Andrew Pace
When it comes to drying basketball shorts, it's important to consider the fabric type and the desired outcome. Most sports gear is made from synthetic fabrics such as polyester, which can be sensitive to heat. While a dryer can be used for a quick shrink, it is generally recommended to avoid high heat as it can warp individual strands of fibre, causing them to permanently alter their shape, flexibility, and fit. Instead, activewear should be hang-dried, and if a dryer is used, it should be set to tumble dry low.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dryer setting for basketball shorts | Low heat |
| Wash setting for basketball shorts | Cold water, delicate cycle |
| Soak basketball shorts before washing? | Yes, in cold water |
| Soak time | 15-30 minutes |
| Use fabric softener | No |
| Use laundry bag | Yes |
| Turn shorts inside out | Yes |
| Dry setting for basketball shoes | Low heat |
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What You'll Learn
Using a dryer can damage basketball shorts
While putting your basketball shorts in the dryer for a quick shrink may be tempting, it is important to remember that using a dryer can potentially damage them.
The high heat of the dryer can warp the individual strands of fibre in your basketball shorts, permanently altering their shape, flexibility, and fit. The elastic bands built into most activewear can shrink and shrivel when exposed to too much heat, reducing their elasticity. This loss of elasticity can also occur in the Lycra often found in sportswear. Over time, the heat will cause the fabric to become brittle and fragile, and it may even develop holes.
If your basketball shorts have any plastic parts, these can also take damage from the high temperatures of the dryer. The decals on basketball jerseys, for example, can melt, tear, peel off, or stick to each other.
To avoid these issues, it is recommended that you hang dry your basketball shorts and other sportswear. If you need to use a dryer, make sure it is set to tumble dry low, and only put your shorts in for a short period.
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Use a low heat setting to avoid shrinkage
To avoid shrinking your basketball shorts, it is important to understand the role that high temperatures play in the shrinkage of clothing. High temperatures in the washing and drying cycles can cause fabric distortion and shrinkage. This is especially true for natural fibres like cotton, wool, linen, denim and silk, which are commonly used in basketball shorts. These natural fibres are more susceptible to shrinkage than synthetic fibres like polyester and nylon, which are more heat-resistant.
When drying your basketball shorts, opt for lower heat settings to prevent shrinkage. Tumble dry or air dry settings on your dryer can help minimise wear on the fabric fibres and reduce the likelihood of shrinkage. Shorter drying intervals can also help preserve the original size of your basketball shorts.
Additionally, avoid using hot water when washing your basketball shorts. Wash them in lukewarm water or cold water settings to reduce the risk of shrinkage. If you need to remove stains, treat them with a stain removal spray, or use natural stain removal methods like white vinegar and baking soda.
It is also important to check the care tag on your basketball shorts before drying. The care tag will provide specific instructions on the optimal temperature and dryer settings to avoid shrinkage. Following these instructions can help you strike the right balance between drying your shorts and preserving their original size.
Finally, if you are concerned about shrinkage, air drying your basketball shorts is always an option. Air drying is a gentle method that helps prevent shrinkage by avoiding the high heat of a dryer. By following these tips and paying close attention to the care instructions of your basketball shorts, you can effectively minimise the chances of shrinkage and maintain the original fit of your clothing.
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Soak basketball shorts in hot water before drying to help with shrinkage
If you're looking to shrink your basketball shorts, soaking them in hot water before drying is not the best method. In fact, hot water should generally be avoided when washing basketball shorts, as it can damage and shrink synthetic materials. Instead, it is recommended to wash basketball shorts in cold water and avoid tumble drying, as the high heat can cause the fabric to shrink and warp individual strands of fibre, permanently altering their shape, flexibility, and fit.
However, if you are looking to shrink your basketball shorts, you can do so by putting them in the dryer. Set the dryer to high heat and leave the shorts inside for around 20 minutes. This method will cause the shorts to shrink a little bit, but it may not be an even shrinkage, and the high heat may negatively impact the fabric.
