Can you wear clothes that have shrunk
Short answer: Yes, often you can. If the shrinkage is small, the garment can still be worn, or it can take on a new role as loungewear or an extra layer. With viscose you can sometimes stretch the fabric back a little while it is damp.
Why clothes shrink
Clothes usually shrink when they are exposed to heat, moisture and movement at the same time, as in a hot wash or a tumble dryer. The fibres and yarn draw together, and the stitches in knitted fabric settle closer to each other. Viscose, including viscose made from bamboo, can shrink if it is washed too hot or tumble dried. That is why care labels often recommend a low temperature and air drying.
Judge how much it has shrunk
Try the garment on and notice where it fits differently. If it has only become a little shorter in the sleeves or body, it may still work well, perhaps as a layer under a jumper. If it has become so tight that it presses or restricts movement, it will not be comfortable to wear for long. Close fitting clothing such as a bamboo sports bra in particular needs to fit properly to give the intended support, so the fit should not be compromised there.
Try stretching it back
Knitted fabrics can sometimes be stretched back a little. Place the garment in lukewarm water with a little hair conditioner or a mild product that makes the fibres more supple. Press the water out gently without wringing, lay the garment flat on a towel and stretch it lightly in the direction it shrank. Let it dry flat, reshaping it now and then. It rarely restores the full size, but it can make a noticeable difference.
Give the garment a new role
If the clothing has become too small to wear out, it can often still be worn at home, for exercise or as an extra layer. A bamboo T-shirt for women that has become slightly shorter can work well under a knitted jumper or as nightwear. Giving the garment a new job is better than throwing it away, as long as it is still intact and comfortable.
Prevent it next time
The best way to avoid shrinkage is to follow the care label. Wash at the stated temperature or lower, use a gentle cycle and skip the tumble dryer unless the label allows it. Shake the clothing out when it comes out of the machine and let it dry on a hanger or flat. Soft pieces such as bamboo tops for women keep their fit best when they are not exposed to high heat.
When it cannot be saved
If a garment has shrunk a lot or felted, as can happen with wool, it cannot be undone. There are still other options. Clothing in good condition can be passed on to someone it fits or taken to a textile collection point. Worn out clothing can be cut into cleaning cloths. Many charity shops and clothing banks accept textiles, which gives the garment a longer life than the bin.
Frequently asked questions
Can shrunken clothes be stretched back
Sometimes a little. Knit can be stretched gently while damp, but the full size rarely returns.
Does bamboo clothing shrink
Viscose made from bamboo can shrink with high heat and tumble drying. Follow the care label to avoid it.
What can you use shrunken clothes for
As loungewear, nightwear, an extra layer or for exercise, if it still fits comfortably.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
