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Gildan sweatshirts are widely adored in the apparel industry for their remarkable versatility and quality, making them a staple choice for comfort and style. However, a common query arises: do Gildan sweatshirts shrink?
In this article, we will not only address this prevalent concern but also offer valuable insights into how to care for and preserve these exceptional shirts. For print on demand sellers, understanding the proper care instructions for Gildan sweatshirts is key to assisting your customers and ensuring they can enjoy their favorite sweatshirts for years to come.
An introduction about Gildan sweatshirts
Gildan is a Canadian manufacturer that focuses on blank activewear such as T-shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies. Founded in 1984, the company has become one of the largest suppliers of blank clothing internationally today.
Gildan is not only famous for its commitment to quality, affordability, and ethical manufacturing practices but also extremely popular among the print on demand industry. Its exceptional blank apparel and wide range of styles, colors, and sizes serve as an optimal base for various printing and embroidery techniques.
Some of Gildan’s outstanding products include the Gildan 18500 Heavy Blend Hooded Sweatshirt and Classic Unisex Crew-neck Sweatshirt Gildan 18000.
Do Gildan sweatshirts shrink?
Yes, Gildan sweatshirts can shrink under certain conditions.
Most Gildan sweatshirts are made of a polyester-cotton blend. At 8 ounces per square yard, the texture is breathable, comfortable yet very durable. However, there are still possibilities of shrinkage.
For example, the Gildan 18000 Heavy Blend Crewneck Sweatshirt is made from a 50/50 cotton/polyester blend and is not pre-shrunk. According to Gildan, this sweatshirt may shrink up to 5%.
Let’s look at the main reasons for Gildan sweatshirt shrinkage so you can guide your customers on how to prevent it.
Washing and drying temperature
Hot water is like a mini sauna for Gildan sweatshirts. It can make the fibers tighten up, causing that unwanted shrinkage. Similar to washing temperature, the heat of a dryer can cause Gildan sweatshirts to shrink.
Fabric blend
As we explained above, Gildan sweatshirts are usually made from a blend of cotton and polyester. While cotton is more prone to shrinkage, polyester helps to resist it. The higher the percentage of cotton in the blend, the greater the potential for shrinkage.
Pre-shrinking
Gildan pre-shrinks most of their garments, which means they are washed and dried at high temperatures before they are sold. This process helps to reduce shrinkage, but it does not eliminate it entirely.
On the other hand, not all Gildan sweatshirts are pre-shrunk. Some of their more heavyweight garments, such as the Heavy Blend Crewneck Sweatshirt, are not pre-shrunk. That’s why a Gildan sweatshirt can still shrink, especially if not handled with proper care during washing and drying.
Gildan sweatshirts care construction
In most cases, you never want your clothes to shrink (unless they’re too large!). However, many people don’t know how to treat sweatshirts correctly yet as they’re durable and easy to care for.
But in fact, Gildan sweatshirts can shrink under certain circumstances. Keep in mind the following care tips can help you keep your favorite shirts for years!
Wash in cold water
While hot water might seem best for cleaning, the heat actually causes shrinkage to cotton-poly blends. Save your favorite Gildan sweatshirts from shrinking by using cold water instead. The chill will perk up the fibers and discourage shrinking.
Choose a gentle wash cycle
Aggressive washing can beat up clothing and cause it to shrink. Set your washing machine to the gentle/delicate cycle instead to keep your sweatshirt snuggly and intact. The lighter agitation will keep it from decreasing in size.
Air dry or use low heat
The heat of electric or gas dryers can surprise cotton fibers into shrinking down. For best results, let your sweatshirt air dry instead. Lay it flat or hang it up to maintain its cushy shape as it dries naturally.
Wash and dry the sweatshirt inside out
Turning your sweatshirt inside out protects the exterior fibers and prints from the harsh effects of washing. This inside out trick keeps the outside of your Gildan looking great wash after wash!
You can also check out our guide on how to wash screen-printed shirts the right way.
How to shrink Gildan sweatshirts safely
Have you ever bought a sweatshirt that you absolutely love, but it’s just a little bit too big? Or maybe you’ve found a vintage gem that would be perfect if it were only a size smaller.
In such cases, you can actually shrink your sweatshirts using heat to achieve that perfect fit. Heat is the key to make your clothes shrink, regardless of the fabric (cotton, polyester, or blends).
However, before attempting any heat shrinking methods, it’s essential to examine the care instructions. It will reveal the fabric composition and whether the fabric is woven or knitted, helping you to choose the appropriate heat level and avoid damaging your clothes.
Let’s discover some common ways to shrink a sweatshirt using heat!
Hot water wash
This is a simple and convenient shrinking method for cotton or cotton-polyester blend clothing. To downsize sweatshirts by hot water wash, you can simply set the longest cycle and hottest temperature. Make sure to flip the garment inside out to protect colors and prints from fading during the heat exposure.
Use boiling water
Boiling water works best for shrinking natural garments, such as cotton or linen. You can simply boil a pot of water, then add the garment. Let it soak for 10-15 minutes, then remove it and wring it out gently. Be careful not to burn yourself!
High heat drying
You can actively shrink cotton-poly Gildan sweatshirts using a dryer. Don’t forget to check if your garment is clean and damp before putting it in the dryer. Excess moisture can lead to uneven shrinking.
For cotton-poly sweatshirts, begin with a lower temperature setting and a shorter cycle. You can gradually increase the heat and duration based on the desired shrinkage level. It’s also important to check the garment regularly during the drying process. It will help you get rid of over-shrinking.
Ask for a tailor’s help
If you’ve tried all the suggested methods and are still unsatisfied with the result, you can consider asking for the help of a tailor. Tailoring services can adjust the garment to better fit your size and shape, ensuring you achieve the perfect fit you’re seeking.
While it might involve additional cost, seeking professional help can be helpful to ensure your favorite sweatshirt longevity and achieve the desired outcome without causing irreversible damage.
The bottom line
We hope that this article helped you answer “do Gildan sweatshirts shrink?” Knowing how to protect your Gildan sweatshirt properly will save you from the risk of ruining your favorite shirt. Following a proper process also helps you to maintain your clothes in the best condition for longer.
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