Will cotton jeans or pants shrink after washing?

It is a scenario every shopper fears: You find the perfect pair of pants, they fit like a glove in the fitting room, but after one trip through the laundry, they feel a size too small.

The short answer is yes, cotton pants and jeans can shrink. However, how much they shrink depends entirely on the fabric type and how you care for them.

Understanding the science of shrinkage will help you buy the right size and keep your favorite trousers fitting perfectly for years.

1. Why Does Cotton Shrink? (The Science)

Cotton is a natural fiber. During the manufacturing process, the yarns are stretched and pulled tight under high tension to be woven into fabric.

When you wash cotton pants—especially in hot water—the water and heat cause the fibers to relax and “snap back” to their original, shorter state. This is why your jeans feel tightest right after they come out of the dryer but loosen up after you wear them for a few hours.

2. Sanforized vs. Unsanforized: Know What You Are Buying

Not all denim is created equal. The biggest factor in shrinkage is whether the fabric has been “Sanforized.”

Sanforized Denim (The Standard): Most modern jeans and cotton pants undergo a mechanical process called Sanforization at the factory. This pre-shrinks the fabric before it is even sewn.
- Shrinkage Risk: Very low. You can expect 1% to 3% shrinkage, which is barely noticeable.
Unsanforized / Raw Denim (The Purist Choice): This is denim in its purest state, often found in high-end heritage brands. It has not been treated.
- Shrinkage Risk: High. These can shrink up to 10% (almost two full sizes) after the first wash. This is often called “Shrink-to-Fit.”

If you are buying standard casual pants or jeans from us, they are likely pre-shrunk (Sanforized) to ensure the size remains consistent.

3. The 100% Cotton vs. Stretch Blend Factor

Check the label on your pants. The composition changes the rules:

100% Cotton: These are the most prone to shrinkage. They are rigid and durable but sensitive to high heat.
Cotton Blends (Elastane/Spandex/Polyester): If your pants have 2% or more synthetic material, they are typically more stable. Synthetics do not shrink like natural fibers, so they help “hold” the shape of the pant.

4. How to Prevent Shrinkage: 3 Golden Rules

If you want to keep your pants exactly the size they were when you bought them, follow these care instructions:

Wash Cold: Heat is the enemy. Always use the cold water cycle (30°C or below).
Skip the Dryer: The mechanical tumbling combined with high heat causes the most significant shrinkage. Instead, hang dry or lay them flat.
Stretch While Damp: If a pair feels a little tight coming out of the wash, give the waistband and inseam a gentle tug while the fabric is still damp, then let them air dry.

The Verdict

Expect a tiny amount of shrinkage (about 1-3%) with any 100% cotton product—this is natural. However, by washing cold and air drying, you can virtually eliminate the risk.

Looking for pants that hold their shape? Check out our latest pre-shrunk collection.