How Much Does Cotton Shrink
Fabrics are often structured differently, whether natural or synthetic, although they are all a result of interlaced fibres. Unbeatably, cotton stands out for its comfort, breathability, durability, and versatility. However, you must have experienced that moment of disappointment when your cotton material is noticeably smaller than before.
But how much can the cotton shrink?
Read on to learn why this happens, the factors influencing cotton shrinkage, and the best ways to minimise and manage shrunk cotton.
What Causes Cotton to Shrink?
The primary reason cotton shrinks is its fibre characteristics. During the construction of cotton garments or bags, a significant amount of tension is applied to the cotton fabrics to achieve specific quality and performance outcomes.
When exposed to heat, especially from dryers and washers, the cotton fabric tends to contract or tighten, reducing size. Additionally, when exposed to moisture, the cotton fibres absorb water and expand. Subsequently, as the fabric dries up, it contracts, resulting in shrinkage.
However, it is important to note that different factors contribute to cotton shrinkage. Some of these include:
Fibre Type
Cotton fibres have varying shrinkage tendencies. For instance, extra-long staple cotton, such as Pima or Egyptian cotton, experiences lesser shrinkage than short staple cotton such as Upland cotton. This is because the longer the fibres, the less prone it is to shrinkage.
Weave and Fabric Construction
The overall fabric structure and woven design of cotton play a significant role in affecting how much the fabric can shrink. Tighter weaves often have less space between the yarns compared to loose weaves. The increased space between the yarns allows more room to move and contract during washing and drying. Tighter fabrics shrink less than loose cotton fabrics that are more prone to shrinking.
Finishing Treatments
Some cotton fabrics undergo chemical treatment finishing processes that alter their fibre structure, affecting their shrinkage properties. Such treatments, such as mercerisation, can introduce chemicals that influence the cotton fabric’s ability to shrink.
How Much Does Cotton Shrink?
Estimating the amount of shrinkage a cotton fabric experiences is challenging, as it varies based on the fibre type, fabric construction and other features discussed above. As a result, it’s good practice to check the care instructions for any cotton fabric before purchasing it to find information about its shrinkage.
Similarly, how much cotton shrinks also depends on whether the fabric was preshrunk before purchase. Most cotton garment manufacturers are known to preshrink the fabric for the user’s convenience. However, information about this can only be found on the labels if you contact the manufacturer directly.
As much as preshrinking cotton is not a guarantee that the cotton fabric won’t shrink, the process typically involves treating the garment to ensure there won’t be further shrinkage. Manufacturers combine various factors, including high heat and moisture, to reduce the spacing between the fibers.
To avoid shrinkage of your cotton fabric, it is best to use cooler water temperatures when washing it. You should also minimise aggressive washing and instead use gentle washing cycles with mild detergents. Avoid overcrowding the washing machine and store the cotton fabrics properly away from direct sunlight to maintain the size of your garment.
Conclusion
Cotton shrinking is not a bad thing, only if the fabric shrinks a little. You can, however, avoid shrinking cotton fabrics by purchasing preshrunk cotton garments. You must also keenly follow the care instructions on your cotton garments to ensure you preserve the fabric’s quality from shrinking.
