Shrink pre-treated
Also known as: Shrink treated, Pre-shrunk
Umbrella term for fabrics whose shrinkage potential has been reduced before making-up by mechanical or thermal processes.
Description
Shrink pre-treated is an umbrella term for all finishes that reduce the residual shrinkage of a textile before cutting. On cotton fabrics mechanical processes like sanforising, compacting or tumbling are used, on wool high-crimp steaming, on synthetics thermal setting. The aim is always residual shrinkage below two percent so that finished garments stay in size after the first wash.
Knitted fabrics are often processed on compactors: damp single jersey runs between two rubber rolls that compress it in length direction and is then heat-set. Wool fabrics only require repeated steaming and resting on shrinking tables. High-performance sportswear runs through thermosetting stenter frames at around 190 degrees.
On labels, shrink pre-treated is often used synonymously with pre-shrunk. Consumers can expect a maximum residual shrinkage of about three percent under proper care, which is tolerable for standard sizing. Without this treatment T-shirts would come out one size smaller after the first wash.
Properties
| Process | Mechanical, thermal or steam |
|---|---|
| Result | Residual shrinkage 1-3 % |
| Colour fastness | Not affected |
Related product categories
Sources & references
2- Wikipedia: Sanforisieren Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanforisieren
- Textile Learner: Shrinkage textilelearner.net https://textilelearner.net/shrinkage-of-textile-materials/
