Shorts Care
Different short fabrics need different care, and getting it wrong shrinks cotton, dulls swim shorts and ruins a linen drape. This hub sets out how to wash, dry and store each fabric so your shorts keep their colour, shape and performance. Our full care guide (/pages/clothing-care-guide) has more detail.
Washing by fabric
Washing Cotton Shorts
Cool, gentle washing to prevent shrinkage and preserve colour.
How to do it
Wash cotton shorts at 30 degrees inside out with similar colours, using a mild detergent to protect the dye.
Why it matters
A cool wash stops cotton twill shrinking and fading, keeping chino and cargo shorts looking new for longer.
Washing Linen Shorts
Gentle washing and careful handling to keep linen soft and intact.
How to do it
Wash linen at 30 degrees on a gentle cycle and avoid overloading the drum so the fibres are not stressed.
Why it matters
Linen softens with washing but is weaker when wet, so gentle handling protects the fabric and its natural drape.
Washing Performance Shorts
Detergent-only, low-heat washing to protect technical finishes.
How to do it
Wash performance shorts cool with a small amount of detergent, and skip fabric softener, which clogs wicking fibres.
Why it matters
Softener and heat destroy wicking and water-repellent finishes, so careful washing keeps the tech working.
Washing Swim Shorts
Rinsing in cool fresh water to remove chlorine and salt.
How to do it
Rinse swim shorts in cool fresh water after every swim, then wash gently -- never hot -- and dry in shade.
Why it matters
Chlorine and salt degrade elastane and fade colour, so a prompt rinse extends the life of swim shorts.
Drying and shape
Preventing Shrinkage
Avoiding heat that permanently tightens cotton fibres.
How to do it
Wash cool and air dry or tumble on low. High heat is the main cause of shorts shrinking a size.
Why it matters
Most shrinkage is avoidable heat damage, so keeping temperatures low protects the fit you bought.
Air Drying
Line or flat drying to protect shape, colour and finishes.
What it is
Air drying lets shorts dry without heat stress, keeping fibres, colour and technical finishes intact.
Why it matters
It is the safest method for linen, swim and performance shorts, and prevents heat shrinkage on cotton.
Tumble Drying
Low-heat machine drying used carefully to avoid damage.
How to do it
If you tumble dry, use a low or cool setting and remove shorts slightly damp to limit shrinkage and creasing.
Caution
Never tumble dry swim shorts or elastane-heavy performance shorts on heat, as it breaks down the stretch.
Storage and repair
Ironing and Pressing
Pressing smart shorts and knowing which fabrics to leave alone.
How to do it
Press chino and linen shorts slightly damp on the right heat setting. Iron cotton hot, linen medium and never iron swim or performance fabric.
Why it matters
A light press sharpens tailored and chino shorts, while heat ruins technical fabrics -- match the setting to the cloth.
Removing Stains
Treating marks quickly to stop them setting.
How to do it
Blot -- do not rub -- and treat stains promptly with a suitable remover before washing at the fabric's safe temperature.
Why it matters
Fast action stops sun cream, grass and food setting into summer shorts, especially light cotton and linen.
Storage and Repair
Folding, hanging and mending shorts to extend their life.
How to do it
Fold knit and sweat shorts to avoid stretching, hang tailored shorts, and repair small seam or button issues early.
Why it matters
Correct storage keeps shape between seasons, and a quick repair prevents a minor fault ending a short's life.
Frequently asked questions
How do I stop my shorts shrinking?
Wash cool at 30 degrees and air dry, or tumble on a low setting only. Most shrinkage is heat damage from hot washes and hot dryers, which permanently tightens cotton fibres.
How should I care for swim shorts?
Rinse in cool fresh water after every swim to remove chlorine and salt, wash gently and never hot, and dry in shade. This protects the elastane, colour and quick-dry finish.
Can I use fabric softener on performance shorts?
No. Fabric softener coats and clogs the fibres that make performance shorts wick and repel water. Wash them with detergent only on a cool cycle.