Does Fleece Shrink in the Dryer? All You Need to Know (2023)

“fleece” refers to any fabric made from wool or wool blends. This fabric includes fleece blankets, jackets, socks, and even pillows.

This topic is important because it’s a common question many people ask themselves when they first use fleece clothing and think of sewing it

does fleece shrink in the dryer

Does fleece shrink in the dryer? Is it possible that they can shrink in the dryer? If they do, what do they shrink down to? What do they look like after they’ve been dried?

Don’t worry. In this post, we explore the myth of fleece shrinking in the dryer. We show you the truth about the durability of fleece, and we share with you all the tips you need to know about caring for your fleece.

FLEECE FABRIC – WHAT IS IT?

Before we talk about fleece fabric, it’s important to understand the different types of fabrics and their properties. This way, you can better understand how fleece works and why it doesn’t usually shrink in the dryer.

Fabrics are made up of two types of fibers: natural fibers and synthetic fibers. Natural fibers come from plants and animals, while synthetic fibers are man-made.

Cotton, linen, wool, and silk are the most common natural fibers in fabric production. These fibers have been used for centuries to make clothing and other items.

Different types of fleece fabric

There are three main types of fleece fabric.

cotton fleece

The first type is cotton fleece. Cotton fleece is usually white in color, soft, and durable. It is inexpensive and lightweight. Some people prefer this type because it is easy to clean. However, it doesn’t provide much insulation. It’s a good choice for sleeping.

white colored fleece fabric

synthetic fleece

The second type is a fleece that is made from synthetic materials. These fibers are durable and waterproof. They are often used in outer garments. They are available in different colors.

acrylic fleece

The third type is acrylic fleece. This type of fleece is soft and warm. It is also inexpensive, and it’s waterproof. It is a good choice for sleeping because it is lightweight and comfortable.

Does fleece shrink in the dryer?

Now that you know a little about fleece, let’s answer the question: does fleece shrink in the dryer? The answer is no; fleece does not shrink in the dryer. It is one of the most durable fabrics available.

Fleece is made from synthetic fibers that are resistant to heat. As a result, you can put fleece in the dryer on a high setting, and it won’t shrink.

You only need to be careful with fleece if it is 100% wool. Wool can shrink when exposed to high temperatures. However, most fleece is made from synthetic fibers, so you don’t need to worry about shrinking in the dryer.

Does cotton fleece shrink?

Cotton doesn’t shrink when you wash it. However, it does shrink if it is dry cleaned. It is normal. Fleece shrinks less than regular clothing.

Most people think that this type of fabric does shrink in the dryer. It is not. This type of fabric doesn’t shrink. The only time it shrinks is when you dry it.

 What About Polyester Fleece?

Polyester fleece does shrink when you dry it, but it doesn’t shrink much. However, it would help if you didn’t hang it directly on the dryer because it will cause it to shrink more.

It will take several hours to dry the fabric completely.

To ensure that your polyester fleece doesn’t shrink too much, hang it on a clothesline. Use a clothespin to hold the fabric together. By doing this, you will be able to keep the fabric away from the dryer.

Does the fleece blanket shrink in the dryer?

Yes, the fleece blanket shrink. If you dry it in a dryer, it will shrink. You will see it shrink the first time you put it in the dryer.

You will have to put the blanket in the dryer again if you want to shrink it some more. After you’ve shrunk it, you should put it in the dryer again to dry it.

You can put it in a bag or a plastic trash bag before you dry it. This will protect it from shrinking further. You can dry it on a clothesline.

That will also help you to prevent it from shrinking. If you dry it on a clothesline, you will need to fold it in half lengthwise. Ensure the edges are tucked inside, so they don’t touch each other.

Does microfleece shrink

The main advantage of microfleece is that it doesn’t shrink as much as polyester fleece. Microfleece is made from 100% polyester.

It is a very soft fabric that is perfect for making clothing. This material is usually found on baby items.

It is lightweight, which makes it perfect for kids. It also doesn’t stretch as much as regular fleece does. Microfleece will shrink less when you dry it in the dryer.

mixed color of fleece fabric

The reason for this is that microfleece is made of very fine fibers. Fibers can shrink more than regular fleece when they get hot and dry.

Some Do’s and Don’ts When it Comes to Fleece.

DO’S

  •  Make sure that the fleece you use is 100% polyester.
  •  Be sure to wash the item before you put it into the dryer.
  •  Use the lowest setting on the dryer.
  •  Make sure the fabric you use is very soft and lightweight. If it is too thick or heavy, it won’t dry properly.

DON’TS

  • Do not put your fleece items inside plastic bags. Plastic will melt, and the bag’s contents will get mixed up with the fleece.
  • Never put your fleece items inside drawers. Drawers are bad for your fleece because they can cause the item to lose its shape.
  • Try not to put your fleece items inside your laundry basket.
  • Don’t put cotton or silk into the dryer with the fleece. These materials will make the fabric stiff.
  • Don’t put microfleece in the dryer with regular fleece. The microfleece will shrink as a result.

