The answer is: yes, it does! Duh. However, if it is taken proper care then it can last you a very long time. Spandex, also known as lycra or elastane, is a synthetic fiber that is known for its stretchy and elastic properties. It is often used to make clothing and other items that need to be stretchy or form-fitting, such as leggings, swimsuits, and athletic wear. Spandex is used when you need a stretchy and skin-tight fabric but is not uncomfortable to wear.
If taken care of improperly then the spandex can shrink between 5-20% on average depending upon the care and the blend of fabric used. You can wash spandex up to 60 °C (140 °F) without deforming it. However, the main cause of spandex shrinkage happens due to heat and to some extent agitation. That’s why it is not recommended to wash spandex in hot water or spin too much with other fabrics. When spandex is washed, it will stretch if the water is heated, so always keep in mind to use a gentle cycle with cold water in the washer.
In addition, to prevent agitation, you can also put your spandex garments into the protective mesh or fabric bag so it does not tangle up with other fabrics and stretch out of shape. That way, it can always be taken care of so that your spandex fabric does not stretch out of shape. If you do want your spandex outfit to last a long time then you need to take good care of your spandex. Staying away from things that can heat up like dryers, hot water washes, and irons is the best way in preventing your spandex from shrinking as well. Also, it is advisable to wear them often so they don’t lose shape.
This article discusses whether or not spandex shrinks and how to care for your favorite spandex articles. For more information on how and when to wash these items, keep on reading below!
What Is Spandex Made Of?
Spandex, also known as lycra or elastane, is a synthetic fiber that is made from a long-chain synthetic polymer called polyurethane. Polyurethane is a polymer that is made from the reaction of a diisocyanate and a polyol.
The production process for spandex involves breaking down the polyurethane polymer into small beads or granules, which are then melted and extruded through a spinneret, a device that has tiny holes through which the melted polymer is forced. As the polymer exits the spinneret, it is cooled and solidified into a continuous filament.
The continuous filaments are then collected and twisted together to form a yarn, which is used to create spandex fabrics. Spandex fabrics can be made in a variety of weights and weaves, and they can be blended with other fibers to create stretchy, form-fitting fabrics that are used in a wide range of clothing and other products. It is the common practice to mix cotton, silk, or wool alongside spandex to get added softness or warmth with less thickness for clothes such as leggings, swimwear, and tights.
However, the most common types of spandex fibers sold in the United States include nylon and polyester, as well as a hybrid called modacrylic. The nylon-type spandex is breathable and soft, but it can be more stretchy and durable than polyester-based spandex. Polyester spandex is more affordable, but it may not always perform as well as nylon in clothing.
Does Spandex Shrink?
The first question people tend to ask is, “Does spandex shrink?” The answer is yes. Because of the stretching ability of spandex, it can easily adjust to fit our bodies more comfortably but on the downside it is pretty valunerable to shrink. Even though spandex fabric is engineered to maintain its shape after being stretched, it can still shrink if you use heat to clean it, agitation or if it is tumble-dried on high heat.
If you throw your spandex garment in the hot dryer, the high heat will cause the fibers to break down and prevent them from returning back to their original shape. If spandex is washed in hot water, it will also stretch and then shrink when you dry it in the dryer. The key to keeping your spandex looking new for a long time is by avoiding high heat. Always wash spandex in cold water and avoid using a warm or hot dryer. In short, there are three main causes, Heat, Agiation and drying and I will explain each cause more in detail below and how you can prevent it from shrinkage indivdually.
Heat
When spandex is exposed to high temperatures, the heat can cause the fibers to contract, resulting in 5-10% shrinkage on average. This is because heat can cause the bonds between the molecules in the fibers to become more active and move closer together, resulting in a shorter, denser fiber.
To prevent shrinkage of spandex in heat, it is recommended to wash spandex garments in cold water and tumble dry on a low or medium heat setting. Avoid exposing spandex to high temperatures, such as by ironing or using hot water, as this can cause shrinkage.
