The Cleaning Club Unveils the Real Reasons Sweaters and Shirts Lose Their Shape
LOS ANGELES, CA — Most sweaters and shirts don’t lose their shape all at once. Instead, they gradually become misshapen until one day the collar feels stretched out or the hemline looks longer than before. According to The Cleaning Club, a trusted garment care provider in Los Angeles, these changes are not necessarily due to age or wear, but rather small, everyday actions that quietly break down the structure of the fabric over time.
Consumers don’t need to be laundry professionals to extend the life of their clothing, but a more mindful approach to garment care is essential. The Cleaning Club emphasizes that understanding what causes stretching, sagging, and distortion can help anyone protect their wardrobe favorites for years to come.
Why Clothes Lose Their Shape Over Time
1. Because of How They're Worn
The Cleaning Club points out that the way people wear and remove their garments plays a major role in how long those clothes maintain their shape. Pulling a shirt over the head or tugging a sweater off by the sleeves puts consistent stress on delicate areas like the neckline, cuffs, and shoulders. Stretchy materials, such as cotton blends or knits, are particularly vulnerable because they tend to expand and fail to return to their original form.
Habits such as slouching a sweater off one shoulder, constantly rolling up sleeves, or tightly tucking a shirt into jeans also place uneven tension on fabrics. Over time, these behaviors contribute to warping and fit issues. The Cleaning Club recommends being gentler with garments and avoiding movements that stretch fabrics beyond their intended design.
2. Because of How They're Washed
Washing is one of the biggest contributors to garment distortion. The Cleaning Club advises that settings like hot water and high-speed spins, though effective at cleaning, can damage fabric fibers. Natural materials such as wool and cotton are especially prone to shrinking or weakening under high heat. Additionally, washing lightweight shirts and sweaters alongside heavy items like jeans or towels causes friction that prematurely wears down the fabric.
Another major factor is overwashing. Each cycle degrades the fibers a bit more, especially when traditional detergents are used instead of those formulated for delicates. The Cleaning Club suggests reducing unnecessary washes: if a garment doesn’t have visible dirt, a stain, or an odor, it’s best to spot clean and air it out rather than subject it to another full cycle.
3. Because of How They're Dried
Dryers combine heat and mechanical movement—two of the primary reasons clothes lose their shape. The Cleaning Club explains that high temperatures can cause uneven shrinkage in cotton and wool, while the tumbling motion twists garments in every direction. Even “delicate” dryer settings can still contribute to distortion, particularly for knits and loosely woven fabrics.
Instead, The Cleaning Club recommends air drying garments to help preserve their shape. Laying sweaters flat and using hangers or drying racks for shirts is a slower process but one that offers superior long-term benefits.
4. Because of How They're Hung
Clothing storage is another key element in preserving garment shape. The Cleaning Club notes that hanging heavy knits or soft fabrics on regular hangers stretches the shoulders and causes visible bumps or sagging. Even lighter shirts can be negatively impacted if hung on thin wire or plastic hangers, which often distort collars and necklines.
Hanging wet garments makes matters worse by adding extra weight that stretches the fabric. The Cleaning Club advises using padded or wide wooden hangers for structured garments and folding sweaters instead of hanging them. As a general rule, folding is the best method for knits to prevent long-term damage.
5. Because of Poor Fabric Quality
Fabric quality is a significant factor in whether a garment will hold its shape. According to The Cleaning Club, many fast fashion pieces are made with cheap materials that may look stylish at first but quickly lose their structure. Loosely knit fabrics, synthetic blends, low thread counts, and substandard stitching all contribute to early wear and stretching.
Even garments from higher-end brands are not immune if they’re constructed poorly. To ensure better longevity, The Cleaning Club recommends choosing tightly woven or knit fabrics, natural fibers like cotton, wool, or cashmere, and pieces with reinforced seams and hems.
6. Because of Improper Storage
Poor storage practices can lead to unwanted garment distortion. The Cleaning Club warns that overstuffed drawers or cramped closets compress clothing, affecting its shape. Stacking sweaters too high can result in crushing and creasing, while crowding shirts on hangers can lead to puckering or warped collars.
Seasonal storage also presents risks. Sweaters packed away in sealed plastic containers without ventilation can trap moisture and cause mildew or fiber damage. The Cleaning Club advises storing clean, dry garments in breathable containers like cotton storage bags. For long-term storage, cedar blocks or lavender sachets can help maintain freshness naturally.
7. Because of Excessive Friction
Daily activities contribute more friction than most people realize. According to The Cleaning Club, contact with car seats, crossbody bags, armrests, or even swinging arms creates constant rubbing that breaks down fabric surfaces. This friction weakens fibers and leads to thinning, stretching, and misshapen sleeves or hems.
Friction in the laundry process is also damaging. Washing sweaters and shirts with rougher items like jeans can accelerate wear. To reduce damage, The Cleaning Club recommends washing delicate items with similar fabrics, avoiding harsh pairings, and using garment bags for added protection.
Expert Garment Care from The Cleaning Club
With years of experience handling everything from everyday shirts to delicate couture pieces, The Cleaning Club helps customers keep their wardrobes looking sharp and well-shaped. For those who want to avoid the risks of home washing and drying, The Cleaning Club offers expert services using environmentally friendly solvents that are gentle even on the most sensitive garments.
In addition to daily wear, The Cleaning Club specializes in cleaning wedding gowns, leather items, business suits, and designer pieces. Their commitment to quality care ensures that every item is returned in its best possible condition.
