One wrong wash and your go-to pants can go from fab to flop. We all know Laundry Day is not exactly the runway moment you planned for. But when you take them out of the wash, excited to rock that same comfy fit, only to find that they have shrunk. And not in a cute cropped way. From your go-to black leggings to breezy cotton palazzos and those jeggings that bring main-character energy midweek, your pants deserve better. Treat them right. And if you have ever Googled "how to wash pants without shrinking" or felt personally distressed by laundry day, this blog is for you.
Welcome to the bottomwear wash guide you didn’t know you needed but totally do, (including for your favourite Go Colors bottoms). From understanding your fabrics inside out to avoiding common laundry mistakes, let's dive into the do’s and don’ts of pants care.
Wash Care Guide for Trousers
Because washing your bottomwear is not just about getting them clean, but also about keeping them looking good.
Cotton: Comfy but a Little High-Maintenance
Cotton is the timeless choice for everyday comfort, especially for those go-to pants and comfy palazzos. But here’s the thing, cotton has a love-hate relationship with heat. The best way to wash cotton pants is with cold water on a gentle cycle. Air drying in the shade is the gentlest way to help your bottomwear stay in shape. Wash them inside out with similar colours to keep them from fading.
If you’re searching for how to wash pants to maintain fit, cotton is the only fabric that needs a little extra care. So, handle it with care.
Linen: Lightweight and Luxe
Linen brings effortless summer energy, but they are not heat lovers.
Go for a gentle cycle or a good old hand wash, say no to bleach and always dry in the shade to protect your bottoms. Tumble dryers? Big no. You can steam out wrinkles, no high heat is needed.
Denim: Tough Love
Denim is sturdy, but not invincible. Wash your jeans inside out in cold water with similar colours. Let it dry naturally. No dryer. Treat your denim right with a cool wash and zero heat, that's the golden rule.
Tencel: Soft, Sustainable, Sensitive
Sustainably sleek and silkily smooth tencel bottomwear just a touch refined. You must choose cold water and the gentlest cycle. Skipping wrings or strong detergents can preserve your bottoms’ charm. Lay flat or hang to dry in the shade and a gentle iron’s warmth is best.
Rayon: Flowy But Fussy
Rayon bottoms feel dreamy but are super sensitive. Stick to cold hand wash with mild detergent. No bleach, no tumble drying. Air dry flat or hanging, and iron inside out on low. Follow the rules or risk a shrinkage crisis with your favourite rayon pants.
Polyester & Spandex Bottomwear: The Stretch Queens
Polyester & spandex bottomwear can hold their shape only if you handle them right. You need to wash your bottoms inside out on a gentle, cold cycle. Avoid bleach and the dryer. Dry these bottoms in the shade, and iron only on low if needed.
Spin Smarter, Not Harder
Do you know what's the biggest laundry mistake to avoid? Spinning your pants like they are in a tornado. High spin cycles easily ruin the shape, design and can lead to stretching your pants. Opt for gentle cycles and minimal spinning to keep that just-right fit. This is particularly for leggings and jeggings, where elasticity is everything.
Drying: The Make or Break Moment
Even if you have nailed the wash, tossing your bottomwear into a hot dryer can undo all the care you have put in. Air drying in the shade is always a smart choice. Avoid direct sunlight (which can fade colours) and skip the hanger if it’s heavy as it might stretch out your favourite bottoms. When in doubt, lay flat. Your pants will thank you with extra wear and won’t pull a shrinking act.
Read the Tag, Seriously!
Ever notice that tiny care label hiding inside your Go Colors pants? It actually means something! It’s your mini wash-and-care buddy, giving you everything you need to know about how to wash pants without shrinking or damaging them. Hence, don't overlook them!
Taking care of your bottomwear doesn’t have to be rocket science, it can simply be smart laundry. Whether you’re into bottoms featuring cotton, rayon, or spandex, knowing how to wash each fabric is the secret to keeping your closet fresh, cosy, and perfectly fitting.
So next time laundry day rolls around, remember: Keep it cool, keep it gentle, skip the tumble and a whole lot of love. Because Honey, don’t shrink your pants.
Want to stack your closet with fab bottom styles? Explore Go Colors' bottom range of leggings, jeggings, palazzos, trousers, jeans and more, all in styles that need care as fabulous as they are.