Does fleece fabric need to be prewashed?

It is important to wash the fleece regularly. You should wash fleece items whenever they get dirty or soiled. 

You will be able to clean it more easily this way. However, you shouldn’t wash your fleece items too often. That will cause them to lose their shape. 

Your fleece should not be ironed. That will cause it to lose its shape as well. If you use a washing machine to wash your fleece items, select the setting that says “Cold Wash.” 

It is important to let your fleece items dry completely after washing. As a result, they will dry slowly. You shouldn’t put your fleece items in the dryer. 

Doing this could cause your fleece to lose its shape. You should only place your fleece in the dryer if it needs to be dried.

Does Fleece Shrink After Washing?

The main question is whether the fleece will shrink after being washed. Well, yes, it will shrink, but not a lot. If you wash a fleece sweater, it will shrink about two percent. You may be wondering whether this will make a big difference.

close view of fleece sweater

No, it won’t. A fleece jacket that shrinks about two percent is still perfectly fine. As long as you do not wash your fleece items more than twice a year, there is no problem with shrinking.

Also, if you do not use any detergent on your fleece clothes, they will not shrink.

Fleece Washing: How To Avoid Shrinkage?

When you are washing fleece, you will need to choose the right temperature and time. If you don’t do that, you will end up with shrinkage.

It is important to adjust the temperature because It varies from fabric to fabric. You can wash wool at room temperature, and cotton needs to be washed at 60 degrees.

It would be best if you also were sure to use warm water and soap. The time you should use will depend on the type of fleece you wash. The fleece should soak in water for half an hour and be rinsed in cold water afterward.

You should ensure that your hands aren’t wet when washing the fleece. When washing fleece, you should ensure that you do it properly.

TIPS FOR CARING FOR YOUR FLEECE

Now that you know that fleece doesn’t shrink in the dryer, here are a few tips for caring for your fleece:

  • Read the care label before washing your fleece. It will help you determine how to wash it.
  • Wash your fleece in cold water. Hot water can damage the fibers.
  • Use a mild detergent. Harsh detergents can also damage the fibers.
  • Don’t use fabric softener. A fabric softener can make the fabric less breathable and more likely.

Can You Shrink Fleece Sweater, Jacket, or Pants?

The answer is yes; you can shrink your fleece sweater, jacket, or pants. Fleece is made from polyester, which is a synthetic fabric. Polyester is known for its resistance to wrinkling and shrinking.

man wearing brown colored fleece jacket

You can shrink your fleece clothing by washing it in hot water and then putting it in the dryer on the high heat setting. You should check the clothing regularly to ensure it is not shrinking too much.

What are some methods to shrink fleece if necessary?

You can shrink fleece sweaters, jackets, or pants with several methods. Some of these methods are chemical processes, while others are natural methods.

You can shrink your fleece sweater, jacket, or pants using the following methods.

Heating method 

Shrink a fleece sweater, jacket, or pants by heating it. If you want to shrink your fleece sweater, jacket or pants, you need to heat them.

To do this, you should place it into a large pot filled with water and boil it until the water is almost boiling. The sweater, jacket, or pants will take about 30 minutes to shrink.

Soaking in hot water 

Another method to shrink fleece is soaking it in hot water.

You can also shrink your fleece sweater, jacket, or pants by soaking them in hot water. First, pour hot water over the fleece sweater, jacket, or pants.

Please leave it in hot water for at least one hour. After the water has cooled off, you can put your fleece sweater, jacket, or pants back in hot water for another hour. Continue this process until your fleece sweater, jacket, or pants are shrunk.

Using commercial product

Shrink a fleece sweater, jacket, or pants by using a commercial product.

If you don’t want chemicals to shrink your fleece sweater, jacket, or pants, you should try using a commercial product.

Many people have used this method to shrink their fleece sweaters, jacket, or pants. You can find these products in most stores.

Can the fleece shrink in the dryer be fixed or restored?

If you have a shrink-wrapped fleece sweater, jacket, or pants and are wondering whether you can fix or restore it, the answer is no; you can’t.

If you want to shrink your fleece sweater, jacket, or pants, you should cut them into smaller pieces or use a commercial product.

If you have shrunk your fleece sweater, jacket, or pants and have a problem, you should try restoring it.

It is a difficult task. There is no guarantee that you will succeed in restoring it.

However, if you want to restore your fleece sweater, jacket, or pants, you should know that you can’t use chemicals to shrink your fleece sweater, jacket, or pants.

If you want to shrink your fleece sweater, jacket, or pants, you should use a commercial product.

Conclusion

To conclude, yes, fleece can shrink in the dryer, but not much. If you are worried about your clothes shrinking, you should wash them in cold water and then put them in the dryer on the low heat setting. You should also check the clothing regularly to ensure it is not shrinking too much.