Clothes commonly shrink in the dryer because of a combination of heat, tumbling, and time, especially when the fabric is already prone to dimensional change. The best prevention is to follow the care label, use only the heat needed, and remove garments when dry instead of extending the cycle by habit.
Read the care label before the first drying cycle
Cotton, wool, rayon, and blends can respond very differently to heat. If the label calls for low heat, flat drying, or no tumble drying, that instruction takes priority over a generic dryer setting.
Use lower heat when the fabric allows it
High heat removes moisture faster but can also increase shrinkage risk for some fibers. A low-heat cycle may take longer while better protecting size, elastic, and finishes.
Do not overdry clothes
Continuing to heat clothing that is already dry adds exposure without improving the result. Use a moisture-sensing cycle when it works well, or check near the end and remove sensitive garments before heavier items if needed.
Air-dry garments with high shrinkage risk
Wool knits, delicates, and some structured garments keep their shape better when dried flat or hung as directed. If an item has already shrunk, do not assume each wash can fully restore its original size.
Sources
- American Cleaning Institute — Fabric Care — Fabric-care guidance for stains, fibers, and methods compatible with garment labels.