Do American Eagle Shirts Shrink? All You Need To Know

Do American Eagle Shirts Shrink?

Yes, American Eagle shirts can shrink. The extent of shrinkage can vary depending on the specific fabric and care instructions. Most American Eagle shirts are made of cotton or cotton blends, which are known to shrink when exposed to heat or hot water.

To minimize the risk of shrinkage, it is recommended to follow the care instructions provided on the garment’s label.

Typically, washing the shirts in cold water and avoiding high heat when drying (such as using a low setting or air drying) can help prevent excessive shrinkage.

However, it’s important to note that even with proper care, some degree of shrinkage may still occur.

Does American Eagle Shirts Shrink In The Dryer?

Yes, American Eagle shirts can shrink in the dryer. As mentioned earlier, most American Eagle shirts are made of cotton or cotton blends, which have a tendency to shrink when exposed to heat. When you put a shirt in the dryer, the combination of heat and tumbling can cause the fibers to contract and result in shrinkage.

To minimize the risk of shrinkage, it is advisable to follow the care instructions provided on the garment’s label. Using a lower heat setting or opting for air drying can help reduce the chances of significant shrinkage.

However, it is important to note that some degree of shrinkage may still occur even with proper care.

Does American Eagle Shirts Shrink In Wash?

Yes, American Eagle shirts can shrink in the wash. Most American Eagle shirts are made of cotton or cotton blends, which are prone to shrinking when exposed to water and agitation. When you wash a shirt in hot water or use a vigorous washing cycle, the fibers can contract and lead to shrinkage.

To minimize the risk of shrinkage, it is recommended to follow the care instructions provided on the garment’s label. Washing the shirts in cold water and using a gentle cycle can help prevent excessive shrinkage.

However, it’s important to note that some degree of shrinkage may still occur even with proper care.

How Much Do American Eagle Shirts Shrink?

The amount that American Eagle shirts shrink can vary depending on several factors, including the specific fabric, construction, and care instructions followed. Cotton and cotton-blend shirts, which are commonly used by American Eagle, are known to have a tendency to shrink.

On average, cotton garments can shrink between 3-5% in length and width. However, it’s important to note that individual results may vary.

The shrinkage can be influenced by factors such as the initial size of the shirt, the specific fabric blend, the washing and drying methods used, and the temperature of the water or heat applied.

To minimize shrinkage, following the care instructions provided on the garment’s label is advisable.

Can You Shrink American Eagle Shirts?

Yes, it is possible to shrink American Eagle shirts. Most American Eagle shirts are made of cotton or cotton blends, which have a tendency to shrink when exposed to heat and agitation. If you intentionally want to shrink a shirt, you can try a few methods.

One common method is to wash the shirt in hot water and then dry it in a high-heat setting. This combination of heat and agitation can cause the fibers to contract, resulting in shrinkage.

However, it’s important to note that intentionally shrinking a shirt may result in changes to the fit and overall appearance of the garment, so it should be done with caution.

How To Shrink American Eagle Shirts?

If you want to intentionally shrink an American Eagle shirt, here are a few steps you can follow:

1. Check the care label: Make sure the shirt is made of a fabric that is prone to shrinking, such as cotton or a cotton blend. Some fabrics, like polyester or synthetic blends, are less likely to shrink.
2. Wash in hot water: Fill a basin or washing machine with hot water, following the temperature recommendations on the care label. Submerge the shirt and let it soak for about 30 minutes.
3. Agitate the shirt: During the soaking process, gently agitate the shirt by swishing it around in the water. This helps the fibers contract and shrink.
4. Rinse in cold water: After soaking, drain the hot water and rinse the shirt in cold water. This helps to set the shrunken size and prevent further shrinking.
5. Dry on high heat: Transfer the shirt to the dryer and set it on a high heat setting. Tumble dry the shirt until fully dry. The combination of heat and agitation in the dryer will further shrink the fabric.
6. Check the fit: Once the shirt is dry, try it on and assess the fit. If it hasn’t shrunk enough, you can repeat the process or adjust the temperature and duration in the washing and drying steps.

