Most cotton shrinkage issues don’t come from the fabric alone — they come from how the garment is washed, dried, and stitched. This FAQ breaks down everyday habits that unknowingly increase shrinkage. Does machine washing cause more cotton shrinkage than hand washing? Yes. Machine washing increases shrinkage due to higher agitation and spinning, which accelerates fibre relaxation. Why does hot water increase cotton shrinkage? Heat softens cotton fibres, allowing tension to r