Can Jeans Shrink When Dried in a Dryer?

Finding the ideal pair of jeans is no easy feat, and once you’ve discovered that perfect fit, you naturally want them to endure for as long as possible. Denim, known for its durability, can withstand years of wear and even improve over time. However, improper care can drastically shorten its lifespan. To help you maintain your denim, we address common concerns, such as whether jeans shrink in the dryer, ensuring your favorite pair stays in great condition for years to come.

Can Jeans Shrink in the Dryer?

Indeed, jeans can shrink when dried in a dryer. To delve deeper, the combination of high heat and the tumbling motion breaks down the fibers' bonds, causing the fabric to contract. This shrinkage also occurs during washing, particularly with hot water. As noted by Clorox, jeans typically shrink by 3-4% in the dryer. For instance, a pair with a 32-inch inseam may lose about 1 to 1.25 inches, potentially affecting the fit significantly.

Occasionally, you might aim to shrink your jeans slightly for a better fit, and the dryer can assist in achieving this. However, frequent machine drying is not advisable, as the heat and movement can fade the fabric and weaken the denim, reducing its overall lifespan.

Certain Jeans Shrink More Than Others

While shopping, you may encounter jeans labeled as "preshrunk" or "prewashed," which are treated to minimize shrinkage after washing. Despite this, these jeans can still shrink slightly in the dryer, though to a lesser extent.

Modern jeans often include a small amount of elastane or spandex alongside cotton, enhancing stretch and comfort. This blend also makes them more resistant to shrinking. However, the downside is that they may stretch out more during wear, potentially requiring more frequent washing.

Raw denim, which is untreated and unwashed, experiences the most shrinkage when laundered. Experts often advise against machine washing this type of denim altogether, recommending hand washing or dry cleaning sparingly instead.

Tips to Avoid Jeans Shrinking

As previously noted, knowing the type of jeans and denim you own can help prevent unwanted shrinkage. Since shrinkage typically occurs during washing, minimizing how often you wash your jeans is the simplest way to reduce it. Opinions vary on how frequently jeans should be washed, but generally, washing them less often will decrease shrinkage and extend their lifespan.

Gwen Whiting, co-founder of The Laundress, suggests washing jeans only after about 10 wears, or when they start to smell. When washing, always opt for cold water to treat the denim gently, and air dry them instead of using a dryer.