Shrinkage is a term used to describe the reduction of a materials size, area, or volume. It is commonly used in the textile and clothing industries to refer to the process that occurs when fabrics are exposed to heat, moisture, or chemicals. This can lead to a reduction in the size and weight of the material, resulting in a shrinkage of up to 15%.
Shrinkage can be caused by a number of different factors, including washing, drying, bleaching, and exposure to light. Additionally, it can be caused by the process of manufacturing, such as cutting and sewing. In clothing construction, fabrics are often pre-shrunk by the manufacturer, or pre-treated with chemicals before being cut and sewn in order to prevent unwanted shrinkage later in the production process.
Shrinkage is measured by the term shrinkage rate. This is the percentage of total material lost when exposed to heat and moisture. Generally, a shrinkage rate up to 5-8% is considered acceptable, as most materials will shrink to a degree upon washing. Higher shrinkage rates than this can indicate poor quality of the material, or a possible defect in the manufacturing process.
The most common method of measuring shrinkage rate is the warp and weft test. This test is performed by calculating the difference in length between the original warp (lengthwise) and weft (crosswise) threads of a fabric sample before and after it is washed. The percentage difference between the two is then calculated to determine the final shrinkage rate.
Shrinkage rate is important to consider when selecting materials for the construction of clothing. Fabrics that experience too much shrinkage will not fit properly when worn, leading to discomfort and dissatisfaction with the product. It is therefore important for manufacturers to carefully consider which materials are best for their products in order to ensure the best quality, fit, and customer satisfaction.
Shrinkage is an inherent quality of fabrics, and it is therefore important for both suppliers and manufacturers to be aware of the potential shrinkage rate before beginning the manufacturing process. In addition to pre-treating the materials to reduce shrinkage, the manufacturer can take steps to improve quality control during the overall production process in order to minimize any issues with shrinkage and ensure a quality product.