The year 2009 was a hallmark for the denim fabric Tencel. Every fashion enthusiast started to shift their favorite pointer to Tencel. And why is that?
If you ask them to scale Tencel, 90% of people would score nine out of ten. The rest of the 10% perhaps don’t know about the fabric yet.
At the moment you fancy yourself in your favorite Tencel garments, a common question may linger in the back of your mind: Does Tencel shrink? It poked my mind too.
Whether it’s a slightly oversized Tencel shirt or the perfect-fit Tencel jeans, fear not, for we are about to tell you the secrets of Tencel and how it responds to the washing machine and dryer.
Does Tencel Shrink?
Another name for Tencel is Lyocell. Tencel is already known for its unique property. When compared to other other natural fibers like cotton or wool, Tencel is less prone to shrinking.
The primary reason behind this is the fibers of Tencel are less likely to contract when exposed to water and heat. However, if not too careful, external factors can additionally lead to minimal shrinkage of the Tencel fiber. Here’s what we mean.
External Factors That Lead to Tencel Shrinkage
- Do not frequently expose your Tencel garments to heat. We recommend not to use hot water for washing or use any high heat setting in the dryer.
Alternatively, you can use cold or lukewarm water for washing and low heat settings when drying.
- You shouldn’t go savage while washing and drying Tencel in the washing machine. Often, heavy shakes from the washing machine or rough tumble drying can deliver shrinkage.
To reduce the risk, use a gentle machine cycle and avoid overloading the washing machine. - Do not over-dry it too! In case you over-dry your Tencel fabrics in the dryer, it may lead to minor shrinks too.
Instead, you should remove Tencel garments from the dryer while they are still slightly damp, and allow some time to air dry them back to their original size.
- It is common to blend Tencel with other fabrics like cotton or spandex. When you do so, the behavior of the fabric may vary on specific blends. Thus, it is essential to follow the care manual provided by the manufacturer when you are using it for industrial purposes.
Do I Need to Shrink Tencel?
Not necessarily! Tencel itself shrinks a little naturally. But if you need to additionally shrink tencel, that has to be for very personal reasons. Such as, when you have a bad fit to your size you might consider shrinking a little.
So, how do you shrink tencel? Continue reading to find out yourself.
How to Shrink Tencel?
If you have a Tencel garment that you want to shrink slightly for a better fit, follow the simple steps with us.
You’ll need,
- Your Tencel Garment
- Washing Machine
- Mild Detergent
- Warm Water (not hot)
- Dryer or Clothesline
Once you have collected all the essentials, it’s time to get into action. Maintain the steps serially.
1) Read the Care Label:
Always start by checking the care label on your Tencel garment. It will provide important information about ideal washing and drying temperatures.
2) Prepare Your Garment & Machine:
You have to ensure that the Tencel garment is clean and free from any stains or residues. Set your washing machine to a warm water temperature (not hot) and add a mild detergent.
Insert your Tencel garment into the machine and start the wash cycle. The warm water can help encourage slight shrinkage.
3) Dry Your Garment:
After a proper wash, you have two options,
(I) To minimize shrinkage, you have to remove the garment from the washing machine and gently reshape it to its original size. Lay it flat on a clean towel to air dry.
(II) In case you want more significant shrinkage, place the wet Tencel garment in the dryer. You can use a low or medium heat setting and check it regularly. Once you have reached the desired level of shrinkage, remove it from the dryer.
4) Final Review:
When the garment is dry, give it a try to ensure it has shrunk to the right size. Keep in mind that the amount of shrinkage significantly varies based on factors like the original size of the garment and the blend of fibers.
Remember, the decision to shrink Tencel should be based on your personal preferences for fit and style. Tencels are naturally prone to significant shrinkage, so any adjustments you make are likely to be minor.
Does Tencel Shrink In Cold Water?
Cold water is generally gentle on fabrics and is less likely to cause significant shrinkage. Tencel’s unique properties, including its resistance to shrinking, make it ideal for different washing conditions.
So, no Tencel is not prone to shrinking in cold water. It is usually recommended to use cold or lukewarm water to maintain Tencel’s shape and quality.
Furthermore, do not use excessively hot water, as higher temperatures can potentially lead to slight shrinkage or fabric distortion, although this is usually minimal with Tencel.
Tencel is best known for its durability and shape retention, so it generally does not require frequent shrinking to maintain its shape or quality.
However, some individuals prefer a snugger fit for fashion reasons. In case, you fall into such category and desire a slightly tighter appearance, you can explore shrinking options.
Summary
Lastly! Tencel is a popular fabric and no wonder why fashion industries are rushing towards it. Almost all kinds of suggestions are available online (we are one of them) regarding this durable fabric and you can easily avail them.
Or, you can also let us know in the comment section if you have special inquiries about Tencel and we will be happy to help. You can also share our article with your friends and help us grow!
Stay in touch with us, we will be back soon with another informative article on Tencel and other aspects of sewing.
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