeves do not bind at the armpits. A neckline that needs tugging will only get tighter after washing.
- Wash inside out in cold water: Turn the tee inside out, close any snaps, and wash on a cold, gentle cycle with like colors. Avoid hot water, which speeds cotton shrinkage and print fading. Wash the first load separately from light-colored items.
- Skip fabric softener and bleach: Use a small amount of mild detergent. Fabric softener and bleach break down cotton fibers and can lift the graphic print. If the tee smells musty, add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse instead of softener.
- Air-dry flat or line-dry: Reshape the tee while damp and dry it away from direct sun. If you must use a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting and remove the tee while slightly damp. High heat is the fastest way to shrink a cotton toddler tee.
Product facts
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Murakami Toddler Tee: 100% cotton construction that is soft and durable. Cotton breathes well for everyday wear but shrinks slightly, so plan your size choice around a first wash.
Murakami Toddler Tee
