How to Wash Your Boy Shorts for Long-Lasting Fit
By ARQ – ARQ | Published: 2026-10-30
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to wash your boy shorts to preserve their fit and bound edge construction. Use cold water, gentle cycle, and line dry only.
Quick answer
Wash your boy shorts in cold water on a gentle cycle and always line-dry them to preserve the organic cotton-spandex blend and bound edge construction.
Why cold water and line drying matter
Boy shorts are made from 92% organic cotton and 8% spandex. Hot water and high heat can break down the spandex faster, causing the waistband and leg openings to lose their shape. Cold washing and air drying keep the fabric elastic and the fit true to size longer.
The signature bound edge construction is designed to stay flat and comfortable. Aggressive washing or tumbling can distort these edges, leading to curling or irritation.
Step-by-step care guide for boy shorts
- Turn inside out: Turn your boy shorts inside out before washing. This protects the outer fabric and reduces friction on the bound edges. Inside-out washing also helps prevent pilling on the cotton surface.
- Use cold water and a gentle cycle: Set your machine to cold water and the gentle or delicate cycle. Hot water can shrink the cotton and weaken the spandex. A gentle cycle minimizes agitation that distorts the fit. If your machine has a hand-wash setting, use that instead of the normal cycle.
- Skip the dryer — line dry only: Lay flat or hang to dry away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Tumble drying, even on low, can degrade the spandex and cause the bound edges to curl. Never wring or twist wet boy shorts; gently press out excess water with a towel.
- Avoid fabric softener and bleach: Fabric softener coats the cotton fibers and reduces breathability. Bleach weakens the spandex and fades the color. A mild, color-safe detergent is all you need. For stains, spot treat with a drop of detergent before washing.
Product facts
- BOY SHORTS, nutmeg: 92% organic cotton, 8% spandex. Signature bound edge construction. The spandex content gives these boy shorts their stretch and recovery, so gentle washing preserves the fit. The bound edges stay smooth only when not exposed to high heat or rough cycles.

BOY SHORTS, nutmeg
