Why does polyester shrink in the dryer, and how can you prevent (or encourage) it? We have all the information you need to keep your polyester items in top shape.
Picture this: You throw your favorite polyester shirt into the dryer, only to be met with a sinking feeling as you pull out what seems like a child's size version of your once-perfect garment. It's a common laundry mishap, but why does polyester shrink in the dryer? Let's delve into the science behind polyester shrinkage and explore some tips to keep your polyester clothes looking fabulous–and staying their size–for longer.
What is Polyester?
Polyester is a popular synthetic fabric known for its durability, wrinkle-resistance, and ability to retain its shape even after multiple washes. It's made from long chains of polymers, which are essentially large molecules composed of repeating subunits. These polymers are derived from petroleum or plant-based sources, and they are then spun into fibers to create polyester fabric.
Does Polyester Shrink in the Dryer?
Does polyester shrink in the dryer? Most likely the answer is yes. The culprit behind polyester shrinkage lies in the structure of its polymer chains. Unlike natural fibers like cotton, polyester has a high resistance to moisture absorption. When exposed to heat, the polymer chains in polyester can temporarily deform or stretch due to the energy introduced during the drying process.
The polymer chains, however, are not as easily retained in their stretched form as they are in their original state. When the fabric cools down after drying, the polymer chains try to return to their relaxed state, which causes the fabric to shrink slightly.
Polyester Shrinkage Factors
Several factors contribute to the potential shrinkage of polyester in the dryer:
- Temperature: Higher drying temperatures can increase the chances of polyester shrinkage since the heat provides more energy for the polymer chains to temporarily deform.
- Fabric Quality: The quality of the polyester fabric also plays a role in shrinkage. Cheaper or lower-quality polyester may be more susceptible to shrinkage than higher-quality versions.
- Garment Construction: The construction of the garment, such as seams and stitching, can impact how it responds to heat and, subsequently, the extent of shrinkage.
How can you prevent polyester from shrinking?
Will polyester shrink in the dryer? While polyester is prone to shrinkage, there are a few preventative measures you can take to keep it to a minimum.
- Low Heat or Air Drying: Opt for low heat settings or air drying when tumble drying polyester garments. Lower temperatures reduce the energy available for polymer chain deformation, minimizing shrinkage. You can also use Wool Dryer balls to speed drying time with these settings, reducing the amount of time your clothes stay in the dryer.
- Remove Promptly: Take your polyester clothes out of the dryer as soon as they are dry. Leaving them in the dryer after the cycle is complete can lead to residual heat, potentially causing shrinkage.
- Follow Care Labels: Always follow the care instructions on the garment's label. Some polyester blends or delicate fabrics may require special care to prevent shrinkage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more burning questions about if polyester will shrink? We’re here to help.
How much will polyester shrink?
The amount that polyester will drink depends on several factors, including the quality of the garment and the amount of heat it is exposed to.
Is it OK to put polyester in the dryer?
Yes! It is generally ok to put polyester in the dryer. If you are looking to prevent shrinking, be sure to follow our tips above. We also recommend checking the garment’s care label before drying in case the manufacturer has any special instructions.
Can you shrink polyester down a size?
If you are looking to purposefully shrink a polyester item, we recommend washing the garment in hot water and then drying the item with a high heat setting. Heat is the main culprit for polyester shrinkage, so if you’re looking to shrink an item, the more heat, the better!
Does 50% cotton and 50% polyester shrink in the dryer?
Does 100 polyester shrink? Absolutely. But what about 50% cotton and 50% polyester? Items from this fabric may still experience shrinking when exposed to heat. Be sure to check the item’s care label for best practices.
FAQs
Yes, polyester can shrink with repeated washing and drying at high temperatures, but it's more resistant to shrinking than cotton or wool. To prevent shrinkage, wash in cold water and use low heat in the dryer to preserve the size and shape of your polyester garments.
How much does polyester shrink in the dryer? ›
Does Polyester Shrink in the Washer or Dryer? Polyester is a unique fabric in that it rarely shrinks, even when washed and dried in hot temperatures. It differs from other fabrics due to its resistance to shrinking, as it can withstand higher washer and dryer settings than more delicate materials.
