Can You Put Denim / Jeans in the Dryer?

Can You Put Denim in the Dryer?

Yes — denim can go in the tumble dryer, but on low or medium heat only. Denim is a sturdy cotton-based fabric that handles the dryer reasonably well, but it's prone to shrinkage — particularly in the waist and length — when exposed to high heat. With the right settings, you can tumble dry jeans without significant shrinkage.

The Right Dryer Setting for Denim

• Low heat: The safest option. Minimal shrinkage, takes a little longer.
• Medium heat: Acceptable for most standard denim. Some shrinkage may occur, especially in the first few washes.
• High heat: Avoid. Denim can shrink 3–5% or more on high heat, which translates to a noticeable change in waist size and leg length.

How to Minimize Shrinkage When Drying Denim

• Turn jeans inside out: Protects the outer surface and color from heat and friction.
• Use low heat: The single most effective way to prevent shrinkage.
• Remove while slightly damp: Take jeans out when they're about 90% dry and hang to finish. This eliminates the over-drying phase where most shrinkage occurs.
• Add dryer balls: The Handy Laundry Wool Dryer Balls (Pack of 6) improve airflow in the drum, reducing drying time and heat exposure.
• Don't overload the dryer: Jeans need room to tumble freely. An overloaded drum means longer drying time and more heat exposure.

Does Denim Shrink Every Time It's Dried?

Most shrinkage happens in the first few washes and dries. After that, the denim has relaxed to its new dimensions and further shrinkage is minimal — as long as you use consistent low to medium heat. Pre-washed or pre-shrunk denim (common in most modern jeans) shrinks less than raw denim.

When to Air Dry Denim Instead

Air drying is always the safest option for denim, especially for:

• Raw or selvedge denim (shrinks significantly and should be sized up to account for this)
• Stretch denim with elastane/spandex (heat degrades the elastic fibers over time)
• Dark-wash jeans (air drying preserves color better than tumble drying)
• Jeans that already fit perfectly and you don't want any risk of shrinkage

Hang jeans by the waistband on a drying rack — the Amazon Basics Foldable Drying Rack has wide rails that work well for this. Open the fly and pull the legs apart for maximum airflow.

What About Stretch Denim?

Stretch denim contains elastane or spandex fibers that give it its stretch. Heat degrades these fibers over time, causing the jeans to lose their stretch and become baggy. For stretch denim, low heat or air drying is strongly recommended. High heat will eventually ruin the fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do jeans shrink in the dryer?

On high heat: 3–5% or more, which can mean 1–2 inches in waist and length. On low heat: 1–2%, usually not noticeable after the first few washes. Pre-shrunk denim shrinks less than raw denim.

Can I use the dryer to intentionally shrink jeans that are too big?

Yes — wash in hot water and dry on high heat. This is the most effective way to shrink denim. Be aware that shrinkage is not perfectly uniform — the waist and length shrink more than the hips and thighs.

Why do my jeans feel stiff after air drying?

Cotton fibers stiffen when air dried without agitation. A short tumble in the dryer on no heat or low heat for 10–15 minutes after air drying softens them up without causing shrinkage.

Should I wash jeans before drying them for the first time?

Yes — always wash new jeans before the first dryer cycle. New denim often contains sizing (a stiffening agent) that can affect how the fabric responds to heat. Washing first removes this and gives you a more predictable result.