Can Nylon Fabric Shrink?

Introduction  

Today, nylon is one of the world’s most common synthetic fibres, appearing in everything from clothing and furnishings to workwear and sports equipment. Its durability, strength, and versatility have made it an all-time favorite for both producers and users. But despite its popularity, people still wonder what the fabric does in other environments – whether it will last, maintain itself, and shrink. 

As with nylon fabric, the shrinkage issue comes into play a lot. Does nylon sag in the wash? Do you need special treatment to avoid harm? These are typical questions for those who frequently wear or use nylon products. Fortunately, nylon doesn’t typically shrink the way natural fibres such as cotton or wool do. That doesn’t mean that nylon will not shrink in some situations. In this post, we will explore myths and facts about nylon shrinkage so that we can understand why it behaves the way it does and what is the best treatment for it. 

What is Nylon Fabric?  

Polyethylene, developed from petrochemicals, is the chemical substance that makes nylon fabric, first produced in the 1930s. It was the first textile constructed solely of synthetic fibres and was initially used as an alternative to silk for stockings, parachutes and other fabrics. The fabric itself is composed through a process known as polymerisation, which glues monomers together to form long chains, which yield the fibres that are spun into threads and woven into fabric. 

Also Read: How to Wash Nylon Fabric

• Properties of Nylon Fabric  

The property list for nylon is very broad and the textile industry relies on it extensively. Some of these include:  

• Strongness: The nylon is extremely durable and will not deteriorate over time. It is abrasion resistant, which means that it can take extreme friction without sagging. This makes it a perfect fabric for outdoor and sports wear, including backpacks, tents and sports clothing. 

• Flexibleness: The fibres of nylon stretch, thereby giving the fabric some stretch. This feature is especially useful in activewear and sportswear, where motion and flexibility are needed. 

• Nylon is water resistant, but not really waterproof. The fibers themselves repel water, but to some extent the fabric is often coated with more water repellent coatings. This property is what makes it popular for raincoats, umbrellas, and other outdoor equipment. 

• Lightweight: Even though nylon is strong, it is also light, hence it is commonly used in garments that require toughness but do not have much bulk, for example, in sleeping bags and lightweight coats. 

• Fast Drying: Nylon is hydrophobic which means it does not hold water. This attribute makes nylon garments quickly dry when wet, which is another reason why it’s preferred for outdoor and activewear wear. 

• Mildew and Mold Resistant: Nylon resists mildew and mold, thus allowing it to be used in damp or humid applications like outdoor tents, tarps, and rain jackets. 

Common Uses of Nylon Fabric  

The toughness, flexibility, and lightness of nylon make it a must-have fabric for a wide variety of fields and uses. Some of the most frequent applications of nylon include: 

• Textiles: From hosiery to jackets, nylon is the material of choice for the fashion industry. It is typically mixed with other fibres to enhance fabric texture, strength and elasticity. Nylon is widely used in sportswear, swimwear, tights and jackets. 

• Outdoor Wear: Nylon is widely used in tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, raincoats and other outdoor gear because it is water-repellent and tough. It is lightweight, weather-resistant, and can be treated to add further water repellence. 

• Upholstery: The nylon is also utilized in the upholstery fabric of furniture and automobiles. It is durable and resists wear and tear making it an ideal choice for items with high use. 

• Industrial Uses: Nylon is highly resistant to chemicals and can be used in industries. It is widely used for ropes, belts and even as an adhesive for tires. 

• Medical Uses: Nylon is used in medical applications such as surgical stitches, bandages and medical tubing because of its durability and biocompatibility. 

Given all of the different uses that nylon has found its way into, you know this fabric is an integral part of our society. However, for all of its wholesome qualities, some are wary of its handling and care, particularly potential shrinkage. 

• Can Nylon Fabric Shrink?  

