How to stop clothes shrinking

Short answer: Wash at 40 degrees or lower, skip the tumble dryer, and pull clothes into shape while wet. Those three steps prevent almost all shrinkage in bamboo clothing, and they take very little extra time.

Temperature is the main cause

At high temperatures the fibres in bamboo viscose relax and pull back towards their original shape. The warmer the water, the more they contract. 40 degrees is warm enough for everyday dirt and keeps shrinkage to a minimum, for example in bamboo sweatshirts for women.

The dryer doubles the effect

Heat plus mechanical movement shrinks clothes more than heat alone. In the dryer, clothes are both heated and tossed around, which presses the fibres even closer together. Air drying removes that half of the problem entirely. The same goes for a bamboo sweatshirt for men, where thick fabric can otherwise lose noticeable length.

Shape clothes while wet

Pull the T-shirt lengthwise and smooth the shoulders and edges while the fabric is wet. That way it dries in the right shape. Wet fabric is supple and easy to shape, while dry fabric holds the shape it has been given. It takes half a minute per item.

The first wash matters most

Most shrinkage happens in the first few washes. That is why it matters most to follow the advice while clothes are new. If the first washes go well, there is little left to shrink. Clothes that were washed hot or tumbled from the start have already lost some length.

Read the care label

The care label shows the highest temperature the item can take. It is a limit, not a recommendation. Feel free to wash cooler if clothes are not very dirty. If the label says no tumble drying, the heat usually harms the fabric or the elastic. Follow the label for each item.

Choose a gentle programme

A gentle or delicates programme moves the drum less. That means less mechanical stress on the fibres and less shrinkage. Avoid filling the machine completely, so the clothes have room. A lower spin speed also gives fewer creases that you need to smooth out afterwards.

Dry flat or on a rack

Heavy items like sweatshirts and hoodies dry best lying flat. Hung wet on a hanger, their weight can stretch them out. Thin tops and T-shirts can hang on a rack. Avoid radiators and direct sun, as the heat can tighten the fibres. This applies to all most popular items from Copenhagen Bamboo.

If clothes have already shrunk

If an item has shrunk a little, wash it again at a low temperature and gently pull it into shape while wet. Let it dry flat. This can bring back some length, but it does not always work. Preventing shrinkage is easier than fixing it later.

Frequently asked questions

How much does bamboo viscose shrink

Two to four percent at 40 degrees, mostly the first time. With higher temperatures and tumble drying it can be more, especially in length.

Can you buy a size up to be safe

Only if the fabric is not pre shrunk. Otherwise the clothes will be too big. Follow the size guide and care advice, and the fit you chose will normally last.

Does the fabric keep shrinking over time

No. Most of it happens in the first few washes. After that the clothes keep their shape as long as you wash at low temperatures and avoid the dryer.