You may be a big fan of Polyester. Why do you like it? It’s comfortable, durable, and affordable. Isn’t it? However, do you know everything about Polyester?
Does Polyester shrink?
No, it doesn’t. Polyester is known for its shrink-resistant nature. If you wash and dry it at a warm temperature, it won’t shrink even a little.
Are you curious to know more? Then, you’re in the right place.
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Reasons Behind Shrinking
Polyester doesn’t shrink in normal conditions. It’s an artificial fabric widely used in the outdoor and sporting world. Interestingly, this fabric is so popular that it doesn’t stretch or tear.
Therefore, you shouldn’t wash or dry it in extremely hot conditions. If so, Polyester will shrink by a tiny percentage.
How To Prevent Polyester From Shrinking?
Preventing Polyester from shrinking is simple. Check the following list-
- Use warm water to wash clothes. If you use a washing machine, use a gentle cycle.
- Avoid cleaning it with other fabrics.
- Avoid using harsh detergent.
- Use liquid fabric softener.
- Try to avoid a clothes dryer. Instead, dry it in the air.
- If you want to iron, keep it at low or medium temperature.
How To Care For Polyester After Shrink?
If your favorite polyester dress got shrunk, don’t worry. You can still wear it if you follow some proper instructions for the future. Take a look below-
First of all, use the permanent press cycle of your washing machine. This cycle works better with polyester fabric. It uses a combination of warm and cold water. Cold water never cleans your fabric, whereas hot water may further damage it.
During washing, always choose a liquid fabric softener. Softener always protects the garment and ensures durability. In fact, Polyester can’t endure harsh chemicals. So, next time you visit the retail store, buy a softener.
You may use the clothes dryer. It’s okay for your clothes. However, never use it at a higher temperature. Such a higher temperature may damage the cloth more. If you don’t want to use a dryer, utilize sunlight for drying it.
If you maintain these guidelines, you can wear your dress even after shrinking. Unless the condition of your garment will be worse.
Which Polyester Shrinks More?
Polyester is a trendy fabric that provides a comfortable feeling. That’s why it is blended with other materials, such as:
- Cotton
- Spandex
- Rayon
Such blended Polyester always shrinks more. Hence, before buying a dress, always check the fabric type. Check the clothes tag.
Which Polyester Shrinks Less?
When your garment is 100% Polyester, it will be strong, durable, and comfortable to wear. Moreover, it’ll shrink less unless you wash and dry it at the hottest temperature.
Therefore, you need to take proper care for your polyester jacket to last long.
How To Shrink Polyester Fabric
You may buy a polyester shirt from the local store, and it doesn’t fit. Hence, you want to shrink it for a perfect fit. Is it possible? Yeah, it is. High heat is the main key to shrink a garment.
First of all, decide what type of shrinkage you want for your dress. As shrinkage can be:
- Minimal
- Moderate
- Maximum
Moreover, you need to identify the fabric type. For example, is it 100% polyester or a mixture of Polyester and cotton? Shrinking a blend of Polyester is much easier. For 100% polyester, you need to use around 180 Fahrenheit of temperature. In contrast, a slightly lower temperature will be sufficient for blender fabric.
However, it would help if you were careful here, as high temperatures may ruin your fabulous shirt permanently. Therefore, you need to learn how to use high temperatures perfectly.
Minimal Shrinkage
If your cloth needs minimal shrinkage, simply dry and wash would be the perfect formula. Place your fabric in the washing machine and run a warm water wash cycle. It’s that simple. You don’t need to use detergent.
However, use one if your clothes are dirty. After washing, use a clothes dryer at medium heat. You’re done.
If you are not satisfied with the result, repeat the process.
Moderate Shrinkage
Sometimes you may need a moderate shrinkage for your clothes. Don’t worry. I’ll guide you through this process too. If your dress is a blend of Polyester and other fabrics, you don’t need to use extreme heat.
Firstly, put your clothes in the washing machine and run the hot water for wash and rinse. After the cycle ends, transfer the fabric to the clothes dryer and use a hot temperature.
