Does Bamboo Clothing Shrink in the Wash? How to Avoid It
Short answer: Yes, bamboo clothing can shrink in the wash, but almost only when it is treated the wrong way. Shrinking is usually caused by too high a temperature or by tumble drying. If you wash at 30 to 40 degrees and air dry, bamboo clothing keeps its shape and size wash after wash.
Why bamboo shrinks in the wash
Bamboo viscose is a cellulose fibre that absorbs water and becomes more elastic when wet. High heat makes the fibres contract, and that is what you experience as shrinking. The culprit is rarely the wash itself, but the temperature and above all the tumble dryer, where heat and movement work together.
Wet fibres are vulnerable
When bamboo viscose is wet, the fibres are weaker than when dry. That means hard spinning, hot water and a lot of friction can affect the fabric more. If you handle the garment calmly while it is wet, it keeps both its shape and its surface much better.
The right temperature
Wash bamboo clothing at 30 to 40 degrees. That is warm enough to remove everyday dirt and sweat, but not so hot that the fibres contract. Always check the care label on the individual garment, because blends with elastane or other fibres may have their own instructions.
Choose a gentle programme
Use a gentle programme with a low spin, and do not fill the machine completely. The clothes need to move freely without being pressed and twisted. Turn them inside out to protect the surface, and close zips and hooks so they do not pull at the soft fabric.
Skip the tumble dryer
The tumble dryer is the most common cause of shrunken bamboo clothing. The combination of heat and movement makes the fibres contract, and the damage cannot always be undone. Hang the clothes to dry instead, or lay them flat on a towel, and they will keep their fit.
How to dry properly
Give the clothes a light shake when they come out of the machine and gently pull them into shape. Hang T-shirts and tops on a hanger or over a rail, and lay knits and denser fabrics flat. Avoid direct sun and hot radiators, as strong heat can also affect the fibres over time.
Softener and detergent
Use a mild detergent and skip fabric softener. Softener leaves a film on the fibres that can make the fabric less breathable, and bamboo viscose is soft on its own. Dose the detergent according to the load, so no residue is left in the fabric after rinsing.
If the damage is done
Slightly shrunken bamboo clothing can often be saved. Dampen it with lukewarm water, gently pull it into shape and let it dry flat. If the garment has shrunk a lot, it is unfortunately hard to fix. Then it is better to wear it at home and take extra care next time.
Choose the right size
It is better to buy the right size from the start than a size up for fear of shrinking. With gentle washing, bamboo clothing keeps its shape, and a garment that is too big does not fit well. Check the size guide and choose by your measurements, especially for fitted items like leggings and tops.
Clothes that keep their shape
Follow this advice and you can wear bamboo clothing every day without worrying about shrinking. Take a look at bamboo leggings for women and bamboo T-shirts for men, or find more in bamboo clothing for women and bamboo clothing for men. See also complete washing guide for bamboo clothing and size guide for bamboo clothing.
Frequently asked questions
Does bamboo clothing shrink in the wash?
Bamboo clothing can shrink if it is washed too hot or goes in the tumble dryer. If you wash at 30 to 40 degrees and air dry, it normally keeps its shape and size.
Can you tumble dry bamboo clothing?
It is not recommended, because heat and movement make the fibres contract. Hang the clothes to dry or lay them flat, and they will keep their fit the longest.
Can shrunken bamboo clothing be saved?
Slight shrinking can often be fixed by dampening the garment, gently pulling it into shape and letting it dry flat. Badly shrunken clothing is unfortunately hard to save.
See our range of Copenhagen Bamboo.