What happens if you put 100% polyester in the dryer? ›
Unlike natural fibers like cotton, polyester has a high resistance to moisture absorption. When exposed to heat, the polymer chains in polyester can temporarily deform or stretch due to the energy introduced during the drying process.
Can you shrink polyester down a size? ›
Use hot water while washing, and set your dryer to a high heat setting. Ensure that the temperature is above 140F, and your polyester should shrink. One thing to note is that you can't shrink polyester by more than a couple of inches. And the measurements won't be precise.
What fabric shrinks the most in the dryer? ›
Fabrics that shrink easily include cotton, wool, silk, linen, and hemp. Fabrics made from natural fibers are more prone to shrinkage than clothes made from synthetic fibers, such as nylon and polyester. However, spandex will shrink in the dryer.
Why can't you tumble dry polyester? ›
The fabric has a smooth texture and can shrink or melt when exposed to high heat. To properly wash and care for your polyester clothes, you should avoid exposing them to high temperatures in the washer or dryer.
What happens if you dry polyester on high heat? ›
Because polyester is a synthetic material, high heat can break down the fibers and cause damage to your clothes.
How to make 100 polyester bigger? ›
Steamers are great for relaxing the polyester fiber in the fabric and allowing it to stretch more easily. Simply hang the garment up and run the steamer over it for a few minutes. Another option is to use an iron on low heat. Place a damp cloth over the garment and then iron it gently.
How do you wash 100 polyester without shrinking it? ›
Washing with cold water is always a safe bet when it comes to cleaning your clothing, especially if it's with a material you're unfamiliar with. But 100% polyester will also do very well with warm water, which can help remove stains, prevent shrinkage, and avoid color bleeding into other clothing in the cycle.
Does 100 polyester stretch over time? ›
Polyester fibers don't have any elasticity by default, so 100% polyester fabrics are not stretchy. In fact, they were made to retain their shape and withstand rougher wear and tear. They may give in if the cloth is wet but not quite enough to see any real difference.
Natural fibers like cotton, wool, silk, linen, and hemp are more prone to shrinking than synthetic fibers. Cotton fibers, being the most amenable, can shrink up to 20 percent, depending on the quality and cotton blend. Polyester, on the other hand, shrinks less than three percent.
How do you shrink polyester fitted? ›
Even though high heat is the key to shrinking a polyester hat, use the blow dryer's medium heat setting to avoid any potential problems. You can either hold the hat while blow-drying it or wear it on your head as you apply heat so that it dries to the shape of your head.
How to shrink clothes that are too big? ›
Wash the garment in the washing machine using a hot water cycle. Dry the garment on high heat for 30 minutes, checking on it every five minutes or so to monitor how quickly it shrinks. Remove the item when you believe it has shrunk to the desired size. Repeat steps 1 to 4 if you'd like to shrink the garment more.
What material won't shrink in the dryer? ›
Synthetics. Polyester, nylon, spandex, acrylic, and acetate won't shrink and will resist water-based stains.
What is the best dryer setting so clothes don't shrink? ›
Avoiding heavy duty cycles, fast spins and high-heat drying can also prevent shrinkage. Use delicate cycles instead, and place delicate clothes in a mesh laundry bag for added protection. When drying, consider a low-heat or air dry setting. When in doubt, always follow the instructions on your garment's care tag.
Does 91% polyester shrink? ›
Polyester Typically Shrinks When Exposed To High Temperatures, Usually During Washing Or Drying. Heat Causes The Polymer Chains To Contract, Resulting In The Shrinkage Many Of Us Have Experienced.
How much does polyester fabric shrink at 350 degrees? ›
First of all, lets look at what actually occurs when you tighten polyester fabric. The fibers have the capability of shrinking a total of about 12%. This will occur at a maximum temperature of 350 degrees F. At 240 degrees F the fabric will shrink about 5%.
Does 50% cotton and 50% polyester shrink in the dryer? ›
Cotton Polyester Blends are Less Likely To Shrink
If you're purchasing t-shirts, you don't want to be concerned with shrinking, and a 50/50 blend will give you peace of mind that the size you purchase is the size you will continue to have.
Does 95% polyester shrink? ›
Does 95% Polyester Shrink? Yes, but just like 100% polyester, 95% polyester it's pretty resistant to shrinking. As long as you don't use too much heat when washing, drying or ironing it.