It’s important to note that intentionally shrinking a shirt may result in changes to the fit and overall appearance of the garment, so it should be done with caution. Always check the care label and consider the potential consequences before attempting to shrink a shirt.

How To Unshrink American Eagle Shirts?

While it is challenging to completely reverse the shrinkage of a garment, you can try the following steps to potentially restore some of the original size and shape of an American Eagle shirt that has shrunk:

1. Prepare a sink or basin: Fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water.
2. Add a fabric conditioner: Add a small amount of hair conditioner or fabric conditioner to the water and mix it well. This can help relax the fibers and make them more pliable.
3. Soak the shirt: Submerge the shrunken shirt in the lukewarm water and conditioner mixture. Gently massage and stretch the fabric for a few minutes, making sure it is fully saturated.
4. Let it soak: Leave the shirt to soak in the solution for about 30 minutes to an hour. This allows the conditioner to penetrate the fibers and relax them.
5. Remove excess water: After soaking, gently squeeze out the excess water from the shirt. Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric, as it can cause further damage.
6. Reshape the shirt: While the shirt is still damp, carefully stretch and reshape it back to its original size. Pay attention to areas that have shrunk, such as the sleeves or body. Use your hands to gently pull and stretch the fabric in those areas.
7. Air dry: Lay the shirt flat on a clean towel or hang it up to air dry. Avoid using a dryer, as heat can further shrink the fabric.
8. Check the fit: Once the shirt is dry, try it on and assess the fit. Keep in mind that the results may vary, and it may not fully return to its original size. If needed, you can repeat the process to further improve the fit.

Remember that unshrinking a garment is not always guaranteed, especially if the shrinkage is significant or the fabric has been permanently damaged. It’s always advisable to carefully read and follow the care instructions on the garment’s label to minimize the risk of shrinkage in the first place.

How To Prevent American Eagle Shirts From Shrinking?

To help prevent American Eagle shirts from shrinking, you can follow these guidelines:

1. Read the care instructions: Always check the care label on the shirt for specific washing and drying instructions. Different fabrics may have different requirements.
2. Wash in cold water: Use cold water for washing instead of hot or warm water. Cold water is less likely to cause shrinkage in most fabrics.
3. Gentle cycle: Opt for a gentle or delicate cycle on your washing machine. This reduces the amount of agitation the shirt undergoes during the washing process, minimizing the risk of shrinkage.
4. Avoid excessive agitation: When washing, avoid overloading the machine and be mindful of the level of agitation. Aggressive washing can cause fibers to contract and shrink.
5. Air dry or low heat: Whenever possible, air dry your American Eagle shirts. Hang them up on a drying rack or lay them flat on a towel. If you prefer using a dryer, set it to a low heat setting or choose the air-dry option.
6. Remove promptly: Once the shirts are dry, remove them from the washing machine or dryer promptly. Leaving them sitting in a hot and humid environment for an extended period can contribute to shrinkage.
7. Avoid ironing at high heat: If you need to iron your shirts, use the appropriate heat setting for the fabric. Ironing at high heat can cause fibers to shrink or melt.
8. Follow special care instructions: Some American Eagle shirts may have specific care instructions due to unique fabric blends or decorations. Make sure to follow any special instructions provided.

By following these steps and being mindful of the care instructions, you can help minimize the risk of shrinkage and maintain the size and shape of your American Eagle shirts.

Read Next:

• Do Abercrombie Shirts Shrink? 
• Do Tommy Bahama Shirts Shrink In The Dryer?

Final Words

American Eagle shirts can shrink, especially if they are made of cotton or cotton blends. These fabrics have a tendency to contract when exposed to heat and agitation.

While the amount of shrinkage can vary depending on factors such as fabric type, care instructions, and washing/drying methods, it is generally recommended to follow the care label instructions provided by American Eagle.

Washing shirts in cold water, using a gentle cycle, and avoiding high heat in the dryer can help minimize shrinkage. However, it’s important to note that some degree of shrinkage may still occur even with proper care.