Viscose, also known as rayon, is a semi-synthetic fiber celebrated for its silky texture, beautiful drape, and breathability. It’s a popular choice for clothing, home textiles, and even industrial applications. However, one common concern associated with viscose is its propensity to shrink. Understanding how much viscose shrinks, and more importantly, how to prevent it, is crucial for caring for your viscose garments and ensuring they last.
Understanding Viscose and its Properties
Viscose is derived from cellulose, usually wood pulp, that is chemically processed to create a fiber. This makes it a regenerated cellulose fiber, falling somewhere between natural and synthetic fibers.
Viscose’s structure is responsible for many of its desirable qualities. The fiber’s cross-section is irregular, contributing to its soft feel and excellent absorbency. This high absorbency, however, is also a key factor in its tendency to shrink.
The ability to absorb moisture is both a blessing and a curse for viscose. It allows the fabric to breathe well, making it comfortable to wear, especially in warm weather. However, when exposed to water during washing, the fibers swell significantly. As they dry, they contract, resulting in shrinkage.
Types of Viscose
It’s important to note that “viscose” is an umbrella term covering various types of rayon fibers. Each type can have slightly different properties and shrinkage rates.
- Regular Viscose: This is the most common type and is often found in clothing linings, dresses, and blouses. It’s known for its affordability and soft texture, but also its higher shrinkage potential.
- Modal: A type of rayon considered more stable and durable than regular viscose. Modal fibers are stronger and less prone to shrinking, stretching, or fading.
- Lyocell (Tencel): Often grouped with viscose due to its cellulose base, lyocell is produced in a more environmentally friendly closed-loop process. It’s known for its exceptional strength, wrinkle resistance, and lower shrinkage rate compared to regular viscose.
The Shrinkage Factor: How Much to Expect
So, how much will viscose actually shrink? While it varies depending on the type of viscose, the construction of the garment, and washing conditions, you can generally expect regular viscose to shrink anywhere from 2% to 5% after the first wash.
This might not seem like a lot, but on a larger garment like a dress or skirt, even 3% shrinkage can significantly alter the fit. Modal and lyocell generally shrink less, often around 1% to 3%.
Several factors influence the degree of shrinkage:
- Water Temperature: Hot water causes more shrinkage than cold water.
- Washing Method: Machine washing is generally more aggressive than hand washing and can lead to greater shrinkage.
- Drying Method: High heat in a dryer is a major culprit in viscose shrinkage. Tumble drying can cause significantly more shrinkage than air drying.
- Fabric Construction: Loosely woven fabrics tend to shrink more than tightly woven fabrics.
Preventing and Minimizing Viscose Shrinkage
While complete prevention of shrinkage isn’t always possible, there are several steps you can take to minimize the risk and keep your viscose garments looking their best.
Washing Best Practices
The way you wash your viscose garments plays a significant role in controlling shrinkage.
- Hand Washing: Hand washing is the gentlest option and is highly recommended for delicate viscose items. Use cool water and a mild detergent specifically designed for delicate fabrics. Gently swirl the garment in the water and avoid harsh scrubbing or wringing.
- Machine Washing (If Necessary): If machine washing is necessary, use a delicate cycle with cold water. Place the garment inside a mesh laundry bag to protect it from excessive agitation. Select a low spin cycle to minimize stretching and distortion.
- Use Cold Water: Always use cold water for washing viscose. Hot water is a major contributor to shrinkage.
- Mild Detergent: Harsh detergents can damage viscose fibers, making them more prone to shrinkage. Opt for a mild, pH-neutral detergent.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Don’t overcrowd the washing machine. This allows the garments to move freely and reduces friction, which can contribute to shrinkage.
Drying Techniques
Drying is where viscose is most vulnerable to shrinkage. Avoiding the dryer is the best strategy.
- Air Drying: Air drying is the safest option for viscose. Lay the garment flat on a clean, dry towel or hang it on a padded hanger away from direct sunlight. Avoid using clothespins, as they can leave marks.
- Avoid the Dryer: Never put viscose in a hot dryer. The high heat will cause significant shrinkage and can also damage the fibers. Even on a low heat setting, the dryer can still cause some shrinkage.
- If You Must Use a Dryer: If you absolutely must use a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting and tumble the garment for a very short time. Remove it while it’s still slightly damp and lay it flat to finish drying.
- Blocking: For delicate items or those that have already shrunk slightly, consider blocking. This involves gently stretching the garment back into its original shape while it’s still damp and pinning it to a padded surface until it dries.
Ironing and Steaming
Ironing and steaming can help restore the shape of viscose garments and remove wrinkles, but it’s important to do so carefully.
- Iron on Low Heat: Use a low heat setting and iron the garment inside out. A pressing cloth can help protect the fabric from direct heat.
- Steaming: Steaming is a gentler alternative to ironing. Hold the steamer a few inches away from the fabric and use a sweeping motion.
Other Tips to Minimize Shrinkage
Beyond washing and drying techniques, consider these additional tips:
- Read the Care Label: Always check the care label on your viscose garment for specific washing and drying instructions.
- Pre-Shrink (With Caution): Some people suggest pre-shrinking viscose by hand washing it gently before the first wear. However, this can be risky if not done carefully. It’s best to test a small, inconspicuous area first.
- Consider Dry Cleaning: For delicate or expensive viscose garments, dry cleaning may be the safest option.
- Buy Slightly Larger: If you’re concerned about shrinkage, consider buying viscose garments slightly larger than your usual size to allow for potential shrinkage.
- Fabric Blends: Look for viscose blends with other fibers like polyester or cotton. Blends tend to be more stable and less prone to shrinking than 100% viscose.
