How much, if at all, will cotton khakis shrink when washed?

Cotton khakis, like other cotton garments, can shrink when washed, especially if they are not pre-shrunk. On average, you can expect a shrinkage of about 3-5% after the first wash, depending on factors such as washing temperature and drying methods12. However, if the khakis are exposed to high temperatures during washing and drying, the shrinkage can be more significant.

Factors Affecting Shrinkage:

• Washing Temperature: Hot water increases the likelihood of shrinkage, while cold water reduces it12.
• Drying Methods: High heat from tumble dryers can cause additional shrinkage; air drying is recommended to minimize this risk12.
• Fabric Quality and Treatment: High-quality cotton and pre-shrunk or Sanforized cotton are less prone to shrinkage24.

To minimize shrinkage, it's advisable to wash cotton khakis in cold water and air dry them35.