What is Sanforization? Denim Sanforization Process

Wondering what is sanforization? Sanforization is a process of pre-shrinking fabric before it is made into a garment.

It eliminates shrinkage, which is a key issue with unfinished denim. It makes finding the ideal pair of jeans much simpler.

For more information on the goals and methods of sanforization, keep reading.

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What is Sanforization?

Sanforization is the process of treating cotton fabrics to reduce the amount of shrinkage that would otherwise occur after the first wash.

During the sanforization process, the fabric is fed into a sanforizing machine where it is treated with water or steam to promote shrinkage, then pressed against a heated rubber band to relax and recontract the fibers.

This ensures the fabric will shrink no more than 5% after it is washed for the first time, as opposed to a potential 10% for unsanforized fabrics.

Objectives of Sanforizing Process

The objectives of the sanforizing or zero-zero process are:

in order to reduce shrinkage of the fabric after washing.
to increase the fabric’s dimensional stability.
the fabric handle’s softening.
to boost the fabric’s GSM.
in order to increase the fabric’s cover.

How Denim is Sanforized?

Sanforization was invented in the late 1920s by Sanford L., a businessman and inventor from the U.S. Cluett is essentially a mechanical process for compacting woven fabrics.

A stretchy endless rubber belt is on top of which the fabric is fed in between two hot roll bars. The fabric is initially moistened, typically with steam. In addition to priming shrinkability, this lubricates the fibers.

The weft yarns are packed closer together and the warp yarns contract as the rubber returns to its original length after passing through the cylinders. The fabric enters a dryer after it exits the rubber belt, which freezes the fibers in their contracted state.

Without sanforization, jeans might not have become the global phenomenon it is today, simply because a lot of consumers wouldn’t want to go through the trouble of shrinking their jeans themselves.

Sanforization applies to more than just denim, though. Nowadays, almost all woven fabrics have been pre-shrinked. Nevertheless, it’s a crucial fabric feature that makes buying jeans much simpler.

Takeaway: What is Sanforization

A degree of care is necessary when washing sanforized raw denim for the first time, because there is still a chance for minimal shrinkage, but a whole preliminary process is necessary with unsanforized denim before even the first wear.

In the long-term process of breaking in and personalization, soaking is nothing less than a ceremonial step for many denim heads.

What is the Meaning of Sanforization?

Sanforizing, also known as Sanfor treatment, is a textile finishing procedure applied to the piece to improve the fabric’s dimensional stability when washed or to stop the fabric from shrinking.

What is the Effect of Sanforization?

Sanforizing is the most effective mechanical finishing processes without any addition of chemicals to control shrinkage of fabrics in such a way that fabric will not shrink after washing.