Most sweaters and shirts don’t get ruined all at once. They lose their shape little by little until one day you tug on a stretched-out collar or notice the hemline sagging an inch lower than it used to. And no, it isn’t because the garment is old. More often, it’s the everyday things we do (or forget to do) that slowly break down the fibers and throw the fit off balance.
You don’t need to be a laundry expert to keep your clothes in shape, but you do need to be intentional. Simple changes to your daily habits can add years to the lifespan of your garments. Understanding what causes stretching, sagging, and warping is the first step. Let’s break it down.
1st Reason – Because of How We Wear It
Clothing isn’t invincible. Every time you tug a shirt over your head or yank a sweater off by the sleeve, you put stress on the fibers, especially around the neckline, shoulders, and cuffs. This is even more noticeable with stretchy fabrics like cotton blends or knits, which tend to expand and then never quite bounce back. Over time, all that tugging and pulling distorts the original shape of the fabric.
It’s not just about how you take it off, either. Wearing your sweater slouched over one shoulder, constantly rolling up your sleeves, or stuffing your shirt into tight jeans can all shift tension in certain areas. Eventually, the fabric warps. If you want your clothes to last, treat them with the same care you give anything else you wear every day. Be gentle, and don’t force them to move in ways they weren’t designed to move.
2nd Reason – Because of How We Wash It
Washing is where most of the damage happens, and it often starts with the settings on your washing machine. Hot water and high spin speeds may get your clothes clean, but they’re also rough on the fibers. Heat causes natural materials like cotton and wool to contract and weaken, while aggressive spins can twist garments out of shape. And if you wash shirts and sweaters with heavy items like jeans or towels, those rougher fabrics beat up the lighter ones during the wash cycle.
Another issue is over washing. Every wash cycle breaks down fabric fibers a little more, especially if you use regular detergent instead of a detergent made for delicates. When those fibers weaken, the garment loses the strength it needs to hold its original shape.
Here’s another smart tip: if it doesn’t smell, stain, or show visible dirt, don’t wash it yet. Spot clean and air it out instead.
3rd Reason – Because of How We Dry It
If there’s one place sweaters and shirts get stretched, it’s the dryer. Dryers use heat and motion, two major causes affecting fabric longevity. High temperatures cause shrinkage, especially in cotton and wool, which tightens the fibers unevenly. Then the tumbling motion twists and pulls the garment in all directions. Plus, some dryers continue spinning during the cool-down phase, which can cause further warping. Even if you use a “delicate” cycle, there’s still risk, especially for knits and looser weaves.
What You Can Do Instead
Whenever possible, air dry flat for sweaters and use a hanger or rack for shirts. It takes a little more time, but it preserves the integrity of your clothing far better in the long run.
4th Reason – Because of How We Hang It
Yes, how you hang your clothes matters. In fact, it can make or break the shape of your sweaters and shirts. Hanging heavy knits or soft fabrics on a standard hanger stretches the shoulders over time. You’ll start to see those dreaded shoulder bumps or a subtle sag where the fabric pulls from gravity.
Even with lighter shirts, wire or thin plastic hangers can distort collars and stretch necklines. And don’t even think about hanging anything damp. Wet garments are heavier, and when hung carelessly, they stretch out more easily under that extra weight.
What You Can Do Instead
Use padded or wide wooden hangers for structured shirts. For sweaters, skip the hanger altogether, fold and store them in a drawer or on a shelf. It’s one of the simplest ways to protect their shape long term. But when in doubt, fold it. Especially for knits and sweaters. Hanging is great for some clothes, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all method.
5th Reason – Because of Poor Fabric Quality
Fast fashion brands use cheap, loosely knit fabrics that may look good at first but fall apart quickly. Lower thread counts, artificial blends, and poor stitching all contribute to garments that lose their structure after just a few wears or washes. And synthetic blends that mimic cotton or wool often lack the elasticity needed to bounce back into shape after stretching.
Even higher-end brands sometimes cut corners. Just because something has a designer label doesn’t guarantee it’s made from durable materials.
When choosing sweaters or shirts you want to last, look for:
- Tightly woven or knit fabrics
- Natural fibers like wool, cotton, or cashmere
- Reinforced seams and hems
6th Reason – Because of Improper Storage
Shoving garments into overstuffed drawers or hanging them in a cramped closet compresses and distorts the fibers. Stacking sweaters too high leads to crushing and creasing. And placing shirts on hangers without spacing can warp collars and create puckering across the chest.
Seasonal storage poses its own risks. Sweaters folded and left in plastic bags (without ventilation) can trap moisture and lead to fiber damage or mildew, especially if they weren’t properly cleaned before storage.
What You Can Do Instead
Use breathable containers like cotton storage bags, and make sure everything is folded clean and dry before it’s put away. If you store items long term, cedar blocks or lavender sachets can also help maintain freshness without harsh chemicals.
7th Reason – Because of Excessive Friction
Every time you rub against a car seat, crossbody bag, armrest, or even your own arms swinging naturally by your sides, you create friction. That constant contact wears down the fabric’s surface and pulls on the fibers, which, over time, stretches or thins the material. The result is misshapen sleeves, frayed cuffs, and warped hems.
Even washing causes friction. That’s why tossing sweaters or shirts in with jeans or towels is a bad idea, because the tougher textures break down delicate fibers more quickly. To cut down on damage, wash like with like, wear crossbody bags sparingly with knits, and consider garment bags for delicate items in the wash.
Keep Your Favorites in Shape – Trust The Cleaning Club for Gentle, Expert Garment Care. Call Now!
Noticing stretched collars or saggy cuffs? Don’t let everyday wear or improper home washing habits ruin your favorite sweaters and shirts. At The Cleaning Club, we specialize in preserving the fit, feel, and form of your clothing, especially those delicate or high-end garments you don’t want to risk in your home washer or dryer.
Aside from everyday shirts and sweaters, we’re also experts at cleaning wedding dresses, business suits, leather garments, and even couture pieces, using environmentally friendly solvent that is safe and gentle even on the most delicate items.
Visit us at:
📍 10905 Venice Blvd., UNIT 101 Los Angeles, CA 90034, USA
🕒 Monday–Saturday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
📧 Email us anytime: info@thecleaningclub.com
Get premium Dry Cleaning Service from The Cleaning Club and give your clothes the expert attention they need to stay sharp, wearable, and well-shaped. Call our customer service hotline at 310-836-9700 to book your next cleaning with us!