It is also important to follow the care instructions on the garment’s label, as different types of spandex may have different heat tolerances and require different care methods. For example, some spandex garments may be suitable for machine drying on a low heat setting, while others may need to be air-dried to prevent shrinkage.
Agitation
Agitation during the washing process can cause spandex to shrink because the fibers are subjected to mechanical stress and movement. This can cause the fibers to become shorter and denser, resulting in shrinkage. In agitation, spandex garments are placed in a washing machine or agitated in a basin of water. The wash cycle or manual agitation causes the fibers in the spandex to move and be subjected to mechanical stress. The mechanical stress and movement cause the fibers to become shorter and denser, resulting in shrinkage.
To prevent shrinkage of spandex due to agitation, it is recommended to wash spandex garments on a gentle cycle and handle them gently when washing and drying. Avoid wringing or twisting the garments, as this can cause additional mechanical stress and increase the risk of shrinkage. It is also important to follow the care instructions on the garment’s label, as different types of spandex may have different tolerances to mechanical stress and may require different care methods.
Drying
Spandex can shrink in the drying process if it is dried for too long or at a high temperature. Spandex garments are prone to shrinkage if placed in a dryer or hung up to air dry. The heat from the dryer or the ambient air causes the fibers in the spandex to become more active and move closer together. The fibers become shorter and denser, resulting in shrinkage.
To prevent shrinkage of spandex in the drying process, it is recommended to remove spandex garments from the dryer while they are still slightly damp and allow them to air dry. Avoid drying spandex on a high heat setting or for an extended period of time, as this can increase the risk of shrinkage.
It is also important to follow the care instructions on the garment’s label, as different types of spandex may have different heat tolerances and may require different drying methods. For example, some spandex garments may be suitable for machine drying on a low heat setting, while others may need to be air-dried to prevent shrinkage.
Spandex is the most common fiber used in stretchy garments today, so it’s probably safe to say that most of us wear clothing that contains this stretchy fabric for easy movement. If you have a spandex-based garment, then you should be able to handle your spandex garments and in case of shrinkage then you can trace the cause atleast.
How Does Spandex Shrink?
When spandex is exposed to heat and agitation, it contracts and can shrink by 5-10%. When washed in cold water and dried in the dryer on a low heat setting or with no heat, spandex can remain in its original shape. Wash in cold water and tumble dry on low heat settings are best for preventing 3% shrinkage. Avoid washing spandex in high heat or with high agitation settings, as this may cause more than 3% shrinkage.
In general, spandex can shrink anywhere from 5-10% on average. This is because heat can cause the bonds between the molecules in the fibers to become more active and move closer together, resulting in a shorter, denser fiber. If you want to figure out how much spandex garments are likely to shrink, use a measuring tape to measure the garment before washing it. After washing and drying, re-measure it and calculate the percentage of shrinkage. You can do this by dividing the pre-wash measurement by your post-wash measurement.
Spandex doesn’t always shrink all the way across, but you should still take some precautions when washing it. You might want to consider placing your clothes into a pillowcase when they are first put into the washing machine and then laying them flat on top of towels while they dry. This helps prevent feathers, pills, or lint from getting trapped in between layers and clogging your clothes dryers. In short, the key to keeping your spandex looking new for a long time is by avoiding high heat. Always wash spandex in cold water and avoid using a warm or hot dryer
What Causes Spandex to Shrink?
The main causes are explained below:
Water Temperature
The high water temperature required for a wash can cause spandex to shrink. If you use warm water to wash your garment, then it is best if you hand wash it and do not put it in dryer after. Also keep in mind, if the spandex is saturated with soapy water, then it can lose some of its elasticity, so even if you are going to hand wash then do not soak it into warm water for long.
Usage Of Dryer
The heat generated by your dryer can also cause spandex garments to shrink. Remove the fabric when it has a little moisturiser and not completly dry.. After that, lay them flat over towels and allow them to air-dry to help prevent shrinking. For example, if you hang your pant leg on a coat hanger, it might curl up and shrink a bit. This can be avoided if you lay them flat to prevent the spandex fibers from pulling together.
