Does Hanes EcoSmart shrink?

Hanes EcoSmart apparel can shrink to some degree, like most cotton and cotton-blend fleece, but it is designed to minimize shrinkage compared to cheaper sweatshirts. Hanes EcoSmart hoodies and sweatpants are typically made from a 50 percent cotton and 50 percent polyester blend, with some newer versions containing up to 5 percent recycled polyester from plastic bottles. The polyester content significantly reduces shrinkage because polyester fibers are thermoplastic and do not contract like cotton fibers do when exposed to heat. However, the cotton portion can still shrink if you wash and dry it on high heat. In normal cold water wash and tumble dry low or medium, you can expect minimal shrinkage of about 2 to 3 percent, which is barely noticeable. If you wash in hot water and dry on high heat, you may see up to 5 percent shrinkage, especially in length. To prevent shrinkage, Hanes recommends washing EcoSmart garments in cold water with like colors, using only non-chlorine bleach if needed, and tumble drying on low or hanging to dry. The fleece is also pre-shrunk during manufacturing, which further reduces post-purchase shrinkage. So while some slight shrinkage is possible, it is much less than a 100 percent cotton sweatshirt if you follow care instructions.