Does Wool Shrink? (Why, How to Prevent and Fix)

After years of buying the same dress in a different color, you suddenly wonder if your favorite dress will shrink. Most people assume natural fibers like cotton, linen, and wool will not shrink (even though they do). However, wool can stretch out. This can cause major wardrobe issues if you are unaware. Read on to find out more information.

When you buy a sweater or anything made of wool, whether knit or woven, the last thing you want to do is find out that your new clothes will not fit. This has happened before, and ‌it will happen again.

Wool, a naturally insulating and absorbent fiber, shrinks dramatically when washed because of its high moisture absorption rate. Unlike cotton, linen, or polyester, 100% wool will never get larger after washing. We provide comprehensive information on why wool shrinks and how you can shrink.

Table Of Contents

Does Wool Shrink?

Yes, wool shrinks. Wool is a fiber that is naturally produced by sheep. It is made into yarn, fabric, and blankets. The fibers in wool shrink when they are washed or dried. This shrinkage is due to the fiber's natural properties, and there are no special treatments you can use to prevent it.

Wool does not shrink as much as other fabrics, like cotton, but it has some shrinkage when washed or dried. The amount of shrinkage depends on many factors, such as the type of fabric, how often you wash it, how hot your machine is, and what type of wool it is made from.

How Much Does Wool Shrink?

Wool fabrics shrink 20–50% ‌and should always be washed between 30 - 80 degrees Celsius. It is a delicate fiber that will become misshapen or melt away if exposed to high heat.

The amount of shrinkage depends on how thick your garment is, the temperature of the water you use to wash it, and how long you let it air-dry. The thicker a fabric is, the more it will shrink.

The water temperature you use to wash your garment affects how much it shrinks. If you wash at a low temperature (not too hot), your clothing will shrink less than if you wash at a high temperature (too hot). The more moisture in your clothes when washed, the faster they shrink.

Why Does Wool Shrink?

Wool will shrink for the following reasons:

1. Wearing and Tearing

The most common reason wool shrinks is because of wear and tear. Wool comprises small, easily damaged fibers, so when you wear it, the fibers get broken down. This can cause the wool to shrink.

2. Drying

After you hang your sweater up to dry, some water from washing will evaporate. As this moisture evaporates, some air gets in between the fabric's fibers, causing them to contract and pull toward each other slightly. Shrinkage occurs as the fibers pull closer together during drying and then relax once they've cooled off.

3. Steaming Or Ironing

Wool can shrink because of the heat from steam or iron. Steam is often used to clean wool clothing before washing, but if it's too hot, it can cause the fibers to shrink. Also, if you're steaming something with a lot of folds, such as your favorite wool sweater, it may shrink because of this.

4. Washing

Washing wool with detergents or other harsh chemicals can cause it to shrink more than usual. The fibers are too delicate to withstand any harsh treatment. If you must wash wool, use a gentle soap or wool wash to remove dirt and odor from the garment before drying it on low heat.

5. Age

As wool ages, it will lose its elasticity and become more likely to shrink when exposed to heat and moisture. This may be due to changes in the structure of the protein molecules within the wool fibers themselves or due to aging by the sheep that produced it.

6. Exposure to extreme temperatures

The higher the temperature your woolens are exposed to, the faster they shrink and widen when washed and dried again. Extreme heat can also cause materials such as silk to shrink if items are only exposed to warm temperatures for short periods.

7. Stretching

When you first put on a new garment made from wool, you may notice that it stretches around the shoulders and chest area. This is normal and occurs because of how wool fibers are arranged in the material. Once the fabric has been worn for a few days or weeks, the fibers will shorten slightly due to wear and tear. This will cause more room in the shoulders and chest area.

Important Tips to Follow When Washing Wool

1. Use Cool Water

Wool can be delicate, so washing it in cool water is essential. Warm or hot water can damage the fibers, making them more likely to shrink and stretch out of shape.

2. Use a Gentle Cycle Or Hand Wash

If you're using a laundry detergent with wool, ensure it is gentle enough for your delicate fibers. Wool likes to be washed in warm water and dried flat to prevent shrinkage and stretching out of shape (this also helps prevent pilling).

3. Lay Flat To Dry

Lay flat to dry when possible so you don't shrink your clothes! When air drying in summer months, set it on top of a towel or linen blanket to avoid wrinkles forming on your clothing.

4. Use a Wool Specific Detergent

Wool is very delicate, so it needs special care. If you wash wool in the wrong detergent, you can damage it. A wool-specific detergent will help keep your wool clean and free from stains. The soap is designed for washing wool, so it's perfect for keeping your sweaters and sweaters clean.

How to Fix Shrunken Wool?

You can take steps to make your wool sweater lie flat again after it has been washed and dried.

Step 1: Soak clothing in water or spray it with a hose before washing.

Step 2: Remove the wrinkles from your wool by pressing it flat with a towel. Then set aside to drain.

Step 3: Wash your wool in cold water, using Woolite or another natural detergent if desired. Be sure to get into all the crevices and between the fibers!

Also, avoid fabric softener, which can weaken the fibers and cause shrinkage.

Bottom Line

The short answer here is that, yes, it shrinks. It's a common misconception that wool doesn't shrink. The best way to avoid this is to care for your washed and dried wool garments properly, but some shrinkage will always occur when you let your wool garments air dry. The fiber absorbs moisture from the air and becomes smaller.