Detergent
The detergent used in your washing water can also affect the elasticity of your spandex garments. Some detergents have high alkaline levels that can leach acid out of clothes, robbing them of their elasticity over time. Make sure to read the care labels on your clothing and to check their material composition before washing.
Washing
You can wash spandex either by hand or in washing machine, it does not matter. What matters is that how you do it. You can wash your spandex fabric in washing machine but use it with cool water and use gentle cycle. In addtion, you can wash the spandex in warm or lukewarm water if you are going to wash it by hand as it has less agitation during hand wash process as compared to washing machine. But keep in mind, that don’t ever put your spandex fabrics in dryer afterwards if your are using warm water for washing.
Hang Dry Or Flat Dry
When it is time to hang dry your spandex garments, they should be placed in an area where they are not crowded together in a tight space so they can properly air out and stay soft without wrinkles and pilling. If they are hung over each other, they can lose their stretch and become harder to wear. Also flat dry is best if you want to minimize the shrinkage risk for the spandex.
Does Spandex Shrink In The Dryer?
Yes, spandex can shrink in the dryer if it is dried on high heat or if it is not properly cared for. Spandex is a synthetic fiber that is highly elastic and able to stretch to many times its original length. However, like other synthetic fibers, spandex is prone to shrinking when it is washed and dried.
The heat and agitation of the drying process can cause the fibers to become more compact, resulting in a smaller size. To avoid shrinkage, it is recommended to tumble dry spandex on a low heat setting or to hang it dry. It is also a good idea to avoid using harsh detergents or fabric softeners on spandex, as these can strip the fibers of their natural oils and cause them to become more compact.
It is important to carefully follow the care instructions for spandex clothing to avoid shrinkage and maintain the integrity of the fabric. This may include washing in cold water and tumble drying on a low heat setting, or hang drying.
If you have spandex that is made out natural or semi-synthetic material, the answer is yes, these type of spandex are more porne to shrink in the dryer. In addition, you can save yourself some money by allowing your spandex items to air-dry after they have been washed in cold water and tumbled dry on low heat. This will save electricity and reduce your utility bills while keeping you comfortable and looking fashionable.
Does Spandex Shrink When Washed?
The short answer to this question is yes. However, spandex does shrink when washed only if it is washed in hot water. When you wash spandex in the washing machine with hot water, it is beyound to shrink, however if you really want to use warm water, consider hand washing the spandex garement.
As the heat and agitation of the washing and drying process can cause the fibers to become more compact, resulting in a smaller size. This creates a permanent change in the elasticity of the material itself, reducing its ability to stretch or return to its original shape when pressure or force is applied.
To avoid shrinkage, it is recommended to wash spandex in cold water and to tumble dry on a low heat setting, or to hang dry. It is also a good idea to avoid using harsh detergents or fabric softeners on spandex, as these can strip the fibers of their natural oils and cause them to become more compact.
Can You Put Spandex In The Washing Machine?
Yes, spandex can be washed in a washing machine. However, spandex clothing can be machine-washed if it is labeled as being washable in the washing machine in its care label. It is important to follow the care instructions for the specific spandex garment to ensure that it is washed properly and does not shrink or become damaged.
In general, it is recommended to wash spandex in cold water and to use a gentle cycle, when washing their spandex garments because hot water may cause them to shrink too much. Hot water and harsh detergents or fabric softeners can strip the fibers of their natural oils and cause them to shrink or become stiff. It is also a good idea to avoid using bleach on spandex, as this can cause discoloration or weaken the fabric.
After washing, it is recommended to tumble dry spandex on a low heat setting or to hang dry. High heat and vigorous agitation can cause spandex to shrink.
Most spandex clothing will come with a tag attached to it that will list the recommended wash settings for your garment and the amount of time you should leave it in the washing machine before turning it off.
How to Prevent Spandex from Shrinking?
Follow these below-given steps to avoid Spandex Shrinkage.
- No matter what type of spandex you have, there is one thing that should always be done first. Before attempting to wash your spandex garment, check for dirt or stains and remove any excess material with scissors or a seam ripper. Because of the elasticity of spandex, you need to take out any loose threads before you wash them because these threads can create pilling in the fabric over time.
