Will 60 Cotton 40 Polyester Shrink? The Definitive Guide To Shrinkage

Have you ever bought a shirt or pants made of a blend of 60% cotton and 40% polyester and wondered, “Will it shrink?” Knowing whether or not fabric will shrink is essential, as it can affect how you care for your garments and how they fit. If you’ve been curious about shrinkage and the effects of a 60/40 cotton-poly blend, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about shrinkage, including whether or not a 60/40 blend will shrink and how to care for it properly. Read on to learn more about this popular fabric blend and how to keep your garments looking their best.

Will 60 Cotton 40 Polyester Shrink?

Yes, 60 kinds of cotton and 40 polyesters will shrink when exposed to heat. This is because cotton is a natural fiber and will respond to heat like other fabrics made from natural fibers, such as wool and linen. Polyester, on the other hand, is a synthetic fiber and is less likely to shrink when exposed to heat.

Does 60/40 Cotton Polyester Blend Shrink?

1. Yes, a 60/40 cotton-poly blend can shrink. Because the fabric combines cotton and polyester fibers, it can shrink when exposed to heat or water. The amount of shrinkage will depend on the care instructions and the quality of the fabric.
2. To minimize shrinkage, it’s essential to read and follow the care instructions on your garment’s label. Most 60/40 blends should be washed in cold water, dried on a low setting, or hung to dry. If you must use hot water, use your machine’s lowest possible temperature setting.
3. Additionally, you should never put any item made from a 60/40 blend in the dryer unless it specifically says that it can be tumble-dried on a low setting; this will help minimize any potential shrinkage. If you’re unsure how to care for your garment, take it to a professional cleaner specializing in delicate fabrics for the best results.
4. To further reduce the risk of shrinkage, you can also pre-wash your garments before wearing them. This means washing them gently with cold water, drying them on a low setting, or hanging them to dry. Pre-washing your garments can help reduce any potential shrinkage and will also help keep them looking their best for longer.

How To Measure Shrinkage?

• Washing/Drying: You must wash and dry the fabric before measuring shrinkage. Use a regular cycle and temperature setting for your washing machine and tumble dry on low heat (or hang dry).
• Measurements: Once the fabric has been washed and dried, you can measure the amount of shrinkage that has occurred. To do this, lay the fabric flat on a table or other surface and measure its length and width with a tape measure. Record these measurements.
• Comparison: Compare your pre-wash measurements with your post-wash measurements to determine how much the fabric has shrunk in each direction (length and width).
• Calculations: To calculate the percentage of shrinkage, take the difference between your pre-wash measurement and post-wash measurement and divide it by the pre-wash measurement. Then, multiply this number by 100 to get a percentage.
• Repeat: If you’d like more accurate results, repeat the washing and drying process several times and average the results.

Causes Of Shrinkage

1. Heat: Heat is the most common cause of fabric shrinkage. When exposed to high temperatures, fibers in the fabric can contract and cause the material to shrink.
2. Moisture: Moisture can also cause fabrics to shrink. When fibers absorb water, they swell and contract when they dry, resulting in a smaller size.
3. Chemical Treatments: Some fabrics are treated with chemicals that can cause them to shrink when exposed to heat or moisture.
4. Improper Washing: If you wash fabrics in hot water or dry them in high heat, they can shrink.
5. Poor Sewing: If a garment is sewn too tightly, it can cause the fabric to shrink when it is exposed to heat or moisture.

Tips For Preventing Shrinkage

• Read the Care Label: It’s always a good idea to read the care label before washing and drying any garment, as it will tell you how to best care for it. The label should also indicate whether or not the fabric is pre-shrunk.
• Wash in Cold Water: Washing your garments in cold water can help reduce shrinkage, as hot water can cause fabrics to become more elastic and shrink more easily.
• Avoid High Heat: High heat from the dryer is one of the leading causes of shrinkage, so be sure to avoid using high heat settings when drying your garments. Line-dry or use a low-heat setting instead.
• Skip the Dryer Altogether: The best way to prevent shrinkage is to skip the dryer and line-dry your garments instead. This will ensure they don’t shrink due to exposure to high heat from the dryer.
• Don’t Overstuff the Washer or Dryer: Overstuffing the washer or dryer can cause fabrics to become stretched and more prone to shrinkage. Leave plenty of room in the washer and dryer for your garments, so they don’t get stretched out.

How To Care For 60/40 Cotton Polyester Blend?

1. Wash in cold water. Washing your 60/40 cotton polyester blend in cold water is the best way to prevent shrinkage. Cold water is gentler on the fabric and helps keep it from shrinking.
2. Use gentle detergents. Choose a detergent specifically designed for delicate fabrics. Regular laundry detergent can be too harsh for delicate fabrics and can cause them to shrink or become misshapen.
3. Dry on low heat settings or hang dry. The heat from a dryer can cause fabrics to shrink, so it’s best to either hang dry your garments or use the lowest heat setting possible when drying them in the dryer.
4. Iron on low heat settings. Ironing your garments on the proper heat setting is essential for preventing shrinkage. Use the lowest setting possible for your fabric, or hang it dry instead.
5. Avoid bleaching or using harsh chemicals. Bleach and other harsh chemicals can damage the fabric, causing it to shrink or become misshapen. Avoid using these products when caring for your garments.

Alternatives To 60/40 Cotton Polyester Blend

• 100% Cotton: 100% cotton is the most popular fabric for garments meant to shrink, such as denim jeans and some t-shirts. It is also the most breathable fabric, ideal for summer clothing.
• 100% Polyester: 100% polyester is popular for activewear and performance fabrics. It is lightweight, durable, and wrinkle-resistant. It won’t shrink like cotton but may fade if not cared for properly.
• 50/50 Cotton Polyester Blend: A 50/50 cotton-poly blend is an excellent option if you want a fabric that won’t shrink but still has some of the breathability of the cotton. It’s also more wrinkle-resistant than 100% cotton and more colorfast than 100% polyester.

Conclusion

Shrinkage is a common issue with fabrics, especially those with a high percentage of cotton. A 60/40 cotton polyester blend is no exception – it will shrink if exposed to heat, moisture, or both. To prevent shrinkage, it’s important to read the garment care label and follow the instructions for washing and drying the garment. It’s also a good idea to avoid using hot water or hot dryers, as this can cause the garment to shrink. If you’re looking for an alternative to a 60/40 cotton polyester blend, there are a few other fabrics you can consider, such as a 50/50 cotton polyester blend or a blend of rayon and spandex. No matter which fabric you choose, understanding shrinkage is vital to keeping your garments looking their best.