Why some clothes shrink in the wash — and how to 'unshrink' them
- Clothes shrink in the wash due to natural fibres like cotton and linen relaxing to their original crinkled state when exposed to heat, moisture, and agitation.
- During manufacturing, fibres are stretched straight, but hydrogen bonds break in hot water, allowing cellulose chains to recoil.
- Loosely knitted fabrics shrink more than tightly woven ones; even cold water can cause some shrinkage due to swelling and mechanical action.
- Wool shrinks via felting, where cuticle scales on fibres interlock during washing.
- Synthetics like polyester resist shrinking due to crystalline structures that maintain stability.
- To unshrink clothes, soak in lukewarm water with conditioner or baby shampoo, then stretch gently and dry flat.
Hacker News Discussion
- Users share tips on durable clothing brands like American Giant hoodies, Carhartt pants, Duluth Trading shirts, and Uniqlo's better options, noting quality declines in some like Levi's and H&M.
- Discussions on avoiding shrinkage: wash cold, air dry or use low-heat dryers, hang dry with fans/dehumidifiers; modern heat pump dryers praised for gentleness.
- Health concerns about dryer lint and microplastics from synthetics, with anecdotes of respiratory issues from poor ventilation.
- Debates on fabric quality: longer staple cotton resists shrinking better; pre-shrunk fabrics and blends help; natural vs. synthetic preferences vary.