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I washed an Esprit rayon dress this winter (strictly by the instructions) and had it shrink lengthwise enough that it was too short to wear to work. At least an inch, maybe two.

I'm now trying to decide between an AT dress in petite or regular. The petite fits perfectly while the regular is about an inch too long. It's made of a 93% rayon/7% spandex jersey. Get the petite and hope it doesn't shrink? Or get the regular and hope it does?

14 years ago General

31 replies

Latest reply was from Canada Di (website) Veteran

I hadn't known that rayon could shrink! But I'd buy the petite, and be careful to line dry it.

14 years ago nancylee Veteran

Rayon can definitely shrink! I once had a rayon blouse shrink so much it was unwearable. I think the high percentage of rayon (93%) in the dress you're contemplating might make dry cleaning a safer bet if you want it to stay the same size. Maybe the petite dress, then?

14 years ago Mo (website) Veteran

I've had 2 rayon cardigans shrink considerably, but some don't and I don't know why. Maybe the weave is different?

14 years ago taylor Veteran

YEP, I found out the hard way many yrs. ago major shrinkage!

14 years ago Vildy Veteran

Not only does it shrink but it will shrink in a cold water wash, forget about any dryer.

Some items where the waistband is cut improperly to save money, will shrink lengthwise!

I hand wash my rayon very cautiously and seem to do okay. Though rayon is supposed to be one of those fabrics that will keep on shrinking perpetually.

14 years ago taylor Veteran

Vildy...so right. I hand washed in cold my favorite blouse eons ago and not only did it shrink the fabric itself became shapeless and faded.

14 years ago Heather Veteran

Beth, yes! This has happened to me more than once. I now take all rayon to the DC. I am so sorry about your dress shrinking.

14 years ago DressLover Veteran

Rayon, depending on how the fabric is finished, can be a complete pain. If you can, dry clean it. And try not to wear it on rainy days as rayon with a silky finish can water spot and sometimes the spots can't be removed entirely.

14 years ago Beth Veteran

So what you're really saying is that I should just increase my clothing budget and buy silk, is that right?

*Ahem*

Right?

14 years ago Kappy Veteran

I am always interested in the "science" of fabric because I am trying to figure out why certain fabrics pill (I love knits, but hate pilling). Here's more than you ever wanted to know about rayon:

http://www.swicofil.com/viscose.html

Looks like basically if it is viscose rayon, it is dry clean only.

14 years ago Scarlet Veteran

I have had big disappointments with rayon and modal. Proceed with caution. or silk.

14 years ago April Veteran

OF COURSE you should increase your clothing budget and buy silk!

Someone has to do it...

14 years ago Angie (website) Fashion Stylist

Make sure you're not mixing up Rayon with Viscose - Viscose, a type of Rayon, shrinks chronically. Good quality rayon should not shrink.

I'd pick the regular length, Beth.

14 years ago lyn* (website) Veteran

I had cheap rayon shrink like crazy on me - a dress that fit me is now child sized. My neighbor thinks it's hilarious. I however, do it :p Okay, it's a little amusing.

Higher end items with rayon I've had good luck with! But I also dry on low-heat.

14 years ago Beth Veteran

April, I knew I could rely on you! Time to explain to DH my new philosophy!

Angie, I went ahead with the regular length. Silly question, if an item is viscose rayon, will the tag say exactly that?

Also, the tag says that the dress is machine washable. Sounds like dry cleaning is a much better option, yes?

14 years ago MNsara Veteran

I've had good luck and bad luck with cold handwashing rayon. The rayon knits seem to be the least stable. My woven rayons have done better.

I'm always one to baby new new faves wtih tender care (i.e. dry cleaning) and when they get demoted by new loves, I start handwashing and take my chances.

Silk is definitely a good option

14 years ago Angie (website) Fashion Stylist

Beth, the label usually states "Viscose".

14 years ago Debora Veteran

Sorry about your dress, Beth, and how frustrating to have this happen after following the care directions. I'll definitely be more careful with rayon in the future after reading this. I like Sara's suggestion about babying new faves with dry cleaning. I've had my share of shrinking brand new clothing the very first time I've washed them. Not fun!

