Washing White Underwear in Hot Water

[fan-of-fans]

Tank tops

Are we talking about the ribbed tank top shirts? Because I always had issues with those shrinking, with either the Hanes or FTL ones. I finally just started getting one size bigger because every time I washed them they'd shrink down and finally stretch out enough. I think it must be the ribbed material. I don't usually wear those, usually I use a regular crew neck shirt.

 

[iowabear]

Ribbed Tank Tops

I never liked these but my ex wore them.  And yes they shrunk like crazy...seemed to go down one size right away, two sizes if they lasted long enough.  I always got blamed for over-drying them.  Which was probably true, at least in the days when we used apartment laundry.  Easier to insert an extra quarter than to make extra trips checking on the dryness...

 

[mrboilwash]

Spandex

or rubber bands wearing out quickly can have several reasons.

-Excessive heat
-Use of chlorine
-High pH in the wash (powders)
-Greasy deposits settling back on the fibers from using too little detergent and or too much FS
-A general oxidation and ageing process

One can get away with disrespecting one or two of the "don`ts" if the quality of the elastic is right and there are certainly huge differences quality wise.
Spandex is usually more forgiving than natural rubber.

I love American sport socks. Always stock up when in the US. Hanes and Gildan are my favorites since I couldn`t find the Wilson Brand at Walmart any longer.
Even the grey colored ones get washed at 95°C, they hardly shrink and the elastic doesn`t wear out before the first hole develops.
Hanes undies on the other hand were "hanging loose" right after the first wash. Will never buy again.
My favorites are black H&M cottons with 5% spandex. Care tag says 60°C but I know better after all it`s underwear and wash them at 75°C (165°F).
They hold up their shape and color beautifully for years. Excellent value for the money!

 

[good-shepherd]

Are we talking about the ribbed tank top shirts?

Yeah. I guess they're ribbed.

Anyway, something is seriously wrong with the cotton quality or processing when a garment shrinks a full size after a couple of washings.

 

[dermacie]

My mother was just saying the same thing about towels. Most of which were gifts purchased in 1965 for my parents wedding. They lasted many for nearly 25 plus years. They were better made.

When it comes to underwear I think Jockey are the best.

 

[yogitunes]

WHAT?.....no pictures!.....how can you have a thread of underwear without pics?

 

[gyrafoam]

I use hot water for almost everything. All white things get a generous dose of Regular Clorox LCB.
I expect the elastic to wear out eventually and tend to replace undergarments with regularity. I always try to find the Calvin Klein brand at the discount stores and have used that brand for years. All cotton and all white boxers, T's and wife-beaters all last very well.

I typically use a 10 minute wash and add the bleach towards the last 4 min. Or so.
I like to use my 63 Frigidaire or my 62 Norge as they are very thorough Rinsers.