Written by Angela Reviewed by Daniel

Can You Tumble Dry Joggers? (will it shrink or is it ok)

You can tumble dry joggers on a no heat or low heat setting, but you do run the risk of them shrinking.

Joggers are usually made from either cotton or polyester, both of which will shrink if exposed to high enough temperatures.

This can work to your advantage if your joggers are too big as you can deliberately shrink them in the tumble dryer.

However, If your joggers fit you comfortably you should never expose them to high temperatures when washing or drying them.

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What The Tumble Dryer Symbols Mean On Joggers

Almost all clothes sold in the UK have a care label which gives you advice on washing and drying the garment to ensure it lasts. Below we have listed all of the symbols relating to tumble drying clothes.

Only a few of these are likely to be found on joggers but all are included for your instruction.

Square With White Circle And A Black X On Top – Do not tumble dry it is quite possible to find this symbol on some joggers.
Square With White Circle – You can tumble dry, this symbol could be found on your joggers.
Square With Black Circle – You can dry normal, with no heat, this is the most likely symbol you will find on your joggers.
Square With White Circle, One Black Dot In Circle – This indicates you can dry on normal, low heat, you could find this symbol on your joggers.
Square With White Circle, Two Black Dots In Circle – This indicates you can dry normal, medium heat. You are unlikely to find this symbol on your joggers.
Square With White Circle, Three Black Dots In Circle – You can dry normal, high heat. This is probably never to be found on joggers.

How To Dry Joggers Without A Tumble Dryer

As many joggers are either cotton, polyester or a blend of both, it is advisable to find alternative ways to dry them. Some good alternative ways of drying joggers include;

Line Drying Your Joggers

Allowing your joggers to air dry on a washing line, rotary line or a retractable clothesline is a great way to ensure they dry correctly.

Simply hang the joggers on the line in indirect sunlight to avoid shrinkage, damage and colour fade.

A retractable clothesline is great for those of us with limited space either outdoors or in. The line can be extended between two walls and retracted back into the wall mounted box when not in use.

Using An Airer To Dry Your Joggers

Airers or clothes horses as they are also known, allow you to get your washing dry even when the weather is bad. The airer can be set up outdoors on warm, dry days and indoors when it’s wet and windy.

Outdoors

Place the airer in a shady spot and either drape the joggers over the airer’s bars or lay the joggers flat.

Indoors

Set the airer up in a well ventilated room and either drape the joggers over the bars of the airer or lay the joggers flat.

Using An Electric Fan To Speed Up Indoor Drying Times

To reduce drying times an electric fan can be placed in front of the drying joggers indoors. This will simulate a gentle breeze and help the joggers to dry faster.

This method works exceptionally well if you leave a window open to allow excess moisture to leave the room.

A Dehumidifier Will Shorten Indoor Drying Time

Placing a dehumidifier in the room with the drying joggers will decrease the drying time considerably.

As the dehumidifier removes excess moisture from the air, it allows the joggers to exude moisture at a faster rate.

Drying Joggers In An Airing Cupboard

If you are fortunate enough to have an airing cupboard, this is the perfect place to dry joggers when the weather is too bad for outdoor drying.

Just place your joggers in the airing cupboard until they are completely dry.

What Happens If You Tumble Dry Joggers?

Some joggers can be tumble dried on a no heat or low heat setting. However, exposing your joggers to excessive heat can cause serious issues.

Which can include:

Shrinking Joggers

If your joggers are too loose and baggy, it is possible to shrink them using a tumble dryer. However, if your joggers are a perfect fit, drying them in a tumble dryer could shrink them a shade too far.

This is because many joggers are made from either cotton, polyester or a blend of the two. Both of these fabrics are liable to shrink if exposed to high temperatures.

A Shorter Lifespan

Exposing your joggers to high temperatures can cause the fabric to weaken making the joggers prone to tearing.

Plus heat can wear away the elastic properties that allow your joggers to stretch as you move.

Stretched Joggers

Exposing some joggers to any heat could cause the material to lose its elasticity and cause the joggers to stretch beyond repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I hang dry joggers?

You should always hang dry your joggers. It is a far safer way of drying them than putting them in a tumble dryer. Exposing joggers to high heat added to the rough and tumble of the dryer can damage your joggers and cause the material to weaken. This will lead to rips and tears appearing in the fabric.

Is it safe to put joggers in a tumble dryer?

You should always consult your joggers care label, but many joggers can be tumble dried on a no heat or low heat setting.

How often do joggers need to be washed?

As a general rule, joggers should be washed after every workout. Alternatively they should be washed after a maximum of 5 wears. This is because they are likely to become too baggy and loose fitting if they are not washed.

How can I dry joggers without a tumble dryer?

You can dry your joggers without using a tumble dryer in several ways. Including; On a washing line, rotary line or retractable clothesline, or on an airer.

Does hot water shrink joggers?

Washing joggers in hot water can cause them to shrink permanently. If you do not want your joggers to shrink they should be washed using a cool wash.