FR clothing shrinkage: How to prevent shrinking FR workwear
FR clothing shrinkage is one of the most common frustrations with flame-resistant workwear—and most of the time, the real culprit is dryer heat (and over-drying), not the washer.
This guide explains why FR clothing shrinkage happens and how to prevent it using conservative, label-friendly habits.
Safety note: Always follow the garment care label and your workplace safety program.
Quick links:
- /fr-clothing-care/
- /hard-water-fr-clothing/
- /best-detergent-for-fr-clothing/
- /ppe-decontamination-retirement-guide/
FR clothing shrinkage: what causes it?
FR garments can shrink for the same reasons as regular clothing:
- fiber tightening in early wash cycles
- heat + time in the dryer
- over-drying (especially on high heat)
Some FR guidance notes that a large portion of shrinkage happens in the first few washes, so your early laundering choices matter.
FR clothing shrinkage prevention: the safest routine
1) Follow the label temperature cap
Use the garment care label as your rule. Different FR fabrics have different limits. If you manage mixed garments, a conservative baseline is “warm wash within label limits,” not hot.
Also Read: Best Wash Temperature for FR Clothing
2) Use low heat drying (or line dry)
Low heat is the safest default for shrink control. If shrinkage is your #1 issue:
- line dry when possible, or
- use low heat and remove while slightly damp
3) Don’t over-dry
Over-drying increases shrinkage risk and can stress fabric over time. Remove promptly.
4) Don’t “solve dirt” with extra heat
If garments are heavily soiled, improve cleaning through:
- washing separately
- turning inside out
- pre-treating with detergent
- extra rinse Then adjust within label limits.
FR clothing shrinkage troubleshooting (quick fixes)
- If your garment already shrank: avoid trying to “stretch it back” aggressively (you can damage seams).
- Instead, prevent additional shrinkage by switching to low heat and shorter drying time.
FAQ
Does FR fabric shrink more than normal fabric?
Not always. Shrinkage depends on fiber blend, construction, and your drying routine. Dryer heat is usually the biggest driver.
Is it okay to dry FR clothing on high heat if I’m in a hurry?
High heat increases shrink risk and can reduce garment life. Low heat is the safer default.
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