Yes, 60% cotton and 40% polyester fabrics can shrink, but the amount of shrinkage will depend on various factors such as the specific fabric construction, the fabric’s previous treatments, and the conditions in which it is washed and dried.
Here’s how it works:
- Cotton Shrinkage
Cotton is a natural fiber that is known to shrink when exposed to heat and moisture. Typically, cotton fabrics can shrink around 3-5% when washed in hot water or dried at high heat. This shrinkage happens because cotton fibers are prone to relaxing and tightening up during the washing and drying process. - Polyester Shrinkage
Polyester is a synthetic fiber, and it has a much lower shrinkage rate compared to natural fibers like cotton. In fact, polyester generally does not shrink significantly, especially if it’s blended with other fibers. However, polyester fabrics can still become misshapen or distorted if exposed to extreme heat, although it will not shrink in the same way as cotton. - Shrinkage in Blends
In a 60% cotton, 40% polyester blend, the fabric will likely experience some shrinkage, but it will be less than 100% cotton fabric. The cotton portion will shrink more than the polyester, so you might see a slight reduction in size, but the overall shrinkage will be reduced due to the polyester content.
Key Factors That Affect Shrinkage:
Water Temperature: Hot water increases the likelihood of shrinkage, especially for the cotton portion.
Drying Method: High heat from a dryer will cause more shrinkage. Air drying or low-heat drying can minimize shrinkage.
Fabric Treatment: Some cotton-polyester blends are pre-shrunk, meaning they have already been treated to prevent excessive shrinkage. If it’s not pre-shrunk, you may experience a small amount of shrinkage over time.
In Summary:
A 60/40 cotton-polyester blend can shrink, but expect less shrinkage than pure cotton.
The fabric may shrink around 1-3%, depending on the wash and dry conditions.
To reduce the risk of shrinkage, wash in cold water and air dry or use a low-heat dryer setting.
If you’re worried about shrinkage, it’s always a good idea to check the care instructions on the garment or perform a test wash on an inconspicuous area before washing the entire item.
