Sleeves that grow too long after washing

Short answer: Sleeves do not grow longer from washing, but they can seem longer, because the fabric is stretched out when it is wet and heavy. Dry the garment flat, avoid hanging it by the sleeves, and pull it into shape while it is damp.

Why do the sleeves feel longer

When a knit is wet, it becomes heavier and is stretched more easily by its own weight. If you hang the garment up to dry, the weight pulls the sleeves down, and they dry in a longer shape. That is why the sleeves seem too long, even though the fabric has not grown at all.

Drying makes the biggest difference

The most important rule is to lay the garment flat to dry instead of hanging it by the sleeves or shoulders. Then the fabric is not loaded by the weight, and the sleeves keep their length. See the long sleeve models for a fit made to be worn every day.

Wash at a low temperature

Hot water and hard spinning can make the fabric stretch or draw together unevenly. Wash on a gentle cycle at a low temperature, and use a wash bag if you want to protect the sleeves from being twisted around the rest of the wash.

Pull them into shape while damp

When the clothes come out of the machine, the fabric is soft and can be shaped. Pull the sleeves gently to the length you want, and smooth them out so they lie evenly, before you lay the garment down to dry. It takes a minute and makes a clear difference.

Check the length of the two sleeves

If one sleeve is longer than the other, it is often because the garment hung crooked or was stretched unevenly. Lay the sleeves next to each other, judge them by eye, and pull the shorter sleeve out gently while the fabric is damp.

Cuff and edge

If the sleeve has a cuff, it can lose its elasticity after many washes, and the sleeve then seems longer. If the cuff has gone slack, it is a sign that the garment is worn and that you should think about a new one, so the sleeves sit firmly at the wrist again.

Sleeves in layers

When the sleeves of a long sleeve T-shirt are a little too long, they can push up under the sweatshirt and bunch. With several layers the inner sleeve should not reach further than the outer one, and socks for women sit nicely while you adjust the rest.

If the sleeves are already too long

Try washing the garment gently and drying it flat, so the fabric can draw in a little. If the sleeves are still too long, you can fold them up or choose a smaller size next time, and combine with bamboo knickers in a suitable size.

Frequently asked questions

Do sleeves really get longer from washing

The fabric does not get longer, but it can be stretched by its own weight when wet. Drying flat helps.

Should I hang the clothes up to dry

It is better to lay them flat, because the weight otherwise pulls the sleeves out. Only hang up if the garment is very thin.

Can I fix sleeves that have grown too long

You can try a gentle wash and flat drying, so the fabric draws in. Otherwise you can fold the sleeves up.

You can find the full range at Copenhagen Bamboo.