14 years ago Robin Member

This is my first day as a member. I came here through a google search. This is an old post, so I'm not sure if this will be seen here or not.. I purchased a pair of rayon pants online to pick up in the store at Macy's. I'm disabled, so shopping in stores is difficult for me. The pants are a little big on me. The label states to machine wash cold and tumble dry low. If I wash them on warm and dry them on medium, will they shrink a little? If they don't shrink enough, would it damage them to wash or dry at higher temperatures? Any suggestions?

10 years ago Liz Veteran

Robin, my recommendation would be to return them, if you can, and hold out for a pair that fit. I'm sorry shopping is hard -- if it's not possible to return, maybe altering them would be a better bet.

It's really hard to get fabric to shrink when and how you want it to. Often, if it does shrink, it will shrink in length as well as width, and end up not fitting.

10 years ago Laura (rhubarbgirl) (website) Veteran

Yes, most things will shrink more in the length than in the width when first washed (it has to do with how fabric is woven), so you might end up with pants that fit but are too short. It's really hard to tell.

10 years ago Keturah Veteran

Oh no Beth I'm grateful for the thread though. I thought I had grown a few inches. I tried on my jersey maxi dress after a season of wearing it and either hand washing cold or delicate cycle on machine, then drying flat. Zip! a good inch or two shorter.

I never thought to dry clean rayon, Especially a $50 jersey dress at that. Bugger.

10 years ago thimblelina (website) Veteran

Yes, rayon shrinks... Very sad. Learned the hard way like so many others here. Don't start me on modal: pills! And just today when I was about to consign 4 pima tees to the workout pile for stains I learned pima needs hot hot hot water to release stains. You could earn a phD in these fabrications...

10 years ago ALICIA AROL Member

My 100% RAYON, No Boundaries, shorts shrunk significantly when washed in cold water? I didn't even tumble dry the shorts on low!!!! I washed the shorts on gentle cycle. I followed all the washing instructions and then some, yet these CHEAP shorts ($7.98 at Walmart) not only shrunk but noticeably/significantly shrunk!!!!! How can Walmart even sell these shorts if the shorts shrink that much from simply (per instructions on label) washing them on gentle cycle in cold water?????? (I can only imagine what worse things would have happened to these shorts if I had put them in dryer?)

7 years ago Beth Ann Veteran

There are major differences in Rayon. My memories from th 90s, the last time rayon was prominent, have led me to a decision to only buy it from places with a good return policy. I hand wash my rayon, and I actually pull it a bit befor leaving it to dry. I find that it releases a bit as you wear it again, but I always count on losing some length.

7 years ago Echo Veteran

In my experience, rayon (not just viscose) shrinks horribly - as others have mentioned, in cold water, with no dryer and when washed according to directions. I simply won't buy it anymore because it is so unpredictable.

7 years ago Anonymous

Yup! And Always be careful when it’s in a lining of a garment.

7 years ago cindysmith Veteran

I've had rayon shrink even though it was washed in cold water and line dried or dried flat. Rayon is so temperamental like that, in my experience. I generally size up in rayon so it leaves room for shrinkage.

I also have a pair of rayon shorts that I love the print, fit great in the store, and would be perfect for either work or not-work (uber casual outdoor work environment), and I can't get those darned things to shrink to save my life. These shorts are the exception-- I'm 48 years old and this is the first time I've ever come across this situation.

7 years ago Peaches Active Member

In my experience, all-rayon shrinks when washed, regardless of what the label on the item says. Cold water doesn't help. Hanging to dry doesn't help.I've had this happen with expensive items from Nordstrom and Macy's, and inexpensive items from Old Navy, etc. Rayon does have a lovely drape to it. It looks enticing on the hanger. But unless I'm willing to pay to have the item dry cleaned (which is rare), I pass up 100% rayon.

On the other hand, I've had good experiences with blended fabrics, when rayon is only one element. The other fabric elements (polyester, cotton, spandex, acrylic, etc.) seem to stabilize the rayon, avoiding the problems of shrinkage and wrinkling. I some several sweaters that are part rayon; they've been washed and held up fine.

7 years ago 12

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