Can You Put Overalls in the Dryer? A Guide to Care

You can usually machine dry overalls, but you'll want to check the care tag first. Most denim or cotton blends handle medium heat for 45 to 60 minutes. Delicate fabrics or those with spandex often require air drying or a low heat cycle to prevent shrinking and damage. High heat can cause significant shrinkage, sometimes up to 10% in cotton on the first wash.

Drying overalls correctly keeps them fitting well and lasting longer. Ignoring the care label can lead to irreversible issues. Certain materials react poorly to high temperatures, showing damage after just one cycle.

Understanding Care Labels and Fabrics

Every pair of overalls has a care label, usually inside a side seam or at the back waist. This small tag provides essential drying instructions. You'll often see symbols for tumble drying, air drying, or specific temperature recommendations. Don't just guess.

Cotton and denim (which is a type of cotton twill) are the most common fabrics for overalls. They're generally durable. You can usually tumble dry these on a medium setting, around 130°F (55°C), for 45 to 60 minutes. If your overalls are a blend, like cotton with 2-5% spandex, use a lower heat setting, perhaps 100°F (38°C), or air dry them. Spandex can lose its elasticity and shape under high heat. Linen overalls, or those made from rayon, should air dry completely to avoid shrinking and wrinkling. These materials often shrink by 5% or more if machine dried on high heat.

Preventing Shrinkage and Damage

Shrinkage is the biggest concern when machine drying overalls, especially with cotton. High heat causes natural fibers to contract. To minimize this, use a medium or low heat setting. You could also remove the overalls while they're still slightly damp. Then you can hang them to finish air drying. This method helps maintain their original size.

Over-drying can also cause damage. It weakens fibers, leads to fading, and can create static cling. Take your overalls out as soon as they're dry. If you're drying multiple items, separate them by fabric weight. Heavy denim overalls will take longer to dry than a light cotton shirt. You don't want to over-dry the lighter items waiting for the denim to finish. Consider using dryer balls; they can reduce drying time by up to 25% and help soften fabrics.

Specific Drying Tips

Darker denim overalls can sometimes bleed dye during the first few washes and dries. Wash and dry them with similar dark colors to prevent dye transfer onto lighter garments. If you're concerned about fading, turn them inside out before drying. This protects the outer surface from direct heat exposure.

For overalls with embellishments, patches, or delicate hardware, machine drying can be risky. The heat might melt adhesives, or the tumbling action could damage attached items. Air drying is always the safest option for these. You'll want to lay them flat on a clean surface or hang them from a sturdy hanger. This helps them keep their shape. Many people use a drying rack, which costs around $20-$40, for delicate clothing.

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When to Air Dry Overalls

Air drying is the safest choice for most overalls. It prevents shrinkage, saves energy, and extends the garment's lifespan. If you've time, hang your overalls on a clothesline or a drying rack. They'll dry naturally, often within a few hours depending on humidity. Air drying also reduces static electricity.

Consider air drying if your overalls are:

Made from delicate materials like linen, rayon, or blends with a high percentage of spandex.
New, especially dark denim, to prevent excessive shrinking and dye transfer.
Embellished with patches, embroidery, or fragile buttons.
Pricy or a special item you want to last many years.

You'll save on your electricity bill, too. A typical electric dryer uses about 2,000 to 4,000 watts per hour. Running it for an hour can add $0.25 to $0.50 to your bill, depending on your local electricity rates. Over a year, those costs add up.

Sources

The Laundress. "How to Wash Denim." The Laundress, 2023.
Cotton Incorporated. "Cotton Care: Washing & Drying." Cotton Incorporated, 2024.

FAQ

Can I put denim overalls in the dryer?

Yes, you can typically put denim overalls in the dryer. Use a medium heat setting to minimize shrinkage. Remove them when slightly damp and hang to finish drying for the best results.

What heat setting should I use for drying overalls?

For most cotton or denim overalls, a medium heat setting (around 130°F or 55°C) is appropriate. For blends or delicate fabrics, use low heat (100°F or 38°C) or air dry.

How long do overalls take to dry in a machine?

Denim or cotton overalls usually take 45 to 70 minutes on a medium heat setting. Lighter cotton blends might dry in 30-40 minutes on low heat. Air drying can take several hours.

Will overalls shrink in the dryer?

Cotton overalls can shrink, especially if dried on high heat. You can reduce shrinkage by using a lower heat setting or by removing them while they're still damp.

Is it better to air dry or machine dry overalls?

Air drying is generally better for the longevity of overalls as it prevents shrinkage and damage from high heat. Machine drying is faster and convenient for durable fabrics like denim.

Can I tumble dry overalls with spandex?

Tumble dry overalls with spandex on a low heat setting. High heat can damage the elastic fibers, causing them to stretch out or break down over time. Air drying is the safest option.