Cotton can shrink: but only when you make it. Here’s what causes it and how Whats Down boxers are built to avoid it.
Why cotton shrinks
Heat. Hot washes and tumble dryers tighten the fibres that were stretched during weaving. A cheap jersey boxer can lose a full size in a hot cycle.
Why poplin shrinks less
Woven cotton poplin is more stable than knit jersey. There’s less stretch built in to begin with, so there’s less to snap back. Ours is pre-washed during finishing too.
The three rules
- Wash cold or at 30°C.
- Line dry in shade; skip the tumble dryer.
- Don’t wring: squeeze and hang.
If they still feel snug
The inner elastic gives a couple of inches of forgiveness, and cotton relaxes again with wear. If you’re between sizes, go one up at checkout and you’ll never notice.
Good to know
Men’s rack: The men’s rack currently holds sixteen prints. From Black Casino and Black Playstation to Green Sher Khan, Brown Old Tech and Multicolour Childhood Scenery. All in the same relaxed cut, cotton poplin, inner elastic and back pocket. Prices start at ₹400.
Travel: Three pairs is enough for any trip: one on, one drying, one in the bag. Poplin washes in a sink with a squeeze of shampoo and dries on a hanger by morning. The back pocket holds a passport or earphones on the flight, and a loud print makes friends in hostels.
Fabric: Every Whats Down pair is cut from 100% cotton poplin. A tight, plain-weave cotton that’s smooth to the touch, breathes in Indian heat and dries fast after a wash or a swim. Unlike knitted jersey, it doesn’t cling when you sweat and it holds its shape for years, getting softer rather than thinner with each wash.
Quick answers
Is there a drawstring?
No. An inner elastic waistband keeps you in place without knots, bulk or a string to lose in the wash.
What’s the surprise mask?
Cross ₹999 and a printed two-layer cotton mask goes into your parcel for free.
