Have you ever taken your favorite pair of jeans out of the dry cleaner and realized that they feel tighter than before? We often find ourselves asking them the question: do jeans shrink in the dry clean?
The answer to this is yes-though the extent of shrinkage varies depending on various factors such as the fabric mix, whether the denim has been pre-shrunk and the heat temperature applied. In this article we will discuss the reasons behind the shrinkage of jeans, the extent to which they will shrink, and how they can be prevented or checked.
Why Do Jeans Shrink in the Dryer?
The main reason that leads to shrinking of jeans is due to the fact that cotton fibers are very sensitive to heat and water. When moistened, the fibers become saturated and as they dry, particularly in the presence of heat in a dryer, contract and cause the cloth to shrink. Also, heat interferes with the tension applied in the manufacturing (weaving and spinning) process, resulting in the relaxation of fibers and their accumulation.
This process of natural contraction is hastened in the dryer through the application of heat and mechanical agitation. When the fibers are further compressed by tumbling, this increases the shrinkage and can even weaken fabric, long-term.
Consequently, one of the biggest causes of jeans shrinkage is the dryer, particularly of untreated, 100% cotton denim.
How Much Do Jeans Shrink in the Dryer?
Jeans usually lose between 3-4 percent in the dryer, i.e. a pair of jeans with a 32 inch inseam would lose approximately 1 to 1/2 inch. This contraction usually happens in the initial several cycles and then flattens out.
It has a lot to do with fabric composition: 100 percent cotton denim (particularly untreated or raw denim) may shrink considerably, and some people report up to 20 percent overall loss in size. By comparison, blended jeans with elastane or polyester will shrink far less, usually by 3 to 5%.
So, do jeans shrink in the dryer? Yes, but it depends on the material, the amount of heat applied and whether the denim has undergone pre-shrink.
Factors That Affect Shrinkage
The degree of shrinking in the dryer depends on various variables of the jeans. Composition of fabric is first of all: 100% cotton (particularly unprocessed or untreated denim) is much more susceptible to heat-driven contraction, whereas mixtures that contain elastane or polyester do not tend to shrink and will often only lose 35 or 5 percent of their size.
Next comes the manufacturing finish: sanforized (pre-shrunk) denim is finished in such a way that dimensional change is minimized, and unsanforized (shrink-to-fit) jeans may shrink significantly on their first wash, typically in the 3-10 percent range.
Weave and fabric weight also have an influence: tighter weave and heavier denim tend to keep their shape more than lighter denim or loosely woven denim, and raw denim will sometimes change and set as it wears.
Finally, heat of dryer conditions and tumbling may hasten the shrinkage- high/heat of dryer/tumbler may accelerate shrinkage of fiber and distort or weaken denim; low/no-heat of dryer/tumbler may allow preserving fit and color. The majority of the shrinkage occurs during the initial couple of wash/dry cycles, therefore, test fit early and look after instructions.
Expert Recommendations: Should You Put Jeans in the Dryer?
Popular sources highly recommend against high-heat dryer use of jeans. As Levi points out, dryers are natural enemies of denim because, when exposed to a lot of heat, they will distort the material, tighten it, and eventually fade the dye, so they advise against using dry cleaners as the safest way to dry without damaging the shape or color.
Whirlpool, as found in Better Homes and Gardens, too, recommends no-heat or low-heat dryer cycles, with dryer balls to cushion the jeans should you need to run them through the dryer.
Most textile experts agree that air drying can be used safely to preserve the fabric of denim, whereas low-heat drying can be done in low amounts when it is necessary to do so.
How to Prevent Excessive Shrinkage
In order to maintain the fit of your jeans, you need to begin with the washing process. Cold water should always be used because when hot or warm water is used, the cotton fibers shrink. To that add a soft or light cycle, this reduces agitation (particularly effective with raw or dark denim)
Wash jeans inside out before washing to prevent the surface being abraded and fading. When it comes to drying, avoid the high heat, as much as possible, use the hang-dry method. Air drying is used to preserve the color as well as shape. When you need to dry clothes, prefer low or no-heat options and take out jeans when still slightly wet, and dry them on a rack.
Finally, do not disregard the guidelines printed on the label of care; these facts are corroborated by the tests that the producer undertakes to ensure the fit, cloth and strength.
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How to Intentionally Shrink Jeans (Optional but Valuable)
When your jeans are no longer fitting or you want a tighter fit, you can make them shrink on purpose. The following are good techniques, as well as precautionary measures to make certain that you reach the intended outcome, without damaging the fabric.
1. Hot Wash + High-Heat Drying
Wash your jeans at the highest amount of heat allowed and then dry them on high power. This mixture sparks cotton fibers and leads to a contraction. Do the same again if needed.
2. Boiling Water Soak
Put your jeans in a boiling pot of water and leave it there until 20-30 minutes. Then dry them at high temperature. Such a process may cause increased shrinkage than would occur through washing.
3. Spray and Hair Dryer spot shrink.
In specific parts such as the waistband area or the thighs, spray hot water combined with fabric softener on the affected parts. Blow these areas with a hair dryer at high heat which contributes to bringing about some localized shrinkage.
4. Wearing While Wet
In the case of raw denim, you wear the jeans when wet so it can fit your body shape. Allow them to dry with them on to get a tailor made fit.
Using these measures will help you get a better fit in your jeans. Also, be sure to refer to the fabric constitution and care guidelines to prolong the service life of your denim.
Final Word
So, do jeans shrink in the dryer? The answer is yes, but it will depend on the fabric composition, pre-shrinkage treatment, and the heat level of the dryer. In order to preserve the best fit and color, it is recommended to use soft techniques like cold laundry and low heat or air dry. You should consider high-heat drying or other controlled shrinking methods as long as you want a tighter, deliberate fit. The tips below are supported by the experts, and adhering to them will help keep your denim comfortable, durable, and fitting.
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