Is it possible for a laboratory to tell if a cotton garment has shrunk outside its normal parameters?

Question

I recently purchased a cotton Teeshirt, and after its first wash it had shrunk significantly, I then took it back to the store, who sent it away for analysis, only to be told there was nothing wrong with it.
How can a Lab identify shrinkage after the goods have already been washed?

Answer 1

WOW. Sounds like a scam and bad customer service. The cost of a Teeshirt is probably less than the cost of having any lab analyze anything. Cotton does shrink at varied rates depending on water temperature and drying temperature. I would ask for the manager of the store and ask them to replace it. Be cordial about it and they should accommodate you. If not, write to the stores corporate offices and explain what happened. If that gets you no results, you may consider writing or calling into your local TV news channels. Many have reporters that help clear up customer issues. If they do not replace it, I would never shop there again and tell everyone I know not to either. Nordstom's is great for their customer service. You can wear something and wash it and still exchange or return it. The care about customers! Yes, you have to pay a little more, but I have found their clothes last longer, so it all works out....unless it goes out of style! GOOD LUCK!