Does Nylon Shrink When Washed?

By Staff WriterLast Updated December 05, 2023

Nylon does not typically shrink in the wash, but nylon garments made from synthetic fiber combinations can shrink depending on what fibers are used. Shrinking synthetic garments often requires using a washer and dryer set on high heat.

Synthetic clothing is recommended to be dried on the low setting because it typically produces static and may permanently wrinkle the garment. Cotton and wool fabrics are much easier to shrink than synthetics, although cotton is typically pre-shrunk from the manufacturers. Silk is recommended to be hand washed and dry cleaned, as the heat can dull the fabric and the dyes used often bleed.