Roots sweatpants are designed to experience minimal shrinkage due, in part, to the fact that many of their athletic items are pre-washed during the manufacturing process. This pre-treatment helps stabilize the fabric, reducing the likelihood of significant changes in size after initial washes.
Understanding Shrinkage in Apparel
While pre-washing minimizes shrinkage, certain factors can still contribute to minor shrinking or changes in fit over time, particularly with cotton and cotton-blend fabrics commonly used in sweatpants. These factors typically revolve around the care methods employed during washing and drying.
Minimizing Shrinkage Through Proper Care
To ensure your Roots sweatpants maintain their size, shape, and overall quality for as long as possible, adhering to specific care instructions is crucial.
Here are key tips for washing and drying your sweatpants to minimize any potential shrinkage:
- Read the Care Label: Always check the specific care instructions on the garment's internal tag. These labels provide tailored advice for the fabric composition of your particular item.
- Wash in Cold Water: Hot water can cause fibers to contract. Washing your sweatpants in cold water on a gentle cycle helps preserve the fabric's integrity and size.
- Use a Gentle Cycle: Aggressive washing cycles can cause friction and stress on the fabric, potentially leading to stretching or minor shrinkage.
- Air Dry or Tumble Dry Low: High heat is a primary culprit for shrinkage in many fabrics.
- Air Drying: Laying sweatpants flat to air dry, or hanging them, is the most effective way to prevent shrinkage and maintain shape.
- Tumble Dry Low: If using a dryer, opt for the lowest heat setting and remove the sweatpants as soon as they are dry to avoid over-drying, which can also contribute to shrinkage and fabric damage.
Care Guide for Roots Sweatpants
Refer to this simple guide for best practices:
| Care Aspect | Recommended Method (Minimize Shrinkage) | Methods to Avoid (Can Cause Shrinkage) |
|---|---|---|
| Washing Temp | Cold Water | Hot Water |
| Washing Cycle | Gentle Cycle | Heavy Duty / Aggressive Cycles |
| Drying Method | Air Dry / Tumble Dry Low Heat | High Heat Tumble Dry |
| Over-drying | Remove promptly when dry | Leaving in dryer too long |
By following these recommendations, you can ensure your Roots sweatpants remain comfortable and true to size wear after wear.
