What pre shrinking means for your size

Short answer: Pre shrunk fabric has already shrunk during production. That is why the garment changes only slightly in the first wash at home.

Why fabric shrinks

During production the yarn is stretched, and the tension stays in the fabric. The first time it meets heat and water, that tension releases and the stitches contract. It is not the fibre getting smaller, it is the structure settling.

What the maker can do

In pre shrinking the fabric is run through heat and moisture before it is cut. Most of the shrinkage has then happened before the garment is sewn, and the size holds at home. See bamboo t-shirts for men.

What you can do

Wash at thirty degrees and dry without heat, and bamboo viscose shrinks very little whether or not the fabric was pre shrunk. If in doubt, wash a new garment on its own the first time. See bamboo clothing for men and bamboo clothing for women.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know whether a fabric is pre shrunk

It is rarely stated. Wash cool and it matters less.

How much does bamboo viscose typically shrink

A couple of percent at thirty degrees and more at high heat.

Should I buy a size up to be safe

No. With correct washing the shrinkage is too small to justify it.