Why do cotton pajamas shrink?

Cotton is one of the most popular materials used to make clothing around the world. It's soft, breathable and comfortable to wear in any season. However, cotton clothing has one major drawback: it shrinks when washed. This is especially true for cotton sleepwear, which is often made from lighter weight, more delicate cotton fabrics. But why does this happen?

Basically, cotton fibers have a natural tendency to shrink when they come into contact with moisture. When cotton is woven into fabric, it's often done so in a way that leaves extra fibers in the fabric that haven't been stretched or woven tightly together. When this fabric gets wet, those fibers contract and shrink, causing the whole garment to become smaller.

There are a few things you can do to prevent your cotton sleepwear from shrinking. The first is to always read the care label on the inside of the garment before washing it. This will tell you what temperature to wash the garment on, whether to use a dryer or air-dry, and other important information that can help you prevent shrinking.

Another key step is to wash your cotton sleepwear in cold water instead of hot. Hot water can cause the fibers to contract more severely, which increases the risk of the garment shrinking. You should also avoid putting cotton sleepwear in the dryer, as the high heat can exacerbate shrinkage. Instead, lay the garment flat to dry or hang it up to air-dry.

If your cotton sleepwear has already shrunk, don't worry! There are a few things you can do to try to restore it to its original size. One trick is to soak the garment in warm water with a bit of vinegar or hair conditioner, which can relax the fibers and make them less likely to contract. You can then stretch the garment out gently by hand and lay it flat to dry.

Ultimately, cotton sleepwear may be prone to shrinking, but this doesn't mean you should avoid it altogether. With a little bit of care and attention, you can keep your cotton sleepwear looking and feeling great for years to come. Just remember to always read the care label, wash in cold water, and avoid the dryer whenever possible. With these tips in mind, you can confidently invest in high-quality cotton sleepwear that will keep you comfortable and cozy all night long.

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