Does Silk Shrink? (ANSWERED!)

Yes, silk does shrink, but not in the same way other fabrics shrink. Shrinking silk is predominantly dependent on the type of silk fabric and the weave being used.

A silk fabric with a loose weave, such as chiffon, organza, or crepe de chine, will shrink to a greater degree because the loose weave used in these types of silk will become more tight as heat is applied, thus shrinking. A silk fabric with a tight weave, such as silk satin or silk broadcloth, will have very little to no shrinkage. 

Learn more about different types of silk with our comprehensive Glossary of Silk Fabrics and Weaves. 

In order to shrink silk clothing a high level of heat needs to be used, which means using the washing machine as well as the dryer on a high heat setting. Silk is a sensitive fabric that should not come into contact with high levels of heat, since this will have a damaging effect on the delicate silk fibers. 

When using the washing machine to wash silk, you should use the low/delicate/gentle setting, which uses water temperatures that do not exceed 75°F or 24°C. 

Silk garments should not enter into the dryer, as the tumble dry will also damage and warp the silk fabric. Silk should air dry, which means your can either lay flat or hang to dry your silk clothing. 

You may also want to read:

• Does Satin Shrink? (Washing and Drying Satin)
  
• How to Shrink a Silk Shirt

Silk will shrink in the dryer if the dryer is set to tumble dry medium or tumble dry high, however, silk should never be put into the dryer and should flat dry or be placed on a drying rack to dry. If silk is placed into the dryer on the air dry or tumble dry low settings, there may be no shrinkage, however some damage will still occur. When you dry your silk make sure to place it in an area that is out of direct contact with sunlight, as the heat from the sunlight will damage the silk fibers. 

If anyone tells you that you can use the dryer to dry silk, they are wrong!

Continue reading: Does Silk Shrink in the Dryer?

Silk is a delicate fabric that can shrink if it is not washed properly in cool water. When silk comes into contact with high heat for an extended period of time, it will cause the weave to twist and condense, which results in the shrinkage of your silk laundry. Silk clothing is comfortable, luxurious, and usually expensive; which means you should take the proper precautions when washing, drying, or ironing your silk clothing and fabrics.

We would  advise against putting your silk garments into anything hotter than lukewarm temperature water. The temperature of the water should not exceed 77°F/25°C.

Continue reading: Does Silk Shrink When Washed?

Yes, silk will shrink in hot water. If you require your silk garment to be shrunk, then you can attempt to use the washing machine on a high heat setting, or instead you can put your silk into a pot of boiling water. This will shrink the silk, and also severely damage it. 

Beware: If you want to keep your silk garments looking their best, never put them into hot or boiling water. Hot water will damage the silk fibers and take the bright sheen off the outer layer of the silk. Silk clothing should only be washed in lukewarm temperature water, never anything hotter.  

Before you wash silk you must first check the garment's care label to see if the item is allowed to be washed at home. Most silk garments can be hand washed, and a few of them can even be washed in the washing machine. If the garment's care label instructs you to dry clean only, then just do that. 

To hand wash silk fill a container with lukewarm water and add silk laundry detergent. Submerge the silk in the water and allow to soak for 3 minutes. Agitate the silk using your hands and rinse under cold water to remove the soap once finished washing. Lay the silk evenly on an absorbent towel and gently roll the towel up to remove excess water. Hang or lay flat to air dry. 

If your silk is able to be machine washed, start by turning the garment inside out and placing it into a mesh laundry bag. Place the laundry bag into the washing machine and add a few drops of silk laundry detergent. Adjust the settings to delicate/gentle and wash with cold water. Adjust the running time to the shortest duration possible. Hang or lay flat to air dry once the spin cycle is complete. 

Read our step-by-step article How to Wash Silk or watch our instructional video below. 

To iron silk first begin by turning your silk garment inside out, laying it flat on an ironing board, and using a spray bottle to add moisture to the wrinkled areas. Never iron a dry silk garment. 

Turn the iron on to the lowest heat setting, or if your iron has a silk setting, use that. Place a cotton pillowcase, thin towel, or bandana over the area you wish to iron. Never press an iron directly onto silk fabric, as this will cause damage. 

Firmly hand press the iron down onto the wrinkled area, with the cotton press cloth always in between to iron and silk, and then lift and apply again. Do not slide the iron up and down the silk garment, as you normally would when ironing a cotton or polyester piece of clothing. 

For more detailed step-by-step instructions please read How to Iron Silk.