Does 100% cotton underwear shrink? Points to know when choosing a size

When choosing 100% cotton underwear, do you find yourself unsure about the size?

100% cotton underwear is gentle on the skin and absorbs sweat well, so it's a material often chosen for care in facilities and at home.

Because underwear touches the body directly, choosing the size matters.

• M or L — which would be better?

Many people find themselves torn like this.

In fact, with 100% cotton underwear, it's important to choose with the characteristics of the material in mind.

The characteristic of "shrinking a little"

100% cotton fabric can shrink a little with washing.

Especially when a tumble dryer is used, the heat can make it more likely to shrink.

So if you're unsure because both M and L seem wearable, we sometimes suggest L, taking the characteristics of 100% cotton into account.

Dryer-safe underwear is another option

At Setagaya Kaigo, we also have dryer-safe 100% cotton underwear.

On the other hand, it costs more than regular 100% cotton underwear.

So for people who:

• Want to replace underwear regularly
• Want to have plenty on hand

we ask about how many are needed and how often underwear is changed, and suggest either regular 100% cotton underwear or dryer-safe underwear to suit the person's living environment and budget.

If you're wondering "which size is better?"

• M or L — which would be better?
• The facility uses a tumble dryer. Will it be okay?

If you have questions like these, please feel free to ask us.

When you ask about sizes, we consider not only height and weight but also daily life, for example:

• Whether the person can change by themselves
• Whether they receive help
• Whether their shoulders and arms move easily
• Whether the facility uses a tumble dryer

and advise accordingly.

Even for the same height and weight, the type and size of underwear we recommend can change depending on the living environment.

Summary

100% cotton underwear is gentle on the skin and often chosen in care settings.

On the other hand, it can shrink a little with repeated washing, so it's reassuring to consider the characteristics of the material when choosing a size.

Precisely because underwear is worn every day, it's important to choose while considering the material, how it's washed, the person's physical condition and their living environment.

*This article is based on real consultations from customers, generalised so that no individual can be identified.