Rayon
Does rayon shrink?
Yes – rayon shrinks in hot water and the dryer, especially as a knit. Wash at 30 °C and dry without heat.
How to prevent it
- Wash cool: 30 °C or as the label says, never hotter.
- Use a gentle cycle and a lower spin.
- Dry without heat – on a line or flat; the dryer is the main culprit.
- Iron at the temperature on the label.
If it has shrunk
- If it has shrunk: soak in lukewarm water with hair conditioner for 30 minutes, gently stretch and dry flat. It helps some fabrics; felted wool won't recover.
About rayon
Rayon is the umbrella name (especially in the US) for cellulose fibres. Viscose, modal and lyocell are types of rayon made in different ways.
Which fabrics shrink most and least
Other questions
Questions and answers
Frequently asked
01What is rayon?
Wood cellulose. Rayon is the umbrella name (especially in the US) for cellulose fibres. Viscose, modal and lyocell are types of rayon made in different ways.
02Is rayon a natural fabric?
Partly: the raw material is natural (wood cellulose) but the fibre is made chemically – it's regenerated, neither natural nor synthetic.
03Is rayon breathable?
Yes: rayon lets air through and absorbs moisture – cool in the heat.