Does Satin Shrink? Ways to Unshrink Your Satin Dresses

Satin’s elegance, allure, and smoothness don’t make it prone to shrinking. Like any other material (Well…actually satin is a kind of weave), satin fabric can shrink 5% to 20% of its size. But the degree of shrinkage shouldn’t be attributed to poor quality. In reality, the more natural and pure the material of the satin weave, the more it will shrink after washing in hot water or high-heat drying. But, there’s another factor that reduces the amount of shrinkage: a tight weave, which is generally how silk and cotton satin are made. Proper care is also important to prevent your satin dress from shrinking. We’ve done our research - and listed all the details below for you.

Does Satin Shrink?

Yes, satin does shrink, often thanks to hot water washing or high-heat drying.

It shrinks to only a small extent when handled with care, which means following the proper label instructions and washing at delicate settings. It can shrink as much as 20% if mishandled. An important point to note here is that all materials will shrink to some extent. The reason lies in their production process. See all materials are stiff right after production and “relaxes” a bit right after washing, allowing the weaves to come together firmly. Some fabrics are washed and sold, but that’s not the case with all the fabrics (hence, the clothes) available in the market. Moreover, the fabric can shrink even after it is washed once.

Satin is made using different materials like silk, cotton, polyester, or nylon, which can further affect how much it shrinks over time.

Polyester Satin vs Silk Satin vs Cotton Satin: Which Shrinks More Easily?

Taking the ideal situation, i.e. 100% composition, the ranking of shrinkage is as follows:

Cotton satin > silk satin > polyester satin. 100% cotton satin is the most prone to shrinking of the three.

• Polyester satin will shrink the least of all because polyester is a synthetic fiber that resists both shrinking and wrinkles. It’s designed for improved durability and performance, making it one of the most popular raw materials, used in 70% of the clothing worldwide.
• Silk satin will have little shrinkage if it's handled correctly. Silk satin will be damaged if it's exposed to high heat and high tumbling action for an extended time. Use only cold water to wash your silk satins, dry them on a clothing rack in the shade, and don’t use high ironing heat to remove the wrinkles.
• Cotton satin will shrink the most of all. Cotton fibers have porous structures that react to high heat and friction, constricting them closer together over time. While most cotton in the market is pre-washed, it can still shrink between 2% to 7% of its original size, given it is handled correctly.

When Does Satin Shrink?

Satin tends to shrink under high heat and high pressure. It will shrink if you wash it in hot water, dry it under direct sunlight, or use the dryer on high heat. It will also shrink if it is washed/ dried on regular cycles in the washing machine or dryer. The satin weave can’t tolerate the high tumbling action of the dryer and shrinks under pressure.

Cotton satin will quickly shrink if you use either high heat or pressure. Silk satins should also be washed on delicate cycles or by hand and then left to air-dry in a cool, dry place. Polyester satins are shrink-resistant and can tolerate lower cycles on the dryer. Polyester blends are a different case though and require the same care as the cotton/ silk satins.

Another factor that contributes to satin shrinkage - that doesn’t often cross the mind - is harsh detergents. Harsh chemicals in detergents can adhere to the delicate satin fibers and make them stiff. Bleach-containing laundry soaps, softeners, etc. can also have the same effects. To wash satin, use a mild detergent with no harsh chemicals. For silk satins, stick to the cleaners that are designed for delicate silk fibers.

In short, less heat, less pressure, and mild washing are the keys to reducing satin shrinkage.

How to Unshrink Satin in the Wash

Here is a step-by-step process to unshrink satin in the wash:

1. Soak the satin dress in a bucket full of cold water. Add one or two squeezes of hair conditioner or baby shampoo. You can also use a mild detergent, but the first two will do the least damage.
2. Let the outfit soak for 30 minutes. This will unshrink the fibers and help regain the dress's actual size.
3. After 30 minutes, remove the clothing and massage gently to loosen the dress a bit more. Squeeze the excess water. Don’t wring the clothing.
4. Let the clothing air-dry.

How to Dry Satin without Shrinking at Home

To prevent shrinking, it’s best to air-dry your satin in the shade. But if you’re still wondering if you can put it in the dryer instead, then check the material of the dress. If it’s silk satin, then the answer is a straight NO. Silk fibers are delicate and the dryer’s tumbling action (even in the lowest setting) can shrink the fabric, dull the shine, fade the color, and damage the fibers - irreparably. To dry your silk satins, hang or flat lay the dress in the shade. Don’t wring to remove excess water, instead blot gently and let the natural air flow do the rest of the work.

The same rules apply to cotton satin and wool satin. The only exception is polyester satin. Some polyester satin fabrics are durable enough to handle the tumbling action and heat of the dryer, but only at the lowest setting. Polyester satins in blend forms (like silk, cotton, or wool) again fall under the category of air-drying in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

FAQs About Satin Shrinking

Does Polyester Satin Shrink?

No, polyester satin will have little to no shrinkage. However many polyester satins are generally a blend with satin, wool, and cotton, which can result in reduced dimensions of the clothing when washed and dried. Polyester, in itself, can resist shrinking at high temperatures (up to 140℉) and survive to wear & tear (like in the dryer). But again, following the label instructions is your best bet when it comes to caring for your polyester satin.

Does Satin Shrink in Hot Water?

Yes, satin shrinks in hot water. No matter the kind of material used to create the satin weave, high temperatures can damage the fibers, constrict them, and damage the dress beyond shrinking. It’s best to wash your satin dresses and upholstery in cold water instead.

Can I Dry My Satin Dress in the Dryer?

No, you shouldn’t dry your satin dress in the dryer. Not only will high heat and strong tumbling action shrink the fabric, but they will also damage the shine of the material. As a general rule, you should air-dry your satin dresses in shade on a clothing rack. Some polyester satins can tolerate low-heat dryer settings, but you should check that on the label instructions as some polyesters can also be a blend. Other satin dresses only ask for “dry-clean” due to the delicacy of the fabric.