Does Silk Shrink? (All You Need to Know)

Silk is a luxurious and delicate fabric that is often used in home decor and high-end clothing. But does silk shrink? Learn whether this fabric shrinks and how to prevent and address shrinkage in our guide.

There is nothing quite like the luxurious feeling of wearing silk apparel. However, with great luxury comes great responsibility, as silk is delicate and requires special care. If you fail to care for your silk clothing, you may find that your favorite dress or shirt is no longer wearable.

We know that it can be disheartening, especially if you've invested a fortune in them. And that is why we're here to provide you with the knowledge and the steps needed to prevent silk shrinkage and damage.

Table Of Contents

What Is Silk?

Silk, or service in Latin, is a natural protein fiber acquired from the cocoons of silkworms. The use of silk dates back to ancient China, where it was discovered over 5000 years ago. It is said that the silk trade was very important to the Chinese economy and anyone caught trying to smuggle silkworm eggs or cocoons out of China would face death penalties. However, over 1000 years later, the secret was out.

Today, silk is produced in many countries around the world, including:

India
Japan
Thailand
Iran

Silk is known for its softness, shininess, and lightweight, which gives it a luxurious look and feel. It is used to manufacture a variety of products, such as clothing, carpets, cushion covers, and curtains.

Does Silk Shrink?

Yes, silk does actually shrink. If you own one or two silk garments, you've probably experienced this firsthand. But did you know that it's all because of the delicate nature of silk and its vulnerability to heat and water? That's right. Silk is sensitive to high temperatures and prolonged exposure to water, which can cause its fibers to contract.

However, the amount of shrinkage depends on certain factors, such as the type of silk your garment is made of. Normally, when silk is created, long continuous strands called filaments are extracted from the silkworm's cocoon. These filaments contain a sticky substance known as sericin.

During silk production, silk filaments are boiled in hot water to soften and remove the sericin. Unfortunately, some of the sericin is often left in the silk fibers. So, when your loosely woven silk clothes come into contact with water, the sericin residue will soften and dissolve. The fibers will then narrow the space between them, leading to shrinkage.

Does Silk Shrink When Washed?

Of course, silk may shrink when washed, especially if the water is hot. When washing your silk in a washing machine, it's important to be cautious and follow specific guidelines to avoid damaging the garment. For example, use a gentle or delicate cycle, cool water, and mild detergents.

If you want to avoid the potential headaches associated with washing silk in a machine, hand washing is the safest method. The method allows for more control over the washing process and helps prevent any damage to the fabric. Just ensure that the water is lukewarm or cold, and don't soak your silk for too long.

Does Silk Shrink In the Drier?

Silk is a delicate fabric that will shrink when subjected to heat and agitation in the drier. Firstly, if your drier is set to a high heat setting, your silk apparel will likely shrink in size and may become misshapen. Secondly, exposing your silk fabric to too much tumbling may cause the silk to tear or rip.

To avoid damaging your silk in the drier, it is best to air dry them. But if you must use a drier, be sure to use a low-heat setting.

Can You Unshrink Silk Clothing?

Unshrinking silk clothing is possible, but the results may not be perfect. This is because unshrinking a silk fabric involves stretching it back to its original size, and this may cause some damage to the fabric fibers. However, if you do accidentally shrink your clothing, you can try to unshrink it using the following steps:

Step 1: Put lukewarm water in a tub or sink.

Step 2: Add a tablespoon of hair conditioner. If you don't have a hair conditioner, use baby shampoo instead.

Step 3: Mix the solution well.

Step 4: Place your shrunken silk clothing and let it soak for a couple of minutes.

Step 5: After it has soaked, remove it from the water. Get a clean towel and lay your silk there. Roll it up, and the towel will soak up the excess water.

Step 6: Afterward, find a clean and dry towel and lay the damp garment.

Step 7: Gently stretch it out to its original size, but exercise caution to avoid pulling too hard.

Step 8: To keep the stretched parts from shrinking again, put a heavy object on those parts.

Step 9: Leave the garment to dry, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Can You Shrink Silk Clothing?

So you want to shrink your silk fabric on purpose, and you are wondering whether it's possible. Yes, you can shrink your baggy clothes and make them fit better.

To do that, start by putting the apparel in hot water. You should then let it soak for some minutes to allow the sericin to break down and the fibers to contract. After the garment has shrunk to the desired size, air dry it to maintain its shape.

However, if you still need to shrink your clothing item further, dry it in a drier. Set the drying machine to a hot setting for better results. Keep in mind that loosely woven silk fabrics will shrink more easily than tightly woven ones.

How to Prevent Silk from Shrinking?

If you want to prevent your silk fabric from shrinking, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Step 1: Hand wash your silk clothes in cold or lukewarm water.

Step 2: When washing the silk with a washing machine, use a gentle cycle.

Step 3: Turn your silk clothing inside out to protect the delicate fibers and prevent staining.

Step 4: Use a mild detergent specifically designed for delicate fabrics.

Step 5: Sort your silk garments by color before washing them. Separate dark-colored clothes from lighter-colored ones.

Step 6: After washing, hang the silk to dry or use a low-temperature setting when using a drier.

Conclusion

Silk fabric can shrink very easily when exposed to heat and water. However, taking the time to care for your silk items can help prevent damage and ensure that they remain beautiful and wearable for years to come. And if shrinkage does occur, don't despair - follow the above steps to repair the item and bring it back to its former glory.

Go ahead and enjoy the luxury of silk, knowing that you have the knowledge to care for it properly.