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How to Keep Your Clothes from Stretching in the Wash

How to help keep your clothes from stretching in the wash

stretch

check the care label

Read the care labels for washing instructions

Whether it’s dry clean only, hand wash in cold water, or machine wash normal, the manufacturer’s label will be your first line of defense to making sure your garments don’t shrink or stretch during washing and drying. Find out more about [how to read care labels.](/en-us/fabric-softener-tips/laundry-faqs/laundry-care-symbols)

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Difference between fabrics with and without use of Downy Fabric Softener after 1 wash

Garments may stretch from the agitation, spinning and tumbling during the washing and drying process. [Downy<sup>®</sup> Fabric Conditioner](/en-us/fabric-softener/liquid-fabric-conditioner) lubricates the fabric of your garments, making them more fluid, so that clothes can return to their original shape more easily.






try anew spin

Spin dry clothes with a new spin to remove extra water depending upon the garment size

Never wring your garments out before drying. To remove excess moisture before laying your garment flat to dry, shape it flat on a thick, clean bath towel, and roll it up from the bottom, pressing out water as you go. 
Depending on the size of the garment, you can also use your salad spinner to remove extra water—it’s gentler than your washing machine

lay those fibers

Lay the clothes flat to avoid stretch out over time

Lay clothes flat on a laundry screen rather than hanging them to dry. In particular, heavy clothes such as knits and cottons will stretch out over time when they’re hung to dry.

hang

Use hangers while hanging clothes in the closet

When hanging clothes in the closet, use hangers that fit well. If the hanger is too large or too small, the top can stretch out of shape. If you’re hanging a garment without a button or zipper closure, tuck the hanger up through the bottom of the garment until the hook emerges from the neckline—don’t force the hanger through the neck hole.

fold

Fold sweaters and T-shirts flat to help them hold their shape longer

Folding your sweaters and T-shirts and storing them flat will help them hold their shape longer—using hangers can stretch them out.

button

Unbutton the buttons and fasten the zips when putting on and taking off garments

Unbutton the buttons and unzip the zippers when you’re putting on and taking off garments. Not taking these steps can stretch out your clothes.

Tired of stretched clothes? Learn how to keep clothes, sweater sleeves and t shirt collars, how to wash clothes and flat dry a sweater to prevent from stretching

How To Keep Clothes From Stretching In The Wash | Downy

Btl@2x

[Downy<sup>®</sup> Fabric Conditioner](/en-us/fabric-softener/liquid-fabric-conditioner/ultra-downy-april-fresh) lubricates the fabric of your garments, making them more fluid, so garments can return to their original shape more easily after being stretched.

How To Keep Clothes From Stretching In The Wash

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