Why viscose shrinks and how to avoid it

Short answer: Viscose fibres take up a lot of water and turn soft when wet. Add heat and mechanical movement and the fabric contracts, and that is where the shrinking happens.

Water makes the fibre soft

A wet viscose fibre is weaker than a dry one. That is why the damage happens in the wash and in the drying.

Heat is the trigger

At 40 degrees almost nothing happens. In a tumble dryer and at high temperatures the fabric contracts.

Spinning

A hard spin presses the fibres together while they are wet. 800 to 1000 revolutions is plenty.

Dry flat or hanging

Lay heavy pieces flat and hang light ones up. That way the fabric is not pulled out of shape while it dries.

If the damage is done

A shrunken piece can be gently stretched while damp, but it rarely goes back to exactly as it was.

Prevent it from the first wash

The first wash is the most important. Wash at 40 degrees and avoid the tumble dryer from the start. See the washing guide.

See also

More on the subject in does bamboo clothing shrink in the wash.

Where it shows most

Shrinking shows most clearly on t-shirts, where the length gets shorter, and on bedding, where the cover suddenly sits tight around the duvet. See bamboo bedding.

Frequently asked questions

Does bamboo clothing shrink in the wash?

Not noticeably at 40 degrees. It is the tumble dryer and high heat that contract the fabric.

Can shrinking be reversed?

Partly, by gently stretching the fabric while it is damp. Rarely completely.

How high can I spin?

800 to 1000 revolutions is plenty.