Does Viscose Shrink When Washed? (2023)

If you’re a fan of comfortable, breathable clothing, you may have heard of viscose fabric. This soft, silky material is popular for clothing, bedding, and other household items because of its breathability and drape. But one question that often comes up with viscose fabric is: does it shrink when washed?

Yes, viscose can shrink when washed, especially if it is washed in hot water or dried on high heat. It is important to follow the care instructions on the garment label, wash viscose in cold water, and tumble dry on low heat to prevent shrinking.

First, let’s take a closer look at what viscose is. Unlike natural fibers like cotton and wool, viscose is a man-made material. It’s made from plant-based materials, typically wood pulp, chemically processed to create a fiber that can be spun into a fabric.

This process makes viscose a semi-synthetic fiber, meaning that it has some of the characteristics of both natural and synthetic fibers.

One of the biggest advantages of viscose fabric is that it’s highly absorbent and breathable, making it ideal for warm-weather clothing. It’s also soft and drapes well, which makes it a popular choice for dresses and other clothing items.

However, like many fabrics, viscose can shrink when washed, especially if not washed properly.

How to Avoid Shrinkage?

To avoid shrinkage, it’s important to follow the care instructions on the clothing label carefully. Usually, viscose should be washed in cold water and hung or laid flat to dry. Avoid using hot water or placing viscose in the dryer, as these can cause the fabric to shrink.

It’s also a good idea to avoid washing viscose too frequently, as this can cause the fabric to break down and become more prone to shrinkage. Instead, try spot cleaning or dry cleaning when possible to extend the life of your viscose clothing.

It is made out of plant cellulose

Cellulose is a carbohydrate. It has a hydroxyl group that is esterified with acids or other acylating agents. It was used in the first man-made fibers.

It can be acetylated using acetic acid or acetic anhydride to form a wide range of products. These products are useful in many different industrial processes.

Cellulose is formed when the wood pulp is treated with chemicals. It is made up of long filaments, which absorb water. As a result, the water can weaken the bonds between cellulose molecules, changing their shape.

It shrinks more than cotton

When you wash viscose, you must remember that it will shrink. The amount of shrinkage depends on the fabric’s composition and the water’s temperature.

The more water is used to wash it, the more likely it will shrink. Washing viscose with hot water can also cause the fabric to lose shape and fade. This is because heat weakens the fibers and increases the chance of shrinkage.

While cotton shrinks about 2%, viscose is much more likely to shrink up to 20%. You can avoid this issue by washing your viscose clothes in cold water and using a delicate cycle.

It shrinks less than natural fabrics

Viscose, a synthetic fabric, can shrink less than natural fabrics. The shrinkage depends on the fiber content and the quality of the fabric.

For best results, buy clothes a size larger than usual. Alternatively, you can pre-shrink viscose.

Because viscose fibers are delicate, you should wash and dry them with care. The first step is to choose the correct temperature for your machine.

Make sure you don’t use too much water, as this can cause the fabric to shrink more than it should.

It shrinks less than rayon

You’ll want to wash your clothes on a low setting when washing viscose. The higher the water temperature, the more likely the viscose fabric will shrink.

Viscose is best washed by hand, but you can also use a washing machine. You can even use a delicate cycle.

Viscose is a natural fiber used to create clothing and other items. It drapes like silk, and its soft cotton feel makes it suitable for lightweight clothes. It’s cheap to produce but requires special care to avoid shrinking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

In summary, while viscose fabric can shrink when washed, there are steps you can take to avoid shrinkage. By following the care instructions on the clothing label and avoiding hot water and the dryer, you can keep your viscose clothing looking its best for longer.