- The next step to good laundry is using the correct temperature in your water temperature setting, so you are using the right type of water for your material. Using hot water can damage spandex fibers and make them more susceptible to shrinking. Using cool water also helps prevent unwanted shrinkage as well as wrinkles.
- Spandex shrinkage will be reduced if you allow the fabric to soak in cool water with a small amount of mild detergent. Soaking keeps the spandex fibers from being agitated.
- Another way to prevent shrinkage is to wash your spandex garments separately from other clothes in the washer. If you have items that contain spandex, you should use a separate cycle on your washing machine, or wash them by hand in a sink of water with mild detergent and no bleach.
- Some people use a half cup of vinegar in the water to help preserve their spandex, but this can cause lint or other debris to stick to your clothes. So, you should make sure that your spandex garment is in good enough condition that you wouldn’t mind someone wearing it.
- A common mistake with spandex is not taking it out of the dryer before they are completely dry because then the chances are it could become over-dried and stiff. Spandex should be hung over a chair for about 10 minutes to air out. This will prevent wrinkles and pilling from forming, so your garment will keep its shape much better when you wear it.
Spandex is not the only type of fabric that can shrink when you wash it. Other types of fibers like wool and cotton can also shrink with the wrong washing techniques. When you choose a garment, always check the washing instructions on the tag to make sure it won’t shrink when it comes time for a wash cycle.
Does Polyester Spandex Shrink?
Polyester spandex is the most popular type of spandex. It is a blend of polyester and spandex fibers and it can shrink if it is not cared for properly. However, the shrinkage percentage is quite low for polyester fabric i.e. betweeen 2-5% on an average. However, on the other hand you can wash it at 60 °C (140 °F) without any issues.
Like all fabrics, polyester spandex is susceptible to shrinking when it is washed in hot water or dried on high heat. It is important to follow the care instructions on the garment label to ensure that the fabric does not shrink.
To avoid shrinking polyester spandex, it is best to wash it in cold water and tumble dry on a low heat setting or hang dry. You can also try using a fabric softener in the wash to help reduce static and make the fabric easier to care for.
It is also a good idea to avoid drying polyester spandex in direct sunlight or other sources of heat, as this can cause the fabric to shrink or fade. If you are unsure about how to care for a specific polyester spandex garment, it is always a good idea to consult the care instructions on the label or to ask a professional dry cleaner for advice.
Can You Put Polyester Spandex In The Dryer?
Yes, polyester spandex is a quite durable fabric and can usually be safely put in the dryer, but it’s always a good idea to check the care instructions on the garment label first. You can tumble dry it on a low or medium heat setting usually, but it is best to avoid high heat to prevent shrinkage. If you’re not sure what heat setting to use, check the label or ask a professional dry cleaner for advice.
It is also important to make sure the dryer isn’t overloaded, as this can cause wrinkles and distortions. Be sure to remove the fabric when the garment is slightly damp, to avoid exposing it to unnecessary heat and to prevent wrinkles. Keep in mind to avoid high heat and direct sunlight for spandex fabrics, as these can cause shrinkage or fading.
Does Nylon Spandex Shrink?
No, nylon spandex has a high resistance to shrinking and will not shrink significantly in response to heat or moisture. As the nylon has a large life span, it also made shrinakge ratio low. However, it is possible for nylon spandex to shrink slightly if it is washed or dried at high temperatures or if it is stretched excessively and then allowed to return to its original shape.
However, if you do notice that your nylon spandex garment has shrunk, it is usually possible to stretch it back to its original size by gently pulling on it or by wetting it and allowing it to air dry. However, it is important to be gentle and avoid overstretching the fabric, as this can cause it to become damaged or lose its elasticity.
Does Rayon Spandex Blend Shrink?
Yes, as Rayon is a cellulose fiber that is created through a process of dissolving natural fibers in chemicals, it is porne to shrinkage compared to other blends of fabric. However, it is difficult to say exactly how much a particular rayon spandex blend fabric will shrink, as shrinkage can vary based on the specific blend of fibers and the manufacturing process used to create the fabric. In general, rayon is a fiber that is prone to shrinkage, especially when it is exposed to heat or moisture.
