A checklist for when your clothes have shrunk
Short answer: When clothes have shrunk in the washing machine or tumble dryer, they can be hard to get on. Here is a list of what you can check and what you can try before you give up on the piece.
Measure how much has happened
The first item is to see how much the piece has shrunk. Measure length and width, and compare with a matching piece you have not washed, or with the brand's size guide. A small change can often be fixed, while a large one may be harder. It is important to know whether the whole piece or only one area has shrunk, because then it may be down to a fault in the wash or in the fabric.
Find the cause
Shrinkage is usually down to heat, moisture and movement. Viscose is a fabric that can give in water, especially if it is washed or dried hot. Check the care label and your washing and drying routine: was the temperature too high, and did the piece go into the heat of the dryer? The more heat and movement, the more it shrinks. Once you know the cause, you can avoid it happening again with the next pieces.
Try stretching it gently
You can often get the fabric to give a little by placing it in lukewarm water with a mild detergent or a little hair conditioner. Let it soak for half an hour, press the water out without wringing, and lay it on a towel. Pull it gently into shape with your hands while it is wet and let it dry flat. It does not always work, and you risk wearing the fabric, so go carefully and accept that the result may vary.
What about stockings and socks
Stockings and socks often shrink if they are dried hot, and they are small to begin with, so the change is felt quickly. See bamboo socks for women. Wash them cold or lukewarm and let them dry flat. Tennis socks often have a denser knit, but the same rules apply. See bamboo tennis socks for women. Do not put them on the radiator, as strong heat can make them smaller and stiff.
Bedding and large pieces
Sheets and large textiles are harder to stretch because they take up so much room. Wash them according to the label and do not let them dry fully in the tumble dryer. Take them out while they are slightly damp and lay them flat on the bed to dry. See bamboo sheets. If the sheet has shrunk, you can try stretching it lightly corner by corner while it is damp. Measure your mattress so you know how much room you have.
Prevent it from happening again
When you have tried to rescue the piece, set new routines. Always follow the care label, use a lower temperature and avoid the tumble dryer on high heat. Dry flat or on a hanger and take clothes out while they are slightly damp. Do not wash in overfull machines, since clothes need room. Choose a slightly larger size if you know the fabric tends to shrink in the first wash. If the piece is still too small, you can consider giving it to someone it fits.
Frequently asked questions
Can shrunken clothes go back to normal
Sometimes the fabric can be stretched back a little when wet. The result varies and it is not always possible.
Why does viscose shrink
The fibres give in moisture, and heat and movement add to it. A low temperature and drying without heat reduce the risk.
Should I choose a larger size
If you are between two sizes and the fabric may shrink, a slightly larger size can be a safe choice. Follow the brand's size guide.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
