Why Are My Faherty Sunwashed Tees Shrinking? Common Care Mistakes and Fixes

Quick Answer

Faherty Sunwashed tees shrink when exposed to hot water, high heat drying, or aggressive machine cycles. To prevent shrinkage, wash in cold water, use a gentle cycle, and lay flat to dry or use the lowest dryer setting. If a tee has already shrunk, gently stretch it while damp and let it air dry.

If your Faherty Sunwashed tee has come out of the dryer a size smaller, you're not alone. Shrinkage is one of the most common care issues with garment-washed cotton, and it's almost always caused by how the shirt is washed and dried, not by a flaw in the fabric.

Sunwashed tees are designed to feel soft and lived-in from the first wear, but that same garment-washed finish makes them more sensitive to heat and agitation. Understanding what causes the fibers to contract can help you keep your favorite tee fitting the way it should.

Why Sunwashed Tees Shrink

Cotton fibers are naturally prone to shrinking when exposed to heat and moisture. The garment-washed process that gives Sunwashed tees their broken-in feel can also relax the fibers, making them more reactive to high temperatures. When you wash in hot water or dry on high heat, the fibers tighten and the fabric contracts.

Agitation also plays a role. A heavy-duty wash cycle can stress the fabric and cause more shrinkage than a gentle cycle. Even the way you dry the shirt matters—tumble drying with heat is the biggest culprit, while air drying allows the fibers to relax and keep their shape.

• Always check the care label on your specific tee, as different blends may have slightly different instructions.

How to Wash Faherty Sunwashed Tees Without Shrinking

The safest approach is to turn the tee inside out, wash it in cold water on a gentle cycle, and skip the dryer. Cold water keeps the fibers from contracting, and a gentle cycle reduces stress on the fabric. Use a mild detergent and avoid bleach or fabric softeners, which can break down the fibers over time.

If you prefer machine drying, use the lowest heat setting and remove the tee while it's still slightly damp. Lay it flat to finish drying, reshaping it gently to its original dimensions. This minimizes heat exposure and helps the fabric retain its fit.

• Wash with like colors to prevent dye transfer, especially in the first few washes.

What to Do If Your Tee Already Shrank

If your Sunwashed tee has already shrunk, there's a good chance you can restore some of the lost size. Fill a sink with lukewarm water and add a small amount of baby shampoo or hair conditioner. Soak the tee for about 15 minutes, then gently squeeze out the excess water—don't wring it.

Lay the shirt on a flat surface and gently stretch it back to its original dimensions, focusing on the length and width. Let it air dry completely. This method works best on cotton and cotton-blend tees, and it's worth trying before you give up on a favorite shirt.

• Repeat the stretching process if the tee is still too small after the first drying.

When to Consider a Different Fit

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a tee may shrink more than you'd like. If you find that your Sunwashed tees consistently shrink despite following the care instructions, you might want to consider sizing up on your next purchase. This gives you extra room to account for any minor shrinkage.

Alternatively, you could explore other styles in the Faherty lineup that are designed to hold their shape differently. For example, the Short-Sleeve Breeze Tee is made from a featherweight jersey blend that's light and breathable, but it still requires similar care to prevent shrinkage.

Diagnosis: Is It Shrinkage or Something Else?

• Symptom: The tee feels tighter, shorter, or smaller after washing and drying. If the change is noticeable after the first wash, it's likely shrinkage.
• Likely Cause: Hot water, high heat drying, or a heavy-duty wash cycle caused the cotton fibers to contract. Switch to cold water and low heat to prevent further shrinkage.
• Corrective Action: Soak the tee in lukewarm water with a little conditioner, gently stretch it, and lay flat to dry. This can often restore a good portion of the original size.
• When to Stop or Choose Another Option: If the tee remains too small after stretching, or if it shrinks repeatedly despite proper care, consider sizing up next time or exploring a different fabric blend. At this point, further stretching is unlikely to help, so adjust your future purchases instead.

Related Products and Care Considerations

• Short-Sleeve Breeze Tee - Blue Isle: Designed as the lightest layer in our Breeze Collection, this tee is made from a featherweight jersey blend that feels soft, breathable, and easy to wear on warm days. The tri-blend fabric creates a subtle heathered texture with a vintage athletic feel, making it perfect on its own or layered under your favorite summer shirts. This lighter blend may be even more susceptible to heat-related shrinkage, so follow the same cold-water and low-heat care routine to keep it fitting well.
• Big Kids Sunwashed Striped T-Shirt Polo - Mountain Wind Stripe: A polo that skips the stiff, first-day feel. It's cut in a yarn-dyed striped cotton with a garment-washed finish for a soft, lived-in feel from the start. It's made from 100% regenerative organic cotton for breathable, ultra-soft, eco-friendly comfort. This polo uses the same garment-washed cotton approach, so it benefits from the same gentle washing and drying habits to avoid shrinkage.

Shrinkage doesn't have to ruin your favorite Sunwashed tee. By washing in cold water, drying on low heat or air drying, and knowing how to stretch a shrunken shirt, you can keep your tees fitting comfortably for years. If a tee is beyond saving, take the lesson forward and choose a size or style that better matches your care routine.