You finally found the perfect dress or shirt made of 100% viscose. It fits perfectly—until the first wash. Suddenly, it looks two sizes smaller and feels stiff.
If you are asking, 'Does viscose shrink?', the answer is a resounding yes—but only if you treat it like cotton. Because viscose is a semi-synthetic fiber made from wood pulp, it follows different rules. In this guide, we will explain the science of why viscose material shrinks and how you can keep your garments looking brand new.
Does viscose shrink?
1. The Science: Why Does Viscose Shrink?
To understand how to prevent a shrink viscose disaster, you need to understand what happens at a molecular level.
Viscose is highly 'hydroscopic,' meaning it loves water. When you submerge 100 viscose in water:
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Fiber Swelling: The cellulose fibers absorb water and swell to nearly double their size.
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Structural Change: As the fibers swell, they shorten. Because the fibers are woven tightly together, this shortening causes the entire fabric to contract or 'shrink.'
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Stiffness: When wet, viscose becomes fragile and stiff. If you pull or twist it while wet, you can permanently damage the shape.
2. Can You Use a Viscose Washing Machine Cycle?
Technically, some modern machines have 'Hand Wash' or 'Delicate' cycles. However, for washing 100 viscose, the safest method is always by hand.
If you must use a viscose washing machine method:
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Turn the garment inside out and place it in a mesh laundry bag.
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Use Cold Water: Never exceed 30°C. Heat is the enemy of viscose.
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Low Spin: Set the spin cycle to the lowest possible setting to avoid mechanical stress that tears the weakened wet fibers.
3. Step-by-Step: How to Wash 100% Viscose Safely
To ensure your viscose fabric washing goes perfectly, follow these steps:
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Fill a Basin with Lukewarm/Cold Water: Add a small amount of mild detergent (designed for delicates or silk).
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Soak Briefly: Submerge the garment for no more than 15 minutes.
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Gently Agitate: Do not scrub or wring. Swish the item through the water gently.
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The 'Towel Roll' Technique: Do NOT wring the water out. Lay the wet garment flat on a clean white towel, roll the towel up like a sleeping bag, and press gently to absorb excess moisture.
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Reshape While Damp: This is the secret! Gently pull the fabric back to its original dimensions while it is still damp.
4. The Golden Rule: Stay Away from the Dryer
If there is one thing that will cause viscose material to shrink beyond repair, it is the tumble dryer.
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The Danger: The combination of high heat and mechanical tumbling causes the fibers to snap back and tighten permanently.
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The Solution: Always air-dry your viscose flat on a drying rack. Avoid hanging heavy viscose items, as the weight of the water can cause the garment to stretch out of shape.
5. How to 'Un-shrink' Viscose
If you have already had a laundry mishap, you might be able to save it.
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The Steam Method: Use a garment steamer or a steam iron on a low setting. The steam relaxes the fibers. As you steam, gently pull and stretch the fabric back into shape. Many people find their 'shrunken' garment returns to its original size once the fibers are relaxed by heat and moisture.