The myth that clothes only shrink in the first wash and never again
Short answer: Most shrinkage happens in the first few washes, but clothes can keep shrinking a little if they are exposed to heat again and again. Viscose and wool in particular react to temperature and tumble drying throughout the life of the garment.
Why the first wash matters most
During production, fabric is stretched and pressed so that it has a particular size and a smooth look in the shop. In the first wash the fibres relax and pull back towards their natural length. That is why the biggest change usually happens here. Many manufacturers pre shrink fabric to reduce the effect, but a small change can still occur during the very first wash at home.
Why it can continue
Even after the first wash, the fibres can draw in a little more if they are exposed to high heat. Viscose swells in water and can shrink every time it is washed hot and dried harshly. Wool can felt further with each warm wash. Elastane can lose its spring so that the fabric changes shape. Shrinking is therefore not a one off event but something that depends on how the garment is treated over time.
Viscose needs a little care
Viscose from bamboo is soft and comfortable, but it is weaker when wet. If it is wrung hard or tumble dried on high heat, it can both shrink and lose its shape. A bamboo slip in viscose keeps its shape best when it is washed at a low temperature and hung up to dry. Ease it gently into shape while it is still damp, and it will hang nicely once it has dried completely.
Footies and socks
Small items such as footies and socks are particularly sensitive, because even a little shrinkage can change the fit noticeably. A footie that shrinks slightly may start slipping off the heel or pressing on the toes. Wash them at 30 or 40 degrees and avoid the tumble dryer. Bamboo footies for women keep their size best when they are left to air dry on a rack after every wash.
How to avoid repeated shrinkage
Follow the care label every time, not just the first time. Choose a low temperature and a gentle spin. Skip the tumble dryer unless the label allows it, and then use low heat. Hang clothes up as soon as the wash has finished, so they do not sit crumpled in the drum. Knitwear and viscose are best dried flat, so their weight does not pull the fabric out of shape while drying.
When shrinkage is not a quality problem
A small change in the first wash is normal and not a sign of poor quality. Well made fabrics then keep their size as long as they are treated correctly. Brands such as Nordic Weaving work with soft viscose fabrics, where care plays a large part in how long the garment keeps its shape. Follow the instructions, and your clothes will keep their size for as long as possible.
Frequently asked questions
Can shrinkage be avoided completely
Not completely, but a low temperature and air drying reduce it a great deal.
Should I buy a size up to allow for shrinkage
Usually not. Choose your normal size and wash according to the label.
Can shrunken viscose be stretched out again
A little, while it is damp. Pull gently on the fabric and let it dry flat.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
