Apparel education
Shrinkage is a process failure, not bad luck.
Cotton fibres relax after knitting and dyeing. If nobody relaxes them before cutting, your customer does it in the wash.
What's actually happening
Knitting and dyeing put tension into cotton fabric. When it's washed, the fibres release that tension and the fabric contracts — typically more in length than width. A tee cut from unrelaxed fabric can lose an inch or more in length after the first wash.
How it's prevented
1Fabric relaxation
Fabric rests after dyeing so tension releases before cutting.
2Compacting / pre-shrinking
Mechanical or chemical pre-shrink so the fabric has already done its contracting.
3Cut with allowance
Patterns account for the residual shrinkage measured on that specific fabric lot.
4Wash test
Finished garments washed and re-measured against the size chart before dispatch.
Questions to ask a supplier
Is the fabric pre-shrunk or compacted?
What is the measured residual shrinkage?
Do you wash-test garments before shipping?
Can I wash the sample before approving?