Why Organic Cotton Footies Can Shrink
Organic cotton is naturally prone to some shrinkage when exposed to high heat or aggressive washing. The L'ovedbaby Feather | Organic Pointelle Zipper Footie is made from GOTS-certified, 100% organic cotton with a delicate heathered pointelle texture. Because it's untreated and free from synthetic finishes, the fibers can tighten if washed or dried too hot. The good news: with a few simple adjustments to your routine, you can keep the footie fitting just right wash after wash.
Wash in Cool or Cold Water
Heat is the main trigger for cotton shrinkage. Wash the footie in cool or cold water on a gentle cycle. Hot water can cause the organic cotton fibers to contract, especially in the first few washes. A cold-water wash also helps preserve the azo-free, non-toxic dyes that give the footie its soft color. If your machine has a delicate or hand-wash setting, use it to minimize agitation.
Skip the Dryer or Use Low Heat
The dryer is where most shrinkage happens. The safest way to dry an organic pointelle footie is to lay it flat on a towel or drying rack away from direct sunlight. If you must use a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting possible and remove the footie while it's still slightly damp. Let it finish air-drying. The Feather footie's rubber-dotted grip soles and soft elastic at the back of the ankles are designed to hold their shape best when not exposed to high heat.
What the Feather Footie Is Made Of
- Feather | Organic Pointelle Zipper Footie: GOTS-certified, 100% organic cotton buttery-soft heathered pointelle fabric This untreated organic cotton is prone to shrinkage if washed or dried hot, so gentle care is essential.
Feather | Organic Pointelle Zipper Footie - Feather | Organic Pointelle Zipper Footie: azo-free, non-toxic, eco-friendly dyes Cold or cool water helps preserve the color and prevents fading, keeping the footie looking new longer.
- Feather | Organic Pointelle Zipper Footie: tagless for added comfort against baby's skin No tags means no scratchy labels, but also no care tag sewn in—so remember these wash tips if you remove the hang tag.
Use a Gentle, Natural Detergent
Harsh detergents with bleach or optical brighteners can weaken organic cotton fibers over time, making them more likely to shrink or distort. Choose a mild, plant-based detergent designed for baby clothes. Avoid fabric softeners—they coat the fibers and can reduce breathability. The footie's pointelle knit is delicate, so a gentle detergent helps keep the fabric soft without stripping its natural feel.
Reshape While Damp
After washing, gently squeeze out excess water without wringing or twisting the fabric. Lay the footie flat and reshape it to its original dimensions—especially the legs, torso, and zipper area. The 2-way zipper and zipper safety tab cover are sturdy, but the surrounding cotton can stretch or settle if pulled out of shape while wet. Let it air-dry completely before storing.
What About the First Wash?
Like most organic cotton garments, the Feather footie may experience slight shrinkage on the first wash. To minimize this, always wash in cold water and avoid the dryer. The body-hugging fit is intentional for safety compliance, so a little snugness after washing is normal. If the footie feels too tight, size up next time rather than trying to stretch it back.