Aren’t you satisfied? No problem, use an iron to shrink more.
Maximum Shrinkage
Maximum shrinkage is perfect for your pants, shirt, or sleeveless if these are 100% polyester. Again, checking the clothes tag may help you in this case.
Place your clothes in the washing machine and set the hottest water for wash and rinse. Most importantly, turn on the longest wash cycle. Wait a couple of minutes until the process ends.
After washing:
- Turn the clothes inside out and place them on the ironing board.
- Collect a pressing cloth and hold it on your dress.
- Run your iron at lower to medium heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Shrink 100% Polyester?
Yeah, you can shrink 100% polyester without any doubt. Just use the hottest possible temperatures for washing and ironing. This garment will be shrunk.
Experts suggest that you need to use approximately 180 F for shrinking pure polyester clothes. So always keep it in mind when you want to shrink your jacket, shirt, or pants.
Does Polyester Shrink at 60 Degrees C or 150 Degrees F?
Polyester is a synthetic material. But, it can’t withstand extreme heat. You can wash Polyester at 60 C or 150 F. However, it would help if you were very careful.
In general, the temperature depends on the polyester type. If it is a blend of Cotton, Rayon, or other fabrics, shrink will happen at a comparatively lower temperature.
Will a 100% Polyester Shirt Shrink After Washing And Drying?
A 100% polyester shirt won’t shrink after washing and drying it at a warm temperature. Therefore, it is ideal to wash Polyester with a mixture of warm or cold water.
However, if you use boiling water or heat, the garment will shrink.
Does 98% Polyester Shrink?
Yeah, 98% Polyester can easily shrink. Just follow the steps below-
- Wash in extremely hot water.
- Dry at the hottest possible temperature in the clothes dryer.
- Use a steam iron. Turn off the steam setting. You can use dry iron too.
Do 90% Polyester And 10% Spandex Shrink?
No, certainly not. Both Spandex and Polyester are synthetic fibers. Moreover, they are famous in the garment industry because of their smoothness, elasticity, and durability.
However, if you don’t use these fabrics appropriately, they may shrink. For example, you can’t wash and dry this blended fabric at extremely hot temperatures.
Can I Wash Polyester And Spandex?
Yes, you can. Polyester and Spandex are synthetic fibers, and they don’t need dry cleaning. So, you can easily wash them.
Although, it is advisable to use warm water for washing purposes. Other most common synthetic fibers are-
- Acrylic
- Acetate
- Nylon
You can easily wash these fabrics too.
Is Polyester And Spandex Comfortable?
Yes, both of these fabrics are comfortable to wear. These materials allow users to make free movements. As a result, Polyester and Spandex are used in:
- Yoga dress
- Swimwear
- Workout dress
However, Polyester doesn’t have much stretch compared to Spandex. Moreover, Spandex feels wet, and Polyester feels dry. That’s why Polyester and Spandex are always blended with cotton to give a premium feel. This tri-blend is gaining huge popularity in the market day by day.
Can I Machine Wash 95% Polyester And 5% Spandex?
Yes, without any doubt. Polyester and Spandex are a wonderful blend. They don’t shrink in normal conditions. Just use the warm water setting of your washing machine.
After washing, never dry them at the hottest temperature. Use a gentle setting. Extreme hot conditions can ruin this polyester and spandex blend.
Does Polyester Soften After Washing?
Yes, it does. Polyester is a synthetic and man-made fiber. It is known for its rigid nature. That’s why some may feel uneasy wearing Polyester during hot weather. Some people complain that it is too stiff to wear.
You may soften it by washing it with a liquid softener. It will remove the stiffness of Polyester quickly.
Final Thought
After the whole discussion, you may be thinking in your mind whether you should give this trendy fabric a try or not. I suggest you go for it. This garment looks gorgeous. Wear it and enjoy dinner with your friends and family members. You’ve nothing to lose. It’s not that expensive.
Let me know whether you love Polyester or not. Leave a comment below.
