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Fabric shrinkage is a common concern in the fashion and textile industry, especially when working with natural fibers. Understanding which materials are prone to shrinking and how to prevent it can help you prolong garment life and maintain shape and fit.

Common Fabric Shrinkage Rates & Causes

Cotton

• Shrinkage Rate: 3%–5%

• Why: Cotton fibers absorb moisture easily. When wet, they expand; during drying, they shrink back.

• Typical Uses: T-shirts, shirts, bed linens.

Viscose (Rayon)

• Shrinkage Rate: 6%–12%

• Why: Low wet strength makes viscose stretch when wet and shrink sharply when dry.

• Typical Uses: Dresses, underwear, loungewear.

Cotton-Linen Blends

• Shrinkage Rate: 4%–7%

• Why: Combined moisture absorption of cotton and tension release of linen.

Linen

• Shrinkage Rate: 4%–8%

• Why: Stiff fibers and high tension during weaving cause shrinkage when water relaxes the tension.

• Typical Uses: Summer shirts, tablecloths, curtains.

Wool

• Shrinkage Rate: 5%–10%

• Why: Wool scales interlock when wet, causing felting and fabric tightening.

• Typical Uses: Sweaters, coats, scarves.

Wool Blends

• Note: If the proportion of chemical fiber is less than 30%, it may still be shrinking due to wool felt.

Silk

• Shrinkage Rate: 3%–5%

• Why: Protein fibers swell when wet, and un-pre-shrunk yarns pull in.

• Typical Uses: Qipaos, scarves, sleepwear.

  

  Shrinkage Rate

Modal

• Shrinkage Rate: 5%–8%

• Why: Loose fiber structure leads to tightening after multiple washes.

• Typical Uses: Underwear, towels.

Polyester (PET)

• Shrinkage Rate: Less than 1%

• Why: Low absorbency, high thermal stability.

Nylon (Polyamide)

• Shrinkage Rate: 1%–2%

• Note: Highly durable, shrinkage is minimal.

Spandex (Elastane)

• Shrinkage Rate: 2%–3%

• Why: Minimal shrinkage in blends due to elastic nature.

Linen + Polyester (50/50)

• Shrinkage Rate: 2%–4%

• Typical Uses: Summer shirts offering both breathability and anti-shrink properties.

  

  Shrinkage Rate

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