Fabrics
100% cotton is a timeless, breathable, and ultra-comfortable fabric — loved globally for its softness, hypoallergenic properties, and natural feel. But without the right care, even the highest-quality cotton garments can shrink, fade, or lose their structure far earlier than they should. The good news: preserving cotton is straightforward once you know the rules.
This guide walks you through every stage of cotton garment care — washing, drying, ironing, and storage — with specific callouts for decorated and printed pieces. Whether you’re managing branded tees, premium hoodies, or private-label basics, these guidelines help your end-customers get the most from every garment.
1. Washing: Preserve Colour, Softness & Shape
- Wash at 30°C or below
Cold or cool water (max 30°C / 86°F) is the single most effective way to prevent shrinkage and colour fading. Natural cotton fibres are sensitive to heat — even one hot wash can cause irreversible size reduction. - Turn garments inside out
Protect the outer face of the fabric, along with any surface prints, logos, or dye finishes, by reversing the garment before placing it in the machine. - Use a mild, colour-safe detergent
Avoid chlorine bleach entirely on coloured cotton — it causes severe and permanent fading. For white cotton only, use an oxygen-based brightener if needed, and follow the product instructions strictly. - Wash like colours together
Dark and saturated cotton dyes can bleed, especially in the first few washes. Sort by colour to prevent unwanted dye transfer. - Gentle cycle for lightweight pieces
Use a delicate or gentle cycle setting for lightweight cotton tees and fitted garments to minimise mechanical stress on the fabric weave. - No long soaking
Soaking cotton for extended periods weakens the fibre structure and can cause permanent creasing. Stick to a standard wash cycle duration.
2. Drying: Prevent Shrinkage & Colour Loss
- Air dry in the shade — always the best option
Lay flat or hang on a broad-shoulder hanger in a well-ventilated, shaded area. This preserves fabric softness, colour integrity, and the garment’s original dimensions. - Tumble dry only on low heat
If machine drying is necessary, use the lowest heat setting. Cotton fibres shrink progressively with each high-heat drying cycle — a garment that fits perfectly today can lose 3–5% of its dimensions after repeated hot drying. - Remove promptly when the cycle ends
Leaving cotton in the dryer after the cycle finishes causes wrinkling and over-drying, which makes the fabric feel stiff and brittle over time. - Avoid direct sunlight for extended periods
UV exposure breaks down cotton dye bonds, causing fading and fabric discolouration. Dry indoors or in a shaded outdoor area, particularly for richly dyed or pigment-washed pieces.
3. Ironing & Storage
Ironing
- Iron on a medium heat setting while the garment is still slightly damp — this achieves the smoothest results with the least effort.
- Iron inside out only to protect prints, embroidery, and the outer fabric surface from direct iron contact.
- Use steam to tackle stubborn or deep-set creases without applying excessive pressure or heat.
- For pure cotton with no decoration, the cotton/linen heat setting (up to 200°C) is appropriate — but always check the care label.
Storage
- Fold tees and lightweight items rather than hanging — folding prevents shoulder distortion and keeps the garment’s original dimensions intact.
- For heavy hoodies and sweatshirts, hanging on a quality padded hanger is fine short-term, but fold for long-term storage to prevent neckline and shoulder stretching.
- Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space. Avoid plastic garment bags that trap moisture and can cause mildew or yellowing.
- Keep away from direct sunlight and damp environments — both cause slow but irreversible colour degradation in cotton fabrics.
4. Decoration-Specific Care: Prints & Embroidery
Cotton blanks are one of the most popular substrates for decoration. Each technique requires slightly different handling to maintain quality wash after wash:
DTG & Screen Printing
- Always wash inside out on a cold, gentle cycle — this protects the ink surface from direct abrasion against other garments.
- No fabric softener on printed garments — softener residue degrades the ink bond and accelerates cracking and peeling over time.
- Avoid tumble drying on high heat; air dry or use a low-heat dryer setting.
- Never iron directly over a print — always use a pressing cloth or iron inside out.
Embroidery
- Turn inside out and use a mesh laundry bag to prevent threads from snagging on other items during the wash cycle.
- Avoid scrubbing or rubbing the embroidered area directly — the mechanical action can pull and distort stitching.
- Air dry wherever possible; high-heat drying can cause the stabiliser backing to contract and distort the stitch pattern.
- Do not iron directly over embroidery — the heat flattens the raised stitch and can damage the stabiliser material.
Heat Transfer Prints
- Cold wash inside out — heat and friction are the primary causes of heat-transfer film delamination.
- Never iron over a heat-transfer graphic at any heat setting — even low heat can cause the film edges to lift or bubble.
Pigment Dyed & Garment Washed Cotton
- Pigment-dyed cotton has a deliberately worn-in finish — cold wash inside out to slow the natural fading process.
- Wash separately for the first 2–3 washes, as residual dye may bleed slightly before the finish stabilises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my 100% cotton shirt shrink after washing?
Some residual shrinkage (typically 3–5%) is normal for natural cotton fibres, even on pre-shrunk garments. DRIOV cotton blanks undergo pre-shrinking during manufacturing to minimise this. Washing in cold water and air drying virtually eliminates further shrinkage in normal use.
Can I use bleach on my cotton garments?
Never use chlorine bleach on coloured cotton — it causes irreversible fading and fibre damage. For white cotton only, a small amount of oxygen-based (non-chlorine) bleach can be used if necessary. Follow product dilution instructions carefully and always test on a hidden area first.
Can I put my cotton hoodie in the dryer?
Yes, but with care. Use the lowest heat setting available and remove the garment while still very slightly damp. High-heat drying is the primary driver of cotton shrinkage and stiffness. For best long-term results, air drying is always the safer choice.
How do I remove wrinkles from cotton without ironing?
Hang the garment in a steam-filled bathroom immediately after a shower — the ambient moisture relaxes cotton fibres naturally. A handheld fabric steamer is also highly effective. Alternatively, lightly mist the garment with water, smooth with your hands, and air dry flat.
How often should I wash cotton garments?
Wash cotton tees after each wear if they’ve been in contact with skin and perspiration. Hoodies and sweatshirts worn over a base layer can typically go 3–5 wears between washes, which also extends the garment’s lifespan by reducing the cumulative stress of washing cycles.
DRIOV premium blank apparel is built to last — with proper care.
We use high-quality ring-spun cotton across our tees and hoodies, selected for exceptional softness, durability, and consistent wash performance. Follow this guide to protect your investment and deliver garments that hold their quality long after they leave the warehouse.
You May Also Like
Fabric Care
Blended Fabric Care Guide
How to wash and maintain cotton-poly and cotton-elastane garments — preserving stretch, colour, and print integrity.
Read guide →Fabric Care
Performance Fabric Care Guide
How to wash and care for moisture-wicking and stretch performance fabrics — keeping them functional and long-lasting.
Read guide →