Shrinkage & Care Symbols

Shrinkage is the size a fabric loses when washed and dried, largely from relaxation of tension in the yarns; natural fibers like untreated cotton and wool shrink most, especially in heat. "Pre-shrunk" fabric has been treated to minimize it, but a few percent often remains, concentrated in length. The care label’s symbols — wash temperature, tumble-dry dots, iron heat — exist to control it: cold wash and low or no heat dramatically reduce shrink and extend garment life. Reading care symbols before buying (and before laundering) is the cheapest durability habit in the wardrobe, and it protects the fit you paid for.