How to solve those incredible shrinking cotton T-shirt woes

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I would love to get some advice about cotton shirts. I almost always wear simple all-cotton V-necked T-shirts on their own in summer or under sweaters in winter. I have found that no matter what brand I try (and I have tried Lands’ End, L.L. Bean, Eddie Bauer, etc.), they always shrink up an inch or so and end up more square fitting, which I do not want. It is not flattering to have the bottom end right at my waist and not more at my hips as when I originally buy them. I recently bought three cotton Tommy Hilfiger shirts and tried my very best not to dry them, but missed one in the wash and dried it. When I put it next to the ones I did not dry, it was over an inch and a half shorter, so I know it isn’t my imagination. Do any of your readers know of any cotton knit shirts that are preshrunk and will not shrink up like this? It is driving me crazy! They all say they are able to be dried in the washing instructions.

— Jennifer C.

Dear Jennifer: You’ve already tried my best suggestion, which is don’t put those shirts in the dryer. The heat, as you discovered, is shrinking the 100% cotton you favor. Other options: Buy shirts that are a blend of cotton and synthetic fiber, or go up one size. I get it: All-cotton knit feels great on your skin. But it shrinks in the dryer. Can Jennifer have it both ways? If readers have other suggestions, please help me help Jennifer.

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I want to do aquatic exercise classes and also occasional canoeing and kayaking. What sort of swimwear would you recommend? One friend suggested board shorts. Another suggested a swim bra and swim top. I want modest coverage and, of course, comfort.

— Carol

Dear Carol: Stick with a one-piece tank suit and you won’t have to worry about showing off your midriff (if you were to follow your friends’ recommendations). One that has an attached skirt will be even more modest. Be sure the suit straps stay put and don’t cut into your shoulders. The simpler the better.

Lands’ End (lands end.com) and L.L. Bean (llbean.com) have good basics. So does swimsuits forall.com. For canoeing and kayaking, you’ll be even more comfortable if you wear active outdoor fabric shorts over the swimsuit to avoid showing more flesh than you are comfortable with.

Reader Rant

Barbara C.’s gripe: “Hi, Ellen, I love your column but I really miss ‘Reader Rant.’ Please bring it back for us. Thank You.” From Ellen: The Reader Rant feature wasn’t discontinued. It just was on a break because readers weren’t ranting. All rants are welcome here! Keep them coming.

Now it’s your turn

Send your questions, rants, tips, favorite finds — on style, shopping, makeup, fashion and beauty — to answerangelellen@gmail.com.

DREAMSTIME All-cotton knit feels great on your skin, but it shrinks in the dryer.