Textile Glossary · Quality · Dimensional Stability
Shrinkage
Shrinkage is the reduction in fabric dimensions after washing and drying, caused by fibre relaxation and tension release. It's measured as a percentage of original dimensions.
Understanding the Term
Why cotton shrinks — and how to control it.
During manufacturing, cotton fabric is stretched under tension. When exposed to heat and moisture in a washing machine, the fibres relax back toward their natural state, causing the fabric to contract. This is shrinkage.
Shrinkage is not a defect — it's a physical property of natural fibres. The question is whether the manufacturer accounts for it. Uncontrolled shrinkage can range from 5–10%, turning your medium into an uncomfortable fitted shirt.
Pre-shrinking treatments during manufacturing can reduce residual shrinkage to under 3%. This means the garment you buy is already close to its final dimensions. What you try on in store (or measure from the size chart) is what you'll have after washing.
Why It Matters
How shrinkage control affects fit.
The difference between a shirt that fits and one that used to.
01
Consistent Sizing
Pre-shrunk garments maintain their labeled size. A medium stays a medium after washing, not something between a medium and a small.
02
Shape Retention
Controlled shrinkage means the garment maintains its proportions. The length-to-width ratio stays consistent rather than distorting unevenly.
03
Consumer Trust
When a size chart is accurate after washing, customers order correctly the first time. Returns drop. Satisfaction rises. It starts with shrinkage control.
Our Standard
Under 3% residual shrinkage.
Our fabric undergoes compressive shrinkage treatment at our Bhiwandi facility before cutting. We pre-shrink in controlled conditions that simulate multiple wash cycles, ensuring the garment you receive has already done most of its shrinking. Residual shrinkage is tested at under 3% in both length and width.
<3%
Residual Shrinkage
Post-wash dimensional stability across all sizes
Related Terms
Explore more textile terminology.
See how Supima compares:
Common Questions
Shrinkage — your questions, answered.
Common questions about fabric shrinkage.
Less than 3% in any direction. On a standard medium, that's roughly 1–2cm — barely perceptible. After the first wash, the garment stabilises and won't shrink further.
See It in Practice
Pre-shrunk. True to size.
Wash after wash.
Order your size. Wash it. It'll still be your size.
Free returns · 30 washes guaranteed · ₹1,299
Shop the T-Shirt →Available on Amazon India