To get the myths and reality straight about nylon shrinkage, it’s helpful to see how and why fabrics shrink in the first place. Most natural fibres, such as cotton, wool and linen, sag under heat or water because of their structure. Such fibres are composed of proteins or cellulose, and expand or contract in response to the environmental conditions of temperature and humidity. Artificial fibres such as nylon, by contrast, are much less likely to shrink under normal conditions. 

This is partly because the chemical makeup of nylon doesn’t allow it to shrink. The long polymer strings of nylon are not as easily dissolved or twisted as the cellulose strings of natural fabrics. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that nylon is completely impervious to shrinkage. Nylon fabrics can shrink or crack under certain conditions. 

Will Nylon Shrink in the Wash? 

Nylon does not shrink, for the most part, if washed well. But there are some conditions where the fabric stretches and falls out of shape. The key culprit is heat.  Nylon absorbs heat and will contract when subjected to high heat during the wash cycle or in the dryer. This might result in a small shrinkage or alteration in the weave of the fabric. 

The washing process can also affect the shrinkage capacity of nylon. For instance, soaking nylon in hot water or drying it on high heat can damage it. Nylon should always be washed in cool or lukewarm water on a low setting and, if it needs drying, the fabric should either be air-dried or dried on a low setting to prevent heat shrinkage. 

Nylon and the Dryer  

One misconception you might hear about nylon fabric is that it shrinks in the dryer, like cotton or wool. Although heat will shrink synthetic fibers such as nylon, you are unlikely to see much shrinkage in the dryer (apart from when the fabric is exposed to too much heat). Importantly, nylon fibres are sensitive to heat and may melt or lose their elasticity if left to dry too long. To prevent shrinkage, it is safer to air-dry nylon clothes, or run your dryer at the lowest temperature possible. 

• What Are Other Causes of Nylon Shrinkage? 

Though heat is the biggest influencer on nylon’s size and shape, other forces can also cause it to shrink. For instance, chemicals, like bleach or powerful detergents, could weaken the fibers, causing shrinkage or other types of degradation. Likewise, prolonged moisture (especially when combined with heat) will wear away the fabric, and eventually may cause it to shrink. 

Common Myths About Nylon Shrinkage  

There are a few misconceptions about nylon and its washing/drying capabilities. Let’s deconstruct some of these myths and dispel the fog. 

Fact 1: Nylon Never Shrinks in the Wash. 

That’s one of the most common myths about nylon. In reality, nylon will not shrink as much as natural materials such as cotton or wool. Though nylon does shrink at very high temperatures, if washed carefully with cool water and on a gentle cycle it should never shrink. Cotton, for instance, shrinks less than 5% under normal circumstances. 

Myth 2: Nylon Drys Just Like Cotton. 

Although cotton tends to shrink heavily during drying, nylon will typically not shrink while in the dryer. But too much heat erodes the fabric, stretching it out and forming holes. Avoid this by air drying nylon or turning your dryer to its lowest setting. 

Myth 3: Nylon Fabrics shrink Equally. 

It’s not the same nylon fabric. Depending on what nylon you’re working with, nylons like ripstop nylon are usually tougher and resistant to shrinkage. Additionally, the way nylon is mixed with other materials (cashmere, spandex, polyester) can also impact its behaviour. Nylon mixed with spandex or elastane, for example, will stretch, not shrink, when heated. 

How To Stop Nylon Fabric From Shrinking? 

If you don’t want nylon to shrink, make sure to follow the care label. Following are some recommendations for maintaining the fabric’s shape and size: 

• Wash in cool/warm water: Avoid the heat that makes the cloth tighten. 
• Cycle lightly: Cotton is prone to tremors, so use a low setting to avoid damaging the fabric. 
• High heat : When drying air dry or set your dryer to the lowest setting. 
• Correct storage: Keep nylon products dry and in a cool, dry location away from sunlight and heat.

Does Nylon Fabric Shrink?  

Nylon is one of the most popular synthetic fibers due to its durability, strength and flexibility. Used in clothes and sports equipment, as well as in upholstery and industrial fabrics, nylon fabric is well known for its durability. But one question people frequently ask (when they wear nylon clothing, accessories, even household items) is whether the material might sag under heat or moisture. 

This is a fairly tough question to answer. Nylon fabric itself is resistant to shrinkage because of its synthetic properties, but in certain conditions, it can swell or warp. Here, in this article, we’ll explore what can affect nylon’s shrinkage, what myths are associated with the material, and how to maintain nylon to avoid unintentional shrinkage. 

Nylon Can’t Shrink: The Advantages of Synthetic Fabrics? 

In order to see why nylon is less likely to shrink than natural fibers such as cotton, it’s crucial to understand the difference between synthetic and natural fibres. The chemical procedure for creating nylon, like all other synthetic fibres (eg, polyester and spandex), is called polymerisation. This involves stitching tiny molecules, or monomers, together in the long polymer chains that give rise to the fibers that are spun into fabric. Such artificial fibers do not shrivel under the same environmental factors that shrink natural fibers. 

Natural fibres, such as cotton, wool and linen, are organic (of either plant or animal origin), and therefore moisture-resistant. These fibres can contract or expand when heated, wet or scratched, and therefore shrink. By contrast, nylon fibres are hydrophobic, meaning that they don’t absorb water like cotton or wool. That means that nylon doesn’t react the same way to shrinking or stretching in water or heat. 

Additionally, nylon is more stable than natural fibers because its molecules are stable. The long polymer chains forming nylon fibers are extremely resistant to cracking or warping under ordinary circumstances. This makes nylon strong and tough, and it stops the fabric from shrinking during regular washing and drying. 

This doesn’t mean that nylon is utterly resistant to shrinkage. Although it’s not as prone to shrinking as natural fibres, there are ways that, under conditions of high heat, excessive moisture, or mechanical stirring, the fibres can contract or loose their shape. 

• What Could Make Nylon Shrink? 

Although nylon generally will not shrink, several circumstances might cause the fabric to shrink or sag. These include:  

• Heat: High temperatures are one of the major causes of nylon shrinkage. When nylon is exposed to a great deal of heat, whether it is hot water in a wash or a high-temperature dryer, the polymer chains in the fabric tend to contract. This is known as “heat-setting” and may lead to a small shrinkage or change in the fabric’s texture. But nylon’s melting point (250°C/482°F) makes it less sensitive to heat than a lot of natural fibres, which have lower melting points. Having said that, frequent exposure to extreme heat can still tear the fabric and cause it to shrink or stretch. 

• Water Absorption: Although nylon is water repellent (waterproof), it can be wet in certain environments. For instance, if nylon cloth is repeatedly subjected to excessive water, particularly in the presence of heat, the fibers will begin to unravel and swell. Generally, this isn’t a big deal, unless the fabric is put through some pretty harsh testing, like having it submerged in hot water for hours at a time. 

• Mechanical agitation: Agitation from a spinning or tumbler in a washing machine or dryer can make nylon fibers stretch or deform. Physical manipulation of the cloth during washing or drying might cause it to shrink a little or flex, particularly when the cloth is used in extreme environments like spin cycles or high temperatures. The most extensive shrinkage or tear in nylon is the result of abrasions, heat and moisture. 

• Common Myths About Nylon Shrinkage  

While nylon has long proved resistant to shrinkage, there are a number of myths and misconceptions that have stood the test of time. They stem from confusion between synthetic and natural fibres, or from misunderstood experiences with nylon. So let’s explore some of these myths in detail and dispel some misconceptions so consumers can learn how to maintain nylon fabrics better. 

Myth 1: Nylon Never Weaves In the Wash. 

One of the most enigmatic misconceptions about nylon is that when you wash it it shrinks. This is probably due to the fact that natural fibres such as cotton and wool shrink when we wash them, so we take it for granted that all fabrics shrink in the same way. Yet nylon is so synthetic that, given enough care, it will shrink much less in the wash. 

Nylon can shrink when wet and may even shrink when washed in hot water, but is generally less likely to shrink if rinsed in cool or warm water. Try not to let the nylon garments and fabrics sag or shrink when you’re washing it on a cool, gentle cycle. Even washing it with a mild detergent, removing bleach or chemicals can help to maintain the integrity of the fabric and eliminate any unwanted shrinkage or texture. 

Furthermore, nylon fabrics are typically blended with other fibers like spandex or polyester, which might affect how the material feels after washing. These combined fabrics could be even less susceptible to shrinkage, due to the nature of the other fibres. If you wash it according to the label, nylon will not shrink during the washing process. 

Myth 2: Nylon Deflates in the Dryer, Just Like Cotton 

Another common misconception is that nylon shrinks just like cotton in the dryer and will shrink just like it. While cotton is famously susceptible to shrinkage in the dryer, because of its absorbency, nylon is much more heat resistant and does not shrink almost as much as cotton. But that doesn’t mean that nylon is essentially resistant to heat. 

High heat in the dryer can soften or crease nylon, but it will not shrink if you are not going to heat it up too much. If you’re worried about shrinkage, air-dry nylon clothes or hang them on the lowest setting of your dryer. Further, removing it from the dryer while it is still slightly damp and letting it air-dry the rest of the way can help keep the fabric’s shape and eliminate heat damage. 

Myth 3: All Nylon Fabrics Shrink Equally. 

It’s not the same nylon fabric. There are hundreds of varieties of nylon, each with different properties, based on how the fibers are weaved, spun or combed together. For instance, ripstop nylon, a fabric often found in outdoor clothing, is spun in a series of reinforcement threads that increase the fabric’s resistance to tearing and shrivelling. As with nylon fabrics that are spliced with spandex or elastane, they will stretch and not shrink as they heat up or absorb moisture. 

Nylon’s weaving can also affect its shrinkage ability. Laid-over or loosely spun fabrics might shrink faster than tightly knit nylon fabrics. However, the quality of the nylon fibre may also have a bearing on its shrinkage resistance. High-quality nylon fabrics are less likely to stretch and more likely to resist tearing than the low-quality counterparts. 

This makes the type of nylon that one selects crucial in terms of care. Keeping a close eye on the care label, and testing a small, obscure part of the fabric (if available) can help to determine how the fabric will wear with washing, drying, and heat. 

• How to Prevent Nylon Shrinkage  

Although nylon fabrics are relatively resistant to shrinkage, there are ways that you can avoid shrinkage and prolong the life of your nylon clothing and products: 

• Wash in Cool Water: Do not wash nylon fabric in warm water since a hot water might cause the fibers to melt or break. Use cool or warm water instead to maintain the fabric’s shape. 

• Use a Gentle Cycle: Wash nylon items on a gentle cycle so that mechanical vibration doesn’t stretch or twist the material. This will lessen the pressure on the fibers and keep them from breaking down. 

• Don’t Dry: If you can, air-dry nylon fabrics to minimise any heat shrinkage. If you need a dryer, use the lowest setting and take it out immediately when it is dry to avoid overheating it. 

• Don’t Overload Your Washer or Dryer: If you overload your washer or dryer, you risk causing the washing machine or dryer to vibrate and agitate too much, and nylon fibers may stretch or shrink. Wash and dry nylon objects individually or in small loads to keep this from happening. 

• Use Mild Detergents: Using strong detergents, bleach, or softeners may weaken the nylon fibers making them more susceptible to damage. Avoid using bleach and mild detergents to ensure the durability of the fabric. 

• Never Iron: Nylon rips easily when exposed to high heat, and ironing on a high heat setting will make the fabric scald or melt. When ironing, use a low temperature setting and lay a cloth between the iron and the nylon.

• What If Your Nylon Fabric Comes Apart? 

The durability, water resistance, and light weight qualities of nylon fabric makes it a perfect choice for anything from sportswear to outdoor gear. But, as with all materials, nylon isn’t wholly impervious to washing and drying. Nylon is not as prone to shrinking as natural fibres such as cotton or wool, but it can droop slightly when used in certain conditions, especially if subjected to excessive heat or moisture. But what if your nylon fabric sags and how do you fix it? In this article, we’ll look at what nylon shrinkage could cause, how to combat it, and when you should worry about your nylon products being damaged. 

• What Happens When Nylon Shrinks?  

While nylon is very hard, it does shrink in many cases if exposed to heat, moisture or movement, causing the material to stretch and warp. Let me explain exactly what will happen to your nylon fabric if it shrinks: 

• Minor shrinkage in size: The most noticeable result of nylon shrinkage is that it shrinks slightly. This might take the form of a bit of fabric shrinking or squeezing, something that is not noticeable and can influence how a garment or other nylon item will fit. When a nylon jacket, for example, swells, it can be even less snug than before, making it less comfortable or useful. This is typically a small niggle and may not be noticeable if the nylon product was a super tight fit in the first place. 

• Fabric distortion: When nylon fabric shrinks, it may not contract uniformly. This can cause distortion, with some areas of the fabric twisted tighter than others. You may, for instance, wear a nylon jacket or pants where some areas are appropriate and some are too small or too large. Such a distortion occurs when you use the fabric during washing or drying at very high temperatures, causing the fibres to shrink in uneven ways. Besides that, the wash can cause some parts of the fabric to become stretched or pulled due to agitation, particularly if the fabric is loose-woven or of a delicate nature. 

• Loss of Elasticity: Because nylon is very flexible and elastic, it will move and stretch with the wearer. But when nylon cloth shrinks under the effects of heat or moisture, it may no longer retain its natural elasticity. This can lead to a garment or item no longer being as snug as it was when first bought. For example, squishy nylon leggings or workout gear can become rigid and clingy when they shrink. If the shrinkage is too extreme, the fabric can even break apart completely. 

• Texture Warping: Nylon fabric typically features a different texture, like a matte, smooth, or even woven texture. If you expose it to heat or moisture, its surface will wrinkle. This translates to nylon losing some of its original smoothness or gloss, and becoming somewhat uneven or bumpy in texture. This can influence not just the aesthetic quality of the fabric, but also the performance of the product, especially when it comes to outdoor gear or protective clothing. 

• Risk of Pilling: Sometimes, shrinkage makes nylon fibers rub together more than normal and thus increases pilling. Pilling is the growth of small balls of fiber on the surface of the fabric that can be particularly evident on clothes or other objects that are worn often or are touched. Shrinkage can further make the problem worse by compressing the fabric, pushing the fibers together and allowing them to easily break apart into pills. 

• What If Your Nylon Fabric Twists? 

If you find that your nylon fabric is sag, bent or has ripped, here are a few ways in which you can try to recover its original shape and size. Although shrinkage may not be reversible in all instances, you can generally enhance the look and function of the fabric with some straightforward tricks. 

• Gentle Stretching: Gentle stretching is probably the most widespread procedure to reshape nylon after it has been compressed. This technique only works if the shrinkage is small and the fabric still has some of its original elasticity. You can dampen the fabric a bit (with cold water) and gently pull the fabric back together to shape it. Remember to stretch the fabric gradually and evenly so that it does not deform or tear. When the fabric is stretched to your required size, let it dry. This method can regain the nylon’s original shape without further deterioration. 

• Steaming: Steaming is another effective way to reshape nylon fabric. If you have a steamer or the steam setting on your iron, use a small amount of steam on the fabric to relax the fibers. As the steam moves through the fabric, it can motivate the fibers to rejoin their former state. Once steamed, you can stretch or re-shape the fabric until it fits. Take care when using steam, since heat or steam over the long term can burn off the fabric. 

• Re-washing and Drying Carefully: If you have a nylon garment that shrinks or warps when washed and dried, try re-washing the garment at a less harsh setting. The nylon fabric should be rinsed under cool water and air dried. Sometimes, the fabric loosens or straightens back into its original shape when gently washed. This is particularly true if the shrinkage resulted from too much exposure to heat during the first wash or drying. This works for a little shrinkage, but you won’t be able to get it out if your fabric has really been ruined. 

• Professional Repair: If you have a valuable nylon garment or outdoor equipment that has cracked down so badly that you cannot repair it at home, you may want to bring it to a professional. Sewists or specialist fabric care companies can determine the amount of damage and advise on how to repair it, by stretching, reweaving or other specialised services. This is especially desirable for outdoor wear, uniforms, or tailored clothes that are vital to use and performance. 

Why Do You Have To Worry About Nylon Shrinkage? 

Slight shrinkage in nylon is usually not a huge issue, but in some circumstances, shrinkage might present a challenge. As your nylon shrinks, it may affect the fit, appearance, and useability of the product, rendering it inaccessible or unpleasant. Knowing when shrinkage will be a issue can enable you to make proactive decisions on how to keep your nylon items intact. 

Outdoor Apparel: When your nylon fabric makes up an essential outdoor product like a tent, sleeping bag, or backpack, shrinkage can drastically impact performance. Nylon outdoor clothing may be made to suit specific sizes or offer protective attributes such as waterproofing or wind resistance. The shrinkage of the nylon will affect the size of the item and reduce its effectiveness to keep you dry and protected. Shrinkage can also, in some instances, compromise the waterproofing or durability of the fabric. For instance, a shrunken nylon tent might no longer provide a good barrier to the elements, or a shrunken nylon jacket might not provide the same freedom of movement. 

• Dress Uniforms/ Work Wear : In nylon uniforms/work wear or other specialist garments, shrinkage is a serious issue if fitting is essential to the overall function of the garment. For instance, a nylon uniform tailored to one particular occupation (like a police officer’s or firefighter’s uniform) might have to be made to fit well, to be both comfortable and easily moved. Loss could damage the garment’s functionality, making it uncomfortably uncomfortable or dangerous. The nylon fabric in these pieces might break down and cease to meet your size or fit expectations. 

• Slim-Fit Clothing: Due to its stretch and softness, nylon is widely used in activewear, tights, and other slim-fitting garments. If nylon shrinks after being washed and dried, this will drastically alter the size of the garment. For instance, when a nylon legging shrinks, it will be tight, uncomfortably tight, or hard to wear. Weight loss in fitted clothing can affect flexibility, mobility and comfort. This is especially problematic for items such as sports bras, leggings, and swimsuits, which need to fit correctly to perform properly. 

• How to Know When Nylon Starts to Shrink or Crack? 

You can identify some early warning signs when your nylon fabric starts to shrink or twist, but before it is catastrophic, don’t allow it to get so bad. If you keep track of these symptoms, you can shield your nylon products and save them from further harm: 

• Tightening or Lower Flexibility: If a nylon fabric or product seems tighter than usual after being washed, this may be an indicator of shrinkage. Pay attention to how the fabric feels when worn. The less elastic the fabric is, or the less easily it will stretch, it’s a sign that the nylon has swelled. 

• Change in Texture or Appearance: Any slight alteration in the texture or appearance of nylon fabric is a symptom that it has been exposed to heat or moisture and might be shrinking. If it feels tighter or no longer smooth, the fabric is responding to what it’s been exposed to during washing and drying. 

• Shape shift: When you see that the fabric is no longer tightly bound or is stretched out or compressed, this may be a symptom of shrinkage. Jackets or activewear that were once comfortable and squishy could become clumsy or even a little snug. 

• Pilling/Framing: Too much friction or heat can damage the fibers of nylon causing them to pill or fray. If you are experiencing any of these signs, get these issues handled before they become worse.

Dhanya Nair

Dhanya Nair is a fabric Lover and a mom. She offers a unique perspective on the intricacies and history of fabric and specializes in bringing the unique narratives of textiles to life.