Which Fabrics Shrink in the Wash and Why

Most people have experienced it at least once. A favourite shirt fits perfectly when you buy it, but after a few rounds of laundry, it feels tighter. A pair of pants you planned to wear for a special occasion suddenly sits differently. Nothing obvious went wrong. You just washed and dried it like everything else.

When clothes shrink, it is rarely random. Fabric shrinkage happens because different fabrics and fibres react differently to washing and drying. Some fabrics are highly prone to shrinking, while others are far less likely to change size. Knowing which fabrics are prone to shrinkage makes it much easier to keep garments close to their original size and shape.

Which do fabrics shrink the most

These are some of the most common fabrics found in everyday clothing. The difference comes down to fibre type and how the fabric reacts inside the washing machine and dryer.

Why fabrics shrink during washing and drying

Fabrics shrink because fibres change when they are exposed to water, heat, and movement. During washing, fibres absorb moisture and loosen. During drying, especially at high temperatures, those fibres tighten and contract.

The action during washing and drying also matters. Agitation in the washer pushes fibres out of alignment while they are wet and flexible. As the garment dries, the fibres may set in a tighter position. When enough fibres behave this way, the fabric becomes smaller, and the garment loses its original fit.

This process affects natural and synthetic fibres differently, which explains why some clothes shrink easily and others are less likely to shrink.

Why natural fabrics shrink more than synthetic fabrics

Natural fabrics are made from natural fibres like cotton, wool, linen, and silk. These fibres absorb water easily and are more sensitive to heat and moisture. They also hold tension from the textile manufacturing process, where fibres are stretched to create smooth fabric.

When natural fabrics are washed, that tension relaxes. When they dry, especially at high heat, the fibres contract. This is why clothes made from natural fibres often shrink on the first wash.

Compared to synthetic fibres, natural fabrics are far more susceptible to shrinkage. Synthetic fibres are engineered to be stable and are less likely to change size when washed properly.

Fabrics that are most prone to shrinkage

Cotton

Cotton is one of the most common fabrics, and cotton is one of the most prone to shrinkage. Cotton fibres have a porous structure that absorbs moisture easily. When cotton is exposed to heat, especially hot water or a hot dryer, the fibres tighten.

Cotton is best washed in cold water using a gentle cycle. High heat during washing and drying significantly increases the risk of shrinkage.

Wool

Wool is highly prone to shrinking. Wool fibres have tiny surface scales that clump together when exposed to heat, moisture, and agitation. This causes the fabric to tighten quickly.

Once wool shrinks, it is difficult to stretch back to its original size. Wool garments are best washed in cool or lukewarm water and air-dried flat to reduce unwanted shrinkage.

Linen

Linen fibres are strong but not very flexible. When linen gets wet, the fibres relax. As the fabric dries, the fibres contract and shorten.

Linen is susceptible to shrinkage when washed in warm or hot water. Using cool water and avoiding high heat drying helps preserve the garment’s size and shape.

Silk

Silk is delicate and sensitive to heat and friction. While silk may not shrink as dramatically as cotton or wool, it can still shrink or lose shape if washed incorrectly.

Silk garments are best washed gently, often by hand, in cool water using a mild detergent. Air drying is preferred to avoid damage.

Viscose and rayon

Viscose and rayon behave more like natural fabrics than synthetic fabrics. These fibres absorb water easily and weaken when wet.

This makes viscose highly prone to shrinking and distortion. Soaking, hot water, or strong agitation can cause unwanted shrinkage and loss of shape.

What about synthetic fabrics?

Synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and acrylic are less likely to shrink. Synthetic fibres are designed to resist moisture and heat, which helps them keep their size through repeated laundry cycles.

Polyester is a common example. Compared to natural fibres like cotton and wool, polyester is far less susceptible to shrinkage. However, extreme heat in a dryer can still cause synthetic fabrics to tighten or warp.

Why blended fabrics shrink unevenly

Garments made from natural and synthetic fibres can shrink unevenly. Natural fibres tend to contract, while synthetic fibres resist change.

This difference creates tension across the fabric, leading to twisted seams or an uneven fit rather than uniform shrinkage. Blended fabrics require proper care to maintain their original shape.

Wash shrinkage vs dryer shrinkage

Many people assume clothes shrink in the washer, but the dryer often plays a bigger role. High heat in the dryer causes fibres to tighten rapidly.

Using cold water in the wash and air drying when possible greatly reduces the risk of shrinkage. High dryer heat is one of the most common causes of clothes shrinking unexpectedly.

How to avoid shrinkage

Shrinkage cannot always be prevented, but it can be reduced with proper care.

• Use cold water or cool water when washing
• Choose a gentle cycle on the washing machine
• Avoid hot water and high heat drying
• Air-dry delicate garments (Just avoid the machine dryer)
• Follow care labels and instructions

These steps help protect clothes from shrinking and preserve their size and shape over time.

How Lucent Globe detergent sheets can help

Cold washing is one of the most effective ways to reduce fabric shrinkage, but it only works if the detergent can clean properly at lower temperatures. Enzyme-based detergents break down stains without relying on warm water or high heat.

Lucent Globe detergent sheets are designed for cold water washing and low agitation cycles. This allows clothes to be cleaned effectively while reducing exposure to the heat and friction that cause fabrics to shrink.