Denim pants are made from cotton, which has a tendency to shrink when exposed to water and heat. Washing denim pants can indeed cause some shrinkage, especially if they have not been pre-shrunk during the manufacturing process. The extent of shrinkage can vary depending on factors like the type of denim, the washing method, and water temperature.
Drying denim pants inside out can help minimize shrinkage to some extent because it protects the outer surface of the fabric from direct heat exposure. However, it's important to note that even when dried inside out, there may still be some shrinkage during the washing process that could affect the overall fit of the pants.
To minimize shrinkage, consider the following tips:
Wash in cold water: Using cold water instead of hot water can help reduce the amount of shrinkage during washing.
Air dry if possible: Hang your denim pants to air dry instead of using a machine dryer. This will further minimize the potential for shrinkage.
Stretching: While the pants are still damp, you can try gently stretching them to their original shape to prevent them from becoming too tight after washing.
Buy pre-shrunk denim: When purchasing new denim pants, look for ones labeled as "pre-shrunk" as they have been treated to reduce shrinkage.
Remember that every denim fabric behaves differently, so some shrinkage may still occur despite taking precautions. To maintain the best fit, always follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer.