Preventing Garment Deformation and Shrinkage: Drying and Finishing Know-How to Preserve Cloth Shape After Washing

👕 Washed Well But the Clothes Are Ruined? Perfect Drying and Finishing Know-How to Prevent Garment Deformation, Stretching, and Shrinkage

While selecting the washing machine cycle is important, the stage that determines the clothes' shape and lifespan after washing is the 'drying and finishing' step. Especially fabrics like knits, cotton, and functional wear are prone to stretching, shrinking, or shape deformation if dried improperly. We share the perfect drying and finishing know-how to preserve the clothes' shape and restore the fabric after washing.

🔑 3 Core Principles for Preventing Garment Deformation

1. Avoid Heat and Pressure: High heat causes shrinkage, and excessive pressure (wrong hangers, etc.) causes stretching. 2. Adhere to Drying Methods by Material: Drying methods must vary according to the fiber's characteristics. 3. Spread Flat to Prevent Clumping: Laying the clothes out flat and shaping them before drying prevents shape deformation.

💡 Drying and Finishing Know-How for Preserving Garment Shape

1. Optimal Drying Method by Material:

Knits, Wool: Easily stretch because they absorb a lot of water. They must be dried by laying them flat on a drying rack. (No hangers)
Cotton T-shirts: Can shrink when using a dryer. Natural dry them, but to prevent sagging, use thick hangers instead of thin ones, or fold them when hanging so the shoulder area does not stretch.
Functional/Sports Wear: Vulnerable to heat, so dryer use is prohibited. Dry them quickly in a shaded area.

2. 'Shaping' the Clothes Before Drying (Essential):

Before hanging the clothes on the rack after spinning, the process of pulling and spreading them by hand into their original shape is very important. (Especially for cotton materials prone to shrinking)
Meticulously smooth out wrinkles or creases on the sleeves, hems, and neck area by hand.

3. Tips for Preventing Shrinkage When Using a Dryer:

Low Heat/Air Dry: Use the lowest temperature or Air Dry cycle to prevent fabric damage and shrinkage.
Avoid Complete Drying: Drying only about 80% and taking them out for natural drying helps prevent shrinkage.

4. Finishing through Ironing:

Adhere to Temperature by Material: Ironing is the final step to set the clothes' shape. Always follow the recommended temperature marked on the care label, and for sensitive materials like silk/wool, place a thin cloth over the fabric before ironing.

Drying know-how to maintain the clothes' shape is the most basic way to wear clothes for a long time.