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Does Lyocell Shrink? (Detailed Answer)

People nowadays are becoming more aware of sustainability and the damage done by fast fashion. For this reason, manufacturers have started to create materials that are safe for the environment.

A sustainable, non-toxic material that is also characterized as being high-quality as well as durable is lyocell.

The synthetic fibers of lyocell are produced from plants which causes the material to be regarded as both natural and synthetic, similar to the gentleness of silk.

Key Takeaways

  • Lyocell is a silky material that can undergo shrinkage if it is not maintained properly.
  • Exposure to high heat and hot water can damage the fibers of lyocell and also cause shrinkage.
  • Drying lyocell in a dryer using high heat can shrink the material and cause it to lose its original shape and form.
  • If it is properly maintained, the lyocell will slightly shrink after washing and return to its original form after wearing.
  • The best way of washing lyocell in order to avoid damage and shrinkage is to wash the material by hand.

Does Lyocell Shrink?

The lyocell material can shrink to some degree after it has been washed or dried in a dryer. With proper maintenance, the levels of shrinkage in regards to lyocell are low and almost unnoticeable. This is what makes lyocell a practical and also sustainable material to use and wear.

Also Read: What Exactly Is Bamboo Fabric?

Avoiding High-Heat To Prevent Shrinking

According to its process of production, lyocell is made synthetically out of natural materials such as plants. These properties make the lyocell fabric very gentle and delicate on the skin.

Due to its high-quality properties, lyocell is also a highly durable material. However, this material is also known to be high-maintenance and sensitive to heat.

Exposing the lyocell fabric to high levels of heat can cause severe shrinkage. In order to prevent this from happening, always make sure to read the care label instructions on the lyocell piece of clothing.

Clothing pieces usually come with a care label that clearly states from which materials the item is produced and what is the best way to take care of it.

Lyocell is usually washed with cool water which prevents it from getting shrunk and retaining its original quality and shape for a long time.

The avoidance of any type of high heat, whether it is in the washing machine, in a dryer, or with a clothing iron, will prevent lyocell from shrinking.

How To Properly Maintain Lyocell

Making sure that you are providing the best possible maintenance of your clothing pieces made out of lyocell is crucial in order to retain their original form and longevity characteristics.

Usually, every lyocell clothing piece contains a care label with instructions for maintenance. The first important thing that is emphasized is to avoid washing lyocell in hot water temperature and opt for cool water.

It is not always recommended for lyocell materials to be washed in the washing machine because of the severe damage that can be done to delicate fibers because of the constant motions.

Instead, the best way to ensure proper maintenance of your lyocell pieces of clothing is to take your time and wash them by hand. Although this process is not the easiest and most time-effective, it is surely the best.

Washing lyocell materials by hand also requires the need for a proper detergent. Mild detergents are the best choice to use for lyocell followed by a suitable conditioner in order to keep the silky feeling of the material.

After they have been washed, lyocell pieces should not be simply tossed in a dryer on high heat. In order to make sure that you avoid shrinkage during the process of drying, it is best to leave your lyocell materials to air dry.

How to Iron Lyocell without Shrinking It and Damaging Its Fibers

Because of the fact that lyocell can be highly sensitive to heat which can cause shrinkage and damage to the fibers, it is important to iron it in a proper way.

Avoiding the use of the highest possible heat setting is a good way to start. Using excessive heat on lyocell can damage its fibers, cause the material to shrink, and even burn the clothing piece.

For this reason, the best way of ironing lyocell materials is to use the low heat setting with gentle and slow motions in order to ensure that no damage or shrinkage will be caused to the fabric.

Also Read: What Exactly Is Rayon Fabric?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can lyocell materials be safely dried in the dryer?

Using the dryer to dry your lyocell materials may not be the best choice when it comes to avoiding the items to shrink and lose their original shape. Especially if lyocell is dried by using high heat, this can cause damage to it due to its high levels of heat sensitivity.

Does the lyocell material shrink and wrinkle?

Lyocell can shrink if it is washed with hot water as well as dried and ironed on a high setting. Wrinkles do not usually appear on lyocell materials and the need of ironing is not necessary. However, if there are some wrinkles making their appearance on lyocell, they can be easily taken out by ironing on a low heat setting.

Can lyocell be washed in the washing machine?

Although it is possible for lyocell to be washed in a washing machine by the use of a gentle cycle and a mild detergent, a better way of maintaining its quality is to wash your lyocell pieces by hand.

Final Words

The majority of materials, regardless of whether they are produced from natural or synthetic fibers have a tendency to undergo shrinkage if they are subjected to high levels of heat.

Lyocell has high-quality characteristics because its unique properties make it both durable and delicate at the same time. If it is taken care of in a proper way, it will serve you a long time with the retention of its original quality.

For this reason, it is very important to properly maintain the quality and shape of lyocell materials which can also ensure the avoidance of shrinkage and severe damage.