1. T-shirts. With the quality kinds being largely comprised of cotton, you’re at risk of dryer shrinkage of up to 20 percent. Sizing up means you don’t have to sweat it if the shirt accidentally tumbles dry.
2. Collared shirts. This guy will shrink less--but at an average of 3 percent over time. The challenge is that you never know where the shrinkage will appear (the sleeves, the collar, the shoulders).
3. Wool sweaters. Fibers contract in the wash (and at the dry cleaner), so you’ll want to invest in a slightly roomier option. It’s cozier like that anyway, right?
4. Socks. Again, they’re mainly cotton, which means they tend to draw up in the wash. Since you don’t want to cut off your circulation, go big.
5. Sundresses. There’s nothing sadder than a swingy little dress that once fit perfectly--then lost inches off the hem. Size up or be at the mercy of hand washing for the rest of your days.
