Does Velour Shrink? – The Ultimate Velour Enigma

Cotton, linen, and silk are common materials that many people expect to shrink. But what about the less common material – velour? Whether or not this exquisite fabric is prone to shrinking is essential if you invest in velour clothing or upholstery.

Here, I will focus on delving into the topic, discussing the properties of velour, and offering tips on how to care for your velour items to prevent shrinkage.

Can Velour Fabric Shrink?

Velour fabric can shrink if not properly cared for. Velour is a plush, knitted fabric or textile made from cotton or polyester. Despite its luxurious look and feel, velour is susceptible to shrinkage, particularly under high temperatures when washed or dried.

Much like velvet, it’s a soft, fuzzy material that needs to be handled delicately when washed to maintain its integrity and size. To prevent the velour from shrinking, the safest way to clean it is to hand wash it using cold water and mild detergent and then let it air dry.

Just remember that popping it in the dryer will likely cause shrinkage because the high heat can damage the fibers and cause them to contract. Even using warm water while hand washing could potentially shrink the fabric.

How Much Does Velour Shrink?

Velour is a plush, knit fabric that is typically made from cotton but can also be derived from synthetic materials like polyester. Shrinkage rates can vary depending on the quality of the fabric and how it’s washed and dried. However, cotton-based velour shrinks about 3-5% if not pre-shrunk.

Shrinkage could also be greater if the velour is washed in hot water or dried using high heat. To prevent or minimize shrinkage, it’s recommended to wash velour in cool water, use a mild soap, and allow it to air dry. Some manufacturers even suggest dry-cleaning velour clothing to maintain size and plush texture.

Shrinkage rates for synthetic velours like those made from polyester are typically lower than their cotton counterparts. Still, checking the fabric care label for specific instructions is always good.

Factors Affecting Velour Shrinkage

Shrinkage in velour can occur due to various factors, and it’s essential to understand these factors to prevent or manage shrinkage effectively. Here are some key factors that can affect velour shrinkage:

Type of Fiber

Different types of fibers exhibit different levels of shrinkage. Synthetic fibers like polyester are prone to minimal shrinkage compared to natural fibers. On the other hand, natural fibers such as cotton shrink considerably more. Thus, the type of fiber used in the velour fabric directly affects its shrinkage.

Fabric Construction

The way the fabric is woven or knitted has a significant effect on shrinkage. For instance, a tightly woven or knitted fabric will often shrink less than a loose or coarse weave/knit.

Laundry Methods

The way velour garments are cared for is a critical factor in determining the degree of shrinking. High temperatures during washing and drying cause fibers to tighten or curl, leading to shrinkage.

So, velour should be washed in cold water and air-dried to prevent shrinkage. Over-drying can also cause velour fabric to shrink; hence, tumble drying should be done cautiously.

Drying Process

How the velour is dried during manufacturing also affects how much it will shrink. If the fabric is heat set or chemically treated during production, it may shrink less than untreated.

Environmental Conditions

Constant exposure to high heat or harsh weather conditions can contribute to the shrinkage of velour fabric. Other environmental factors include humidity and air quality.

How to Care for Velour Material?

Proper maintenance can go a long way in preserving velour fabric’s aesthetic appeal and texture, whether used in clothing, upholstery, or other textile products. Caring for velour materials requires specific measures due to it’s unique attributes.

Here’s how to care for velour material appropriately:

Cleaning

Always check the care label before cleaning any velour product since different types of velour may require specific cleaning instructions. Generally, most items can be hand washed or washed on a gentle machine cycle using cold water and a mild detergent. Avoid using bleach on velour as it can damage the fibers and cause fading.

Drying

Velour should never be wrung out or twisted, as this can stretch or damage the fabric. Instead, blot away as much water as possible with a clean towel, then let it air dry naturally. Do not use a tumble dryer or direct sunlight to dry as it can cause the fabric to shrink or fade.

Ironing

Thanks to the knit nature, velour usually does not require ironing. If necessary, use a low-heat setting and always iron on the wrong side of the fabric. A pressing cloth between the iron and velour material can further protect it.

Storage

Velour should be stored flat or folded to prevent stretching. Avoid using plastic bags or other air-tight containers for storage, as this can cause the fabric to get damp and mildewy. A well-ventilated area with protection from direct sunlight is the best choice.

Spot Cleaning

Spot cleaning can be done with a soft cloth and cold water for minor stains. Stubborn stains may require a gentle soap but thoroughly rinse the spot afterward. Always blot the area dry with a towel instead of rubbing, as this can damage or displace the fibers.

General Care

Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals, including perfume and hairspray, as they can stain or damage the fabric. Also, remember to avoid abrasive surfaces that could cause pilling or snags.

How to Restore Shrunken Velour?

Restoring shrunken velour requires a gentle and careful process to relax the fabric fibers enough to return them to their original shape. Here’s a step-by-step guide, sourced from textile experts and professional garment care sources, on how to get your cherished velour items back to their former glory.

Materials You Will Need

Tips to Prevent Velour from Shrinking

Gentle and careful treatment is the key to preventing velour from shrinking. Improper care can lead to shrinkage and loss of the material’s soft texture. Here are some tips to prevent your Velour items from shrinking.

Wash Carefully

Always check the care label before washing velour items. The most common advice is to wash velour in cold water on a gentle cycle. This protects the fabric from the strong washing cycles that can cause it to shrink.

Use Mild Detergent

Harsh cleaning chemicals can damage the fabrics, causing them to lose elasticity and shrink. Use a mild, natural detergent that is safe for delicate fabrics.

Avoid High Heat

High temperatures can cause velour to shrink. After washing, instead of machine drying, squeeze out excess water gently and lay the item flat to air-dry over a clean towel. If using a dryer, always set it on the lowest heat setting or use the ‘air dry’ feature if available.

Don’t Wring It Out

Velour fabric can be severely damaged if you wring it out to remove excess water. Instead, gently squeeze the water or roll it up in a towel to absorb the extra moisture.

Regular Conditioning

Over time, the fabric can harden and shrink. Regular fabric conditioning can help to maintain the softness and prevent shrinking. Always ensure to use a conditioner that is suitable for delicate fabrics.

Professional Cleaning

When in doubt, cleaning the item professionally is the safest way to prevent shrinkage. Especially for larger items like velour-upholstered furniture, getting a professional cleaning service may be a worthwhile investment.

Conclusion

Velour has a tendency to shrink when exposed to high heat or excessive agitation during the washing and drying process. To prevent shrinkage, washing velour garments in cold water and air-drying them is recommended.

But, if shrinkage does occur, there are methods to try and restore the garment to its original size. You must carefully follow care instructions and take proper precautions when laundering velour to maintain its soft and luxurious texture.