Do Cotton Shirts Shrink After Washing? How to Keep Your Shirt in Good Condition

When it comes to corporate uniforms, the cotton shirt remains one of the most popular choices. Many companies in Malaysia prefer cotton because it looks professional, feels natural, and creates a neat appearance for employees. For decades, cotton has been the trusted fabric for corporate shirts, whether for office wear, company events, or business meetings.

But one common question always comes up: “Do cotton shirts shrink after washing?” The answer is yes — cotton fibers can tighten slightly when exposed to heat and water. However, with the right care, your cotton corporate shirts can stay in excellent condition for a long time.

Why Companies Still Choose Cotton Shirts

Cotton shirts remain a top choice for employee uniforms because of their many strengths:

• Professional Appearance – Cotton gives a clean and formal look, perfect for corporate wear.

• Comfortable – Soft and breathable, suitable for daily office use.

• Customizable – Works well with embroidery, screen printing, DTF printing, and other branding methods.

• Classic Choice – A timeless material that aligns with business professionalism.

How to Keep Your Cotton Shirts in Good Condition

If your company provides cotton corporate shirts for employees, here are some easy care tips to help them last longer and maintain a professional look:

1. Wash in Cold Water

Use cold or lukewarm water to minimize shrinkage and protect the fabric fibers.

2. Avoid High Heat Drying

Let shirts air dry or use a low-heat setting in the dryer. High heat is the main cause of cotton shrinking.

3. Hang or Fold Neatly After Washing

Once the shirt is clean and dry, hang it immediately on a hanger or fold it neatly — just like how shirts are displayed in shopping malls. This helps reduce wrinkles and keeps your shirt looking fresh when you’re ready to wear it.

4. Iron with Care

Cotton wrinkles naturally, so ironing is important for a sharp, professional image. Always check the care label and use medium heat with steam. Avoid leaving the iron in one spot too long, as it can damage the fabric or cause shiny marks. For embroidered or printed corporate shirts, place a thin cloth over the logo before ironing to protect the customization.

5. Store Properly

Use good-quality hangers to maintain the shirt’s shape. Avoid stuffing too many shirts in the closet, which can cause unnecessary wrinkles.

Customization Keeps Corporate Shirts Unique

One of the best parts about cotton corporate shirts is how easy they are to customize. Businesses often add:

• Embroidery – For a premium, professional look.

• Silk Screen Printing – For bold and lasting company logos.

• DTF Printing – For detailed and creative designs.

Customized cotton shirts not only look stylish but also help employees feel united as a team while representing the company brand.

Top Microfiber Brands in Malaysia for Corporate Uniforms

1. Oren

• Known for affordability and wide availability, Oren’s cotton shirts are commonly used for company uniforms and events.

• Popular Product Codes:

  • Oren HC 01 – Classic cotton polo, versatile for office and outdoor wear.

  • Oren CT 51 – Soft Cotton corporate shirt, ideal for formal settings.

2. Gildan

• A global leader in cotton apparel, Gildan is trusted for consistent fabric quality and durability.

• Popular Product Codes:

  • Gildan HA00– Premium cotton round neck, perfect for corporate branding.

  • Gildan AG 210 – Softstyle symbolic siro cotton, offering a more fashionable fit.

3. Rightway

• A strong local brand in Malaysia, Rightway is popular for its excellent fabric quality and reliable supply for bulk orders.

• Popular Product Codes:

  • Rightway CBP 70– Cotton short-sleeve POLO corporate shirt, professional and practical.

  • Rightway SCL 21 – Cotton long-sleeve option for a more formal look. [NEW!!]

4. Lefonse

• As a premium brand, Lefonse offers cotton shirts with a smoother finish and a higher level of comfort.

• Popular Product Codes:

  • Lefonse MH 01 – Super Comfort Luxeblend Hybrid POLO formal shirt, often chosen for executive uniforms.

  • Lefonse L 01 – Cotton blend corporate polo, balancing comfort and style.

5. Ultifresh (Singapore)

• Although best known for microfiber, Ultifresh also produces cotton-blend shirts with added functionality like anti-odor technology, which is ideal for long working hours.

• Popular Product Codes:

  • Ultifresh BCRG 01 – Cotton-blend polo with odor-control fabric.

  • Ultifresh BCL 01 – Lightweight cotton corporate shirt for all-day comfort.
     

Cotton shirts are a classic and professional choice for employee uniforms. While they may shrink slightly after washing, proper care — such as washing in cold water, drying carefully, hanging or folding neatly, and ironing with care — will keep them in excellent condition.

For companies, choosing cotton corporate shirts with the right customization ensures employees look polished, comfortable, and aligned with the company’s branding.

By maintaining your cotton shirts properly, you’re not only extending their lifespan but also preserving the professional image of your company and employees.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cotton Corporate Shirts

1. Do cotton shirts always shrink after washing?
Not always. With proper care — like washing in cold water and avoiding high heat — cotton shirts can keep their size and shape.

2. Are cotton shirts suitable for employee uniforms?
Yes. Cotton is one of the most popular fabrics for corporate shirts because it is professional, comfortable, and easily customizable.

3. How should I iron my cotton shirt?
Use medium heat with steam. Start with the collar and cuffs, then move to the sleeves and body. Always avoid leaving the iron in one spot too long. For customized logos, cover with a thin cloth before ironing.

4. Can cotton shirts be customized with company logos?
Absolutely. Cotton is excellent for embroidery, silk screen printing, and DTF printing, making it ideal for customized employee uniforms.

5. What’s the best way to reduce wrinkles in cotton shirts?
Hang or fold them neatly right after drying — just like how shirts are displayed in shopping malls — to minimize wrinkles and keep them looking fresh.

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