When you wash rayon spandex blends in hot water, the heat causes them to shrink. This is why it’s best to wash your rayon spandex garments in cold water in washer or hand wash it, so they won’t shrink too much afterward. However, it is best to follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer or retailer. These instructions recommend exactly how you can keep your fabric in good shape.
Washing Tips For Spandex Clothes
When you wash your spandex clothing, you should always check the tag to make sure that the garment is machine-washable. All of your spandex clothing is going to be machine-washable unless it has a special tag attached that tells you not to wash it.
Spandex clothing constructed out of nylon or polyester material may shrink when it is washed in high temperatures, so you should only wash your spandex products in cold water. Even when washing your garments at colder temperatures, keep an eye on the tags to make sure they don’t shrink more than they have been marked for.
Do not let your spandex garments in the dryer until they are completely dry. Instead take them out even if they are still damp as over-drying can cause a lot of shrinkages, especially if you use high heat to dry your items.
If you have a spandex costume or pair of pants that you want to last for a long time, don’t hang them up to dry, instead try to lay them flat so they do not stretch. Spandex can stretch, due to water’s weight pulling them down as it dries, so hanging it back up will cause it to lose its shape and limit the amount of stretching that can occur.
How Long Does It Take For Spandex To Shrink?
Spandex is a synthetic fiber that is known for its stretch and recovery properties. It is highly resistant to shrinkage and is generally resistant to the effects of heat and moisture. However, spandex can still shrink if it is exposed to high heat or if it is agitated or stretched repeatedly. Spandex fabrics will shrink with the right amount of heat and moisture, ussally at 82 °C (180 °F) spandex start shrinking and it is hard to get it back in its origanl shape, if not impossible.
As for the question, how long it will take to shrinkage spendex depends upon a variety of factors such as the type of material used to make the fabric, whether or not it’s a blend with another type of material, and what other clothes are put in with it during the wash cycle. In general, spandex fibers can shrink quickly, when blended with natural fibers like cotton or wool as compared to synthetic fabric blends like naylon, polyster etc. For example, the shrinkage ratio for cotton spandex (a natural material) is higher as comapred to rayon spendex (a semi- synethetic material) which in return is higher then polyster spandex (a synethetic material).
To prevent it, you can wash spandex in cold water, it will lessen the shrinking chance within the washing machine when it comes time to spin and drain the water. Also, air drying can also help.
FAQ About Does Spandex Shrink
Does 95% Polyester and 5% Spandex Shrink?
Polyester is one of the most resilient fabrics available and is considered a “high-performance” material for this reason. It easily resists wear and tear, and has very good elasticity. You can wash polyester in warm or cold water at home, although it will shrink more if you wash it in warm water than if you wash it in cold water. Polyester can shrink up to 5% when washed in warm water, but will not shrink when washed in cold water. Since polyester is stronger than other fabrics and can resist heat, if it is washed too hot, it will not shrink but it could be weaken.
Does Spandex Dry Quickly?
Spandex is a synthetic material made out of fibers, so it will dry quickly as compared to other natural fabrics such as cotton. You can expect your spandex garment to take a little longer to dry as it is not recommended it put in direct sunlight. In addition, it is also recommended to not dry spandex by hanging if it has alot water but put it on flat surface and let it dry.
Final Thoughts
By following these tips, you will be well on your way to having a wardrobe filled with spandex that lasts long past its original purchase date. If you follow all of these tips, you should find that your spandex clothes last much longer than those worn by your friends who weren’t as familiar with how to get the best results from their fabrics.
SOURCE
- QVC – Does rayon/spandex shrink?
- Road Bike – How to shrink nylon/spandex fabric after stretch?
- AskAndyAboutClothes – Why Does My Clothing Shrink? Learn How To Prevent It
- Reddit – how do I shrink a 95% polyester, 5% spandex bodysuit
- Quora – Does cotton spandex shrink when washed?
- Wikihow – How to Shrink Spandex
