How to Keep the Arms on a Dress Shirt From Shrinking

Read and follow the care instruction label sewn on your dress shirts. The instructions will guide you on the best way to care for your item. The label may advise you to dry-clean only or suggest a certain water temperature or dryer cycle. Neglecting to follow the label instructions may lead to shrinkage and other adverse effects, such as shirt disintegration or color fading.

Take your dress shirts to a professional dry cleaner. Though it will cost you to use a dry cleaner, you will avoid any arm shrinkage and enjoy the added bonus of ironing and deep stain removal. Professional dry cleaners use chemicals and other processes to avoid clothing shrinkage. Also, many dry cleaners offer guarantees against ruining or shrinking your items and will replace any damaged clothing at no cost.

Use cold water and a gentle cycle if using a washing machine to wash your dress shirts. Depending on the material, shrinking often occurs when the water temperature during the washing cycle is too hot or the spin cycle is too fast. Washing your items in cold water on a gentle cycle can prevent the arms from shrinking.

Remove your shirts immediately from the wash, and hang or line-dry them. This is the best way to avoid shrinkage that can occur from the dryer. If you choose to use a dryer, use a no-heat, low-tumble or delicate cycle. Another alternative is to use both methods: Put the shirt in the dryer for a short cycle, remove it while it's still damp, and then hang it until it's fully dried.

Wash your shirts by hand using cold water and a mild detergent. Hand-washing ensures your shirt will not encounter shrinking during the wash process. After washing, hang your shirts to dry in a cool area so the arms don't shrink from overexposure to heat.