Why Is My DBD T-Shirt Shrinking? Fixes & Prevention

Quick Answer

Your Dead by Daylight t-shirt likely shrinks due to hot water washing, high-heat drying, or the natural cotton content. To fix it, switch to cold water and air dry or use low heat. If it's already shrunk, you can try a gentle stretch while damp, but prevention is the most reliable solution.

Why Do T-Shirts Shrink?

Most t-shirts, including Dead by Daylight apparel, are made from cotton or cotton blends. Cotton fibers are twisted during manufacturing, and when exposed to heat and moisture, they relax and tighten, causing the fabric to shrink. This is especially noticeable after the first wash.

The main culprits are hot water washing and high-heat drying. Even if you wash in cold, a hot dryer can cause significant shrinkage. Understanding this helps you adjust your care routine to prevent future issues.

How to Fix a Shrunken T-Shirt

If your t-shirt has already shrunk, you can try to restore some size. Soak it in lukewarm water with a bit of baby shampoo or hair conditioner for about 30 minutes. Gently stretch the fabric while it's still wet, then lay it flat to dry. This works best for cotton and cotton-blend tees.

Be careful not to overstretch or damage the print. If the shirt is severely shrunk, the print may become distorted, and stretching might not help. In that case, consider repurposing it or buying a new one.

Prevention: Washing and Drying Tips

To prevent shrinkage, always wash your Dead by Daylight t-shirts in cold water and tumble dry on low heat or, better yet, air dry. If you use a dryer, remove the shirt while it's still slightly damp and let it finish drying flat. This reduces the heat exposure that causes shrinking.

Also, avoid using high-heat settings on your iron or steamer. If you need to iron, do it on a low setting and preferably on the inside of the garment to protect the print.

Diagnosis: Is Your Shirt Beyond Repair?

• Symptom: Your Dead by Daylight t-shirt fits tighter after washing or drying, especially in the chest and sleeves. This is typical shrinkage from heat exposure.
• Likely Cause: Washing in hot water or drying on high heat. Cotton fibers shrink when exposed to high temperatures. Switch to cold water and low-heat drying to prevent further shrinkage.
• Corrective Action: Soak in lukewarm water with conditioner, gently stretch, and air dry flat. If the print is distorted, stretching may not fix it. If the shirt is severely misshapen, consider replacing it or using it as a collector's item.

Products That Help You Care for Your Gear

• Dead by Daylight™: The Board Game Unbroken Expansion: Players Time Complexity 3-5 45m Light Enhance your Dead By Daylight™: The Board Game experience with this expansion! Play as one of the new Survivors and utilize their unique perks to escape from a new cabal of terrifying Killers with horrifying abilities you've never seen before! While not apparel, this expansion shows the brand's commitment to quality, and caring for your game pieces ensures they last just like your t-shirt.