Fabric Shrinkage Test

🔍 What is Fabric Shrinkage?

Shrinkage refers to the reduction in the dimensions (length and/or width) of fabric after it is washed, dried, or processed. It is a critical factor in the garment industry because excessive shrinkage can distort the garment’s fit, measurement, and appearance.

---

🔸 Types of Shrinkage:

Shrinkage usually occurs in three ways:

1. Lengthwise Shrinkage (Warp Direction)
   – Shrinkage along the length of the fabric (vertical direction).
2. Widthwise Shrinkage (Weft Direction)
   – Shrinkage across the width of the fabric (horizontal direction).
3. Residual Shrinkage
   – The remaining shrinkage after all finishing and processing steps. This might still affect the final garment during use or further washing.

---

🧪 How to Measure Shrinkage – Step-by-Step with Example:

Let’s go through a standard shrinkage test procedure with an example.

✅ Step 1: Cut a fabric sample

• Cut a fabric piece: 50 cm × 50 cm

✅ Step 2: Mark & Measure before wash

• Mark a square using a Shrinkage Template and fabric marking pen
• Measure:
  • Length (Before Wash) = 50 cm
  • Width (Before Wash) = 50 cm

✅ Step 3: Wash and Dry

• Wash and dry the sample using standard procedures (ISO or AATCC guidelines).
  • Use a standard washing machine and drying tumbler.

✅ Step 4: Measure after washing

• Measure again:
  • Length (After Wash) = 48.5 cm
  • Width (After Wash) = 49.0 cm

✅ Step 5: Calculate Shrinkage

🔹 Lengthwise Shrinkage:

(50−48.550)×100=3%\left(\frac{50 – 48.5}{50}\right) × 100 = 3\%(5050−48.5​)×100=3%

🔹 Widthwise Shrinkage:

(50−4950)×100=2%\left(\frac{50 – 49}{50}\right) × 100 = 2\%(5050−49​)×100=2%

---

🎯 Acceptable Shrinkage Standards:

Fabric Type	Acceptable Limit
Knitted	±5% or less
Woven	±3% or less

---

🛠️ Equipment Used in Shrinkage Testing:

1. ✅ Washing Machine (ISO 6330 / AATCC 135 Standard)
2. ✅ Drying Tumbler or Flat Drying Table
3. ✅ Shrinkage Template (usually 50×50 cm or 36×36 inches)
4. ✅ Marking Pen
5. ✅ Measuring Scale or Tape