You recently bought a flannel shirt that you’re crazy about, and you’re wondering, does flannel shrink?
Flannels shrink when exposed to heat. The size of this type of fabric will decrease when washed in hot water.
Flannel is worth the extra attention and care you give it because it is so soft and cozy; otherwise, it will lose its texture, fit, and appearance over time.
In this article, we’ll cover how much flannel can shrink, why it shrinks, and what causes it to do so.
Does Flannel Shrink?
It’s true that flannel is prone to shrinkage, but it’s equally true that the material will hold up well if you treat it properly.
That holds true for everything, from the dependable flannel shirts you don in the fall to the warm sheets you pull out in the winter when the weather turns bitterly cold.
Typically, wool is used to make flannels. Wool is a type of textile fiber made from the hair of animals like sheep and goats. These animal hairs have tiny scales covering their surface. These scales mesh and shrink when they are exposed to heat, which causes the wool to stiffen and grow shorter.
Flannel can shrink for a variety of reasons in addition to heat exposure. Yes, it is well known that this fabric shrinks when tumbled. Let’s count the ways!
Tumbling Action
Some contemporary flannels are constructed entirely of cotton. Despite what some people claim, cotton shrinks when heated. That is a total myth. When cotton tumbles in the washer or dryer, it contracts.
When washing your flannel in cold water (whether it’s made up of wool, cotton, or synthetics), it is important that you set your washer to a “gentle cycle”. Flannel can shrink, fray, or pill if it is agitated vigorously.
Yes, when subjected to abrasive washing, flannel can become stressed and shrink in size. Be gentle with your flannel. Wash your favorite cozy material by hand if you don’t trust your washing machine.
Low-quality Flannel
There are low-quality flannels just as there are good-quality ones. Over time, your cheap flannel might shrink. When looking for one of the coziest and most breathable fabrics on Earth, it’s critical to know what to look for.
Verify the weave first. You can test it by giving it a little tug; if it slightly warps, you know it’s the low-quality variety. A natural fluff and slight weightiness are characteristics of high-quality flannel. See if it’s fuzzy by rubbing it against your cheek. Flannel in its natural state does not lay flat.
Bad Chemicals
Your flannel could die and shrink if you use the wrong kind of detergent. Washing with detergents you chose at random is not advised.
Your winter flannels are at risk from the phosphates, enzymes, and chlorine in your laundry soap.
Your flannels won’t last as long if you use a fabric softener. Your fragrant fabric softener contains chemicals that coat the fabric with an imperceptible coating that suffocates the fibers. The barrier-forming chemicals in the softener prevent the fibers from breathing, making it impossible for them to maintain the fabric’s shape.
Drying Them Hot
You wouldn’t want to take your flannel shirt out of the dryer to discover that it has shrunk to a size that would only fit a person half your size.
Your flannel will magically shrink by two to three sizes when dried on a hot setting. Thus, damaging your flannel involves more than just washing it in hot water; it also involves drying it in a hot environment.
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How Much Does Flannel Shrink?
Washing flannel fabric in hot water can cause it to shrink about 20 percent. That is both an expensive waste and a significant size change. As a result, be sure to treat heat shrinkage seriously.
So, if you don’t wash it in hot water, will flannel still shrink? Flannel can naturally shrink up to 3 or 4 percent, which could mean shrinkage of an inch or more, if it is not properly cared for, but only slightly.
Does Flannel Shrink When Washed?
Yes, your flannel – whether it’s worsted or woolen – will shrink when washed, but only when hot water is used. Your flannel won’t shrink if you wash it in cold water, or at the very least, water that is only heated to a low temperature.
When washed in hot water, expect your flannel to shrink 2 to 3 sizes. That is roughly 20% of the size of your fabric.
Because of this, it is suggested that you allow for a quarter to a half size larger when buying flannel for your design project. Choose the larger size—one or two sizes—when purchasing a flannel shirt.
Flannel that has been pre-washed may shrink by up to 3%. Never wash your flannel in hot water, though, is the trick in this situation. It won’t shrink noticeably with each wash if you give it a proper wash and dry routinely.
The fibers of flannel draw together after being stretched by use, which causes a small amount of shrinkage each time you wash it. Natural fibers and water can cause a fabric to shrink.
Read More: Are Flannel Shirts Warm?
How to Wash and Care for a Flannel Shirt?
There’s nothing like a cozy flannel shirt on a cold winter day. But it’s crucial to know how to wash flannel and take care it properly if you want it to last for years. Here are some tips:
- Use the gentle cycle and cold water to wash your flannel shirt. If the area is particularly dirty or stained, pre-treat it with laundry detergent before washing.
- Your flannel shirt can be tumble dried on low heat or hung to air dry. Avoid extreme heat because it might cause the fabric to shrink.
- Iron your flannel shirt on low heat if you must.
Final Thoughts: Does Flannel Shrink
Flannel is a favorite household fabric, especially in regions that have a colder climate. In a fuzzy, cozier way, it gives off the desired toasty feeling. However, the fabric is prone to shrinkage, so it is important to treat, wash, dry, and iron it properly.
These easy steps for caring for flannel will benefit the fabric. It will last longer, the colors will stay vibrant, and it will continue to feel and look brand-new for many years to come.
Related Post: Are Flannels Business Casual?
FAQs
Does Flannel Stretch?
More than many other fabrics, flannel has a tendency to stretch and can distort.
Can Flannel Go in the Dryer?
Your flannel shirts should ideally air dry.
Are Flannels Still in Style 2023?
Yes, both men’s and women’s flannel shirts are still fashionable today. They come in many colors, are comfortable, and are simple to wear.
