Determining whether a shirt has shrunk in the dryer or if it was mislabeled can be a bit tricky, but there are several ways you can try to figure it out:
Check the care label: The first step is to review the care instructions on the shirt's label. If the label clearly states that the shirt is pre-shrunk, it means it has already undergone a shrinking process before being sold, and any further shrinkage is unlikely due to the dryer. If it does not mention pre-shrinking, it may still indicate specific washing and drying instructions, which can give you a clue about how to care for the garment properly.
Compare measurements: Before washing the shirt, take detailed measurements of its length, width, and sleeve length. After it has been through the dryer, measure it again and compare the measurements to the original ones. If there is a significant reduction in size, it is likely that the shirt has shrunk in the dryer.
Check the fabric composition: Certain fabrics are more prone to shrinking than others. For example, natural fibers like cotton and wool have a higher likelihood of shrinking in the dryer, while synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon tend to be more resistant to shrinking. If the shirt is made from a fabric known for shrinking, that could be a factor.
Compare with similar garments: If you have other shirts made from the same fabric or brand, compare their sizes to see if there are any consistent differences. If the suspect shirt is significantly smaller than its counterparts, it might have shrunk in the dryer or could have been mislabeled.
Consider other factors: Think about any other possible causes that could lead to sizing issues. For instance, if the shirt feels excessively tight or small but the measurements haven't changed significantly, it's possible the shirt was mislabeled or had incorrect sizing from the beginning.
Review the care routine: If you regularly wash and dry clothes without any issues, but this particular shirt seems to have changed size dramatically, it might be worth reevaluating your care routine. Ensure you're following the care instructions, using appropriate water temperature, and not over-drying clothes.
Ultimately, it may be challenging to definitively determine whether a shirt shrank in the dryer or was mislabeled, especially if you don't have the original sizing information. In such cases, you may want to contact the manufacturer or retailer to inquire about their sizing standards or seek a replacement if you suspect a labeling error.