Reversing Shrinkage: Is it Possible?
Unfortunately, reversing significant shrinkage in viscose is difficult and often not entirely successful. However, there are a few techniques you can try to stretch the fibers back to their original shape.
- Hair Conditioner Soak: Soak the garment in lukewarm water with a tablespoon of hair conditioner for about 30 minutes. The conditioner can help relax the fibers. Gently stretch the garment while it’s submerged and then lay it flat to dry.
- Baby Shampoo Soak: Similar to the hair conditioner method, soaking the garment in lukewarm water with a tablespoon of baby shampoo can help relax the fibers.
- Professional Stretching: A professional dry cleaner may be able to stretch the garment back to its original size using specialized equipment.
It’s important to note that these methods are not guaranteed to work and may not completely restore the garment to its original size.
Conclusion
Viscose is a beautiful and versatile fabric, but its tendency to shrink can be frustrating. By understanding the properties of viscose, following proper washing and drying techniques, and taking preventative measures, you can significantly minimize shrinkage and keep your viscose garments looking their best for years to come. Prioritizing gentle care and avoiding high heat are the keys to success. While reversing shrinkage can be challenging, proactive care will help you enjoy the comfort and elegance of viscose without the worry of dramatic size changes.
What factors influence the amount of shrinkage in viscose fabric?
Viscose shrinkage is affected by several key factors, making it difficult to predict the exact percentage. Primarily, the manufacturing process plays a crucial role; looser weaves and lower tension during production often result in higher shrinkage potential. Additionally, the type of viscose blend impacts shrinkage; blends with other fibers like polyester tend to shrink less than 100% viscose fabrics.
Water temperature and washing method are also significant. Hot water and aggressive washing cycles contribute to more significant shrinkage, as the fibers swell and contract more dramatically. Similarly, high-heat drying methods can exacerbate shrinkage, while air drying or low-heat settings are gentler and minimize the risk of fiber damage and dimensional changes.
How much shrinkage can I expect from viscose clothing?
Generally, viscose clothing can shrink anywhere from 2% to 8% after washing. This range varies depending on the quality of the fabric, the type of weave, and how the garment is cared for. Garments with a looser weave or lower quality viscose are likely to shrink more than those made with tightly woven, high-quality viscose.
To minimize shrinkage, it’s always best to follow the care instructions provided on the garment’s label. Pre-treating the fabric with a gentle wash before tailoring can help to pre-shrink the fabric and reduce the risk of unexpected shrinkage after the final garment is made. Washing in cold water and air drying are also highly recommended.
Does dry cleaning prevent viscose from shrinking?
Yes, dry cleaning is generally a safer option for viscose garments compared to machine washing, as it typically prevents significant shrinkage. Dry cleaning utilizes chemical solvents rather than water, which minimizes the risk of swelling and contracting the viscose fibers. This process is particularly beneficial for delicate viscose items that are prone to significant shrinkage when washed in water.
However, it’s essential to note that some dry cleaning processes may still cause minimal shrinkage, particularly if the garment is poorly constructed or the dry cleaner uses high heat during the drying cycle. To further minimize risks, always inform the dry cleaner that the garment is made of viscose and request a gentle cleaning process.
How can I pre-shrink viscose fabric before sewing?
Pre-shrinking viscose fabric before sewing is an excellent way to prevent unexpected changes in size and shape after the finished garment is washed. The most effective method involves washing the fabric in the same way you intend to wash the finished garment. For example, if you plan to machine wash the garment, machine wash the fabric before sewing.
After washing, it’s crucial to dry the fabric using your intended drying method. If you plan to tumble dry, tumble dry the fabric. If you prefer air drying, air dry the fabric. This process will help the fabric shrink to its maximum potential before you begin sewing, ensuring a more accurate and stable fit for your final product.
What are the best washing methods to avoid shrinking viscose?
The best washing methods to avoid shrinking viscose involve gentle care and mindful temperature control. Hand washing in cold water with a mild detergent is the safest option, as it minimizes the agitation and heat that can cause fibers to contract. If hand washing isn’t feasible, using a delicate cycle on your washing machine with cold water is the next best choice.
Avoid using harsh detergents or bleach, as these can damage the fibers and increase the likelihood of shrinkage. Additionally, always turn the garment inside out before washing to protect the fabric’s surface. After washing, gently remove excess water without wringing or twisting the garment.
How should I dry viscose clothing to prevent shrinkage?
Air drying is the most effective way to prevent shrinkage in viscose clothing. Lay the garment flat on a clean, dry surface or hang it on a padded hanger away from direct sunlight or heat. Avoid using a clothesline, as the weight of the wet fabric can stretch it out of shape.
If you must use a dryer, select the lowest heat setting and the gentlest cycle. Remove the garment while it is still slightly damp to prevent over-drying, which can cause shrinkage and damage to the fibers. Air-dry the garment completely on a flat surface to finish the process.
Can viscose clothing be stretched back into shape after shrinking?
While it’s difficult to completely reverse shrinkage in viscose clothing, there are methods to attempt stretching it back to its original size and shape. Fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water and add a small amount of hair conditioner or fabric softener. Submerge the shrunk garment in the water and gently massage the fibers to relax them.
After soaking for about 30 minutes, carefully remove the garment and gently squeeze out excess water without wringing. Lay the garment flat on a towel and gently stretch it to its original dimensions, pinning it in place if necessary. Allow the garment to air dry completely, checking and re-stretching it periodically as it dries. While this may not restore the garment to its exact original size, it can help to improve its shape and fit.