To avoid shrinkage altogether, it is best to air-dry your basketball shorts. Hang them on a drying rack or clothesline to ensure they retain their shape and flexibility. If you need to speed up the drying process, you can use a hair dryer on low heat, but be mindful not to use high heat to prevent shrinkage.
Additionally, when washing basketball shorts, it is recommended to turn them inside out to prevent lint from sticking to the surface and to protect any embroidery or stitching. Use a mild detergent and avoid bleach, dryer sheets, and fabric softener, as these can damage the fabric. For particularly dirty shorts, you can pre-soak them in cold water and detergent before washing as usual.
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Avoid tumble drying, air dry instead
While tumble drying is a quick and convenient way to dry your basketball shorts, air drying is a much better option for preserving the lifespan of your garments. Tumble drying can cause damage to the fibres of your shorts, warping the individual strands and permanently altering their shape, flexibility and fit. The high heat of the dryer can shrink and shrivel the elastic bands built into your basketball shorts.
Air drying, on the other hand, is a gentler method that won't damage the fibres of your shorts. By allowing your shorts to air dry, you'll help them retain their shape, flexibility and fit. Plus, air drying is a simple and cost-effective method that doesn't require any special equipment. All you need is a drying rack, clothesline or hanger, and a bit of time.
If you're in a hurry and need to dry your basketball shorts quickly, there are still ways to air dry them effectively. First, gently press the excess water out of your shorts. Then, hang them up to dry in a well-ventilated area. If you have a fan, you can use it to speed up the drying process. Another option is to use a hair dryer on a low heat setting. This will help to dry your shorts faster without exposing them to the high heat of a tumble dryer.
Some basketball shorts, such as the DRYV Baller 2.0 shorts, are designed with moisture-wicking fabric that keeps you cool and dry during play. These types of shorts are especially well-suited to air drying since they are designed to absorb and evaporate moisture quickly. So, if you're looking for a way to dry your basketball shorts that will help maintain their condition over time, air drying is the way to go.
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Dryer heat can warp individual strands of fibre
When it comes to drying basketball shorts, it's important to consider the potential impact of using a dryer on the fabric. While putting your basketball shorts in the dryer may be tempting for a quick shrink, it's essential to understand the risks associated with the high heat of the appliance.
The heat generated by a dryer can indeed warp individual strands of fibre. This warping can lead to permanent alterations in the shape and flexibility of your basketball shorts, ultimately affecting how they fit. The high temperatures can also weaken the fabric, making it more susceptible to tears and holes over time.
The mechanism behind this damage is the same for wigs and other synthetic hair products. The heat from the dryer can burn and melt the hair fibres, causing tangles and leaving the wig in an unmanageable state. Similarly, the friction created by the spinning and moving parts of the dryer can result in matting that is challenging to undo.
To avoid these issues, it's recommended to hang-dry your basketball shorts and activewear. Hang drying helps maintain the shape and flexibility of the fabric while also extending the lifespan of your garments by reducing the risk of tears and holes. Additionally, drying your activewear in the sun has the added benefit of utilising the sun's UV rays, which have bacteria-killing properties, providing an extra level of cleanliness to your laundry.
If you absolutely must use a dryer, it's crucial to set it to a low heat setting to minimise the potential damage to the fabric. However, hang drying is always the preferred method for drying basketball shorts and similar activewear items.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you avoid using a dryer for sportswear as the high heat can warp the individual strands of fibre, causing them to shrink and lose their shape, flexibility and fit. Instead, air dry your basketball shorts.
You can air dry your basketball shorts by hanging them up or laying them flat on a drying rack or clothesline.
While it is not recommended, one source says that putting your basketball shorts in the tumble dryer once or twice likely won't cause any issues. However, over time, the heat will ruin the material and cause thinning, breakdown and holes.
If you want to shrink your basketball shorts, you can put them in the tumble dryer on a high heat setting.
