Many people have started choosing hemp clothing as a more sustainable and durable option, but you might be asking yourself, does hemp clothing shrink? In this article, we will learn what hemp clothing is, the best way to treat your hemp garments and the best tips to prevent shrinkage.
Let’s start with learning a little bit more about hemp clothing. These textiles are derived from the hemp plant, also known as Cannabis sativa, used for thousands of years for various purposes, including textile production. Fibers of the plant’s stalk are extracted and processed to create strong, durable pieces of clothing. It is an incredibly versatile material that can be blended with other fibers like cotton or wool to enhance its properties even more.
To prevent hemp clothing from shrinking, you need to properly care for them. It is always recommended to follow the instructions on the label provided by the manufacturer. Generally, the best way to wash your hemp clothing is with cold water using a gentle cycle on your washing machine. It is not recommended to use a dryer as the heat could severely damage the clothes. Best practice indicates to air dry to preserve the size and shape of the garment.
Now that you know what hemp clothing is, we are ready to answer the question: does hemp clothing shrink?
One of the main reasons hemp clothes shrink is due to the washing and drying methods used on the garments. Mainly, high water temperatures and high heat during drying can cause fibers on the fabric to tighten and shrink. Vigorous agitation in the washer can increase the likelihood of shrinkage as well. To prevent this from happening, make sure you use a gentle washing cycle and low heat.
Some factors that affect shrinking in hemp clothing are related to the manufacturing of the garments. Before reaching the consumer, manufacturers can treat the fabrics with certain chemicals and substances to enhance the properties to achieve greater wrinkle resistance and water repellency which directly affects the shrinkage and its response to washing and drying.
When constructing the fabric, manufacturers process the hemp fibers in different ways, such as retting or spinning, affecting the stability of the fibers. The more stable and tighter the weave of the fabric is, the less shrinkage you will notice in your garments over time. Make sure you choose high quality and inspect the garment thoroughly before purchasing it. However, overall, if you want to know, does hemp clothing shrink? the answer will be negative. Hemp fibers are known for their resistance and following proper care instructions will minimize this issue and prevent pieces of clothing from losing their shape.
In this article, we share the best tips for you to minimize the risk of shrinking your hemp clothes. First of all, avoid fabric softener as these garments do not require it and could damage the fabric and change its shape. A better alternative is using natural products like vinegar or baking soda which will have a similar effect. Additionally, make sure you use cold water to minimize the risk of shrinkage. Finally, use a gentle cycle or hand wash your hemp clothes as this can lead to unnecessary stress on the fabric. We hope that after reading this article we have answered your question: does hemp clothing shrink? Follow these tips for the best care for your clothes.
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