Standards
Shrinkage Control for Knitted Apparel
Define dimensional-change requirements through the material state, measurement directions and agreed wash and dry conditions. Keep the recorded result separate from the acceptance limit.
Scope and applicability
Review fabric and finished garments as different test objects. Fabric-stage information can inform development, but garment construction, finishing and care conditions must also be considered. For a washed style, identify whether the reference is before or after the production finish. Do not transfer a supplier result to a different material, color or finishing route without checking its applicability.
Acceptance criteria to agree
Confirm these items in the project specification before making a pass or fail decision. This guide does not set a universal acceptance limit.
| Item | Specify before review |
|---|---|
| Test object | Fabric or finished garment, material identity, color, lot and finish. |
| Measurement state | Preparation, reference points, directions and the condition before and after care. |
| Care procedure | The selected washing and drying method, edition and project-required sequence. |
| Acceptance limits | Separate requirements for each relevant dimension or direction, with units and approval version. |
| Appearance review | Any agreed checks for distortion, seam behavior, trim interaction and finished shape. |
Review method and record
- Identify and retain the specimen or garment record. Record the measurement locations so the same dimensions can be compared.
- Take the initial readings under the agreed preparation conditions. Record units and the material or garment state.
- Apply the specified care procedure and record what was actually used. A different drying route is a different evaluation condition.
- Measure the same locations again under the agreed conditions. Retain initial and final values, not just a pass label.
- Compare each result with the approved criterion. Review discrepancies, material changes or finishing changes before deciding whether an earlier approval remains applicable.
Common failure modes and prevention
| Failure mode | Preventive review |
|---|---|
| Different care routes compared as equivalent | Keep the washing and drying details attached to each result. |
| A fabric result treated as a garment guarantee | Check the finished garment and the relevant seams, ribs and trims where required. |
| A changed material still using an old approval | Identify the changed material or process and agree what needs reevaluation. |
Evidence that supports the decision
A dimensional-change record should identify the specimen, material or lot, initial and final readings, directions, care procedure, date, acceptance basis and reviewer. A general fabric brochure cannot establish the result for your finished garment.
Match the record to the material, sample or lot under discussion. See how to evaluate supporting evidence.
Method references
ISO 5077 addresses dimensional change of textiles after specified washing and drying procedures. ISO 5077:2007.
ISO 3759 addresses preparation, marking and measurement for dimensional-change testing. ISO 3759:2011.
The links provide public scope information. Follow the complete agreed method and edition when performing a test; this page does not reproduce a standard or claim a completed test.
Buyer questions
Does preshrunk mean no dimensional change?
The term alone is not an acceptance criterion. Request the material and finishing details and a result under the care procedure relevant to your product.
Can one shrinkage percentage cover length and width?
Specify the directions separately. The applicable limits and recorded values need to identify which dimension they describe.
Discuss your project requirements
Send the information below to make the review specific to your product.
- Product, material and specification version.
- The reference or method and acceptance criteria you need.
- Sample or lot identity and the decision to be made.