Why do clothes shrink?

Answer by  debthelpguy (30)

When clothing is made of a natural material like cotton or wool the fibers are stressed and stretched in order to we woven into cloth. When those fibers are washed and/or dried at a high temperature those fibers want to return to their natural state.

Answer by  JYas (68)

Clothes shrink for many reasons. When washed, clothes can shrink if the water is too hot as it will cause the fibers to pull together. Same goes for the dryer. . .too much heat causes the fibers to compact and shrink in size. Natural fibers, such as cotton or wool, will shrink more often than others due to their cellular makeup.

Answer by  Anonymous

The notion that clothing shrinks is a myth. Laundry is often done on Sundays, after a weekend of loafing. The slight weight gain most people experience on the weekend is enough to give the false impression of "shrinkage".

Answer by  Anonymous

the heat makes it expand, but when you take the clothes out of the dryer, contact with room temperature cause it to shrink rapidly to half its size. I think.

Answer by  Anonymous

egg

Answer by  Eia (24)

I believe that clothes shrink because they fabrics that they are made of cannot handle the heat from the dryer. The dryer damages the particles of the fabric and the when they are damaged the clothing items shrink. This is just my opinion and I hope that I am correct.