Written by Tanya Zhang

Introduction

As a follow-up to our Does Cotton Shrink article, we have to tackle the same question when it comes to one of the most common fabric fibers in the world: polyester.

You might be searching "does polyester shrink" because it's time to wash that new polyester garment and, while it fits so nicely now, you're wondering does polyester shrink in the wash and does it shrink in the dryer?

While deciding to take care of clothes to maximize their longevity is both eco-friendly in the world of fast fashion and budget-friendly, we're here to deep dive into polyester fabric, its properties, and whether or not polyester clothing shrinks.

Antimoni, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

What is Polyester?

In short, polyester is a synthetic fiber derived from petroleum-based products. It is widely used in clothing, upholstery, and home textiles due to its durability and resistance to wrinkles, shrinking, and fading.

Unlike natural fibers like cotton and wool, polyester fabric does not absorb moisture easily, making it a preferred choice for athletic wear and outdoor gear.

 

The Science Behind Polyester’s Heat Resistance

Polyester is well-known for its durability and resistance to shrinking, but what makes it so heat-resistant? The answer lies in its chemical structure and synthetic composition.

Unlike natural fibers such as cotton and wool, which shrink when exposed to heat and moisture, polyester fabric maintains its shape due to its high melting point and tightly bonded molecular structure.

Polyester fibers are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a type of plastic that can withstand high temperatures. The melting point of polyester is approximately 482°F (250°C), which is significantly higher than most household washing and drying temperatures. Because of this, polyester does not break down or shrink as easily as natural fibers.

However, while polyester won’t melt in your washing machine or dryer, polyester fabric can still shrink slightly under extreme heat. Most polyester fabric can tolerate temperatures up to 140°F (60°C) without significant shrinkage, but anything beyond this threshold can cause the polyester fibers to tighten.

 

Does Polyester Shrink?

The short answer is polyester does not shrink easily, but under extreme heat, it can shrink slightly. Since polyester is a synthetic material, a polyester shirt, for example, is designed to retain its shape even after multiple washes. However, if exposed to high heat settings in a washing machine, dryer, or iron, polyester fabric can experience some shrinkage.

Does Recycled Polyester Shrink Differently?

Recycled polyester (rPET) is becoming increasingly popular as a sustainable alternative to traditional polyester. It is made from recycled plastic bottles, old polyester clothing, and industrial waste, reducing environmental impact. But does rPET behave the same way as regular polyester when it comes to shrinkage?

Recycled polyester tends to have slightly weaker fibers due to multiple processing cycles. This can lead to a marginally higher shrinkage rate compared to virgin polyester. However, the difference is small—rPET still retains most of polyester’s shrink-resistant properties.

Factors that influence rPET shrinkage include:

• Fabric blend – rPET blended with natural fibers (like cotton) will shrink more.

• Processing quality – Higher-grade recycled polyester is more durable and shrink-resistant.

• Heat exposure – Just like virgin polyester, high heat (above 140°F/60°C) can cause rPET to shrink.

Recycled polyester should be washed and dried just like regular polyester—with cold or warm water and low-heat drying. Since it may be slightly more sensitive to high heat, air drying is the best option to ensure long-term durability.

 

Factors That Can Cause Polyester to Shrink

Heat Exposure

One of the biggest culprits of polyester shrinkage is high temperatures. Polyester has a melting point of around 482°F (250°C), and prolonged exposure to high heat can cause the fibers to contract. If you wash or dry polyester at temperatures above 140°F (60°C), shrinkage may occur.

Washing Conditions

While polyester is machine washable, hot water and aggressive washing cycles can weaken the fibers and contribute to shrinkage. It is best to wash polyester in cold or warm water (below 104°F or 40°C) using a gentle cycle. Here's a guide on how to wash quality shirts.

Fabric Blends

Polyester is often blended with other fabrics like cotton, rayon, or spandex to improve comfort and breathability. Polyester-cotton blends are more likely to shrink compared to 100% polyester since cotton is a natural fiber that shrinks more easily.

 

How Much Can Polyester Shrink?

Polyester does not shrink drastically like cotton or wool, but it can shrink by about 1-3% if exposed to extreme heat. If the polyester is blended with other fabrics, the shrinkage may be slightly more significant. However, proper washing and drying techniques can minimize this risk.

 

Polyester Shrinkage in Different Types of Clothing

Polyester is used in a variety of clothing types, each with different care requirements. Does polyester behave differently in T-shirts, athletic wear, or formal suits? Let’s find out.

T-Shirts & Casual Wear

Polyester is commonly used in graphic T-shirts, hoodies, and casual tops because of its lightweight and wrinkle-resistant properties. Since casual polyester clothing is frequently washed, there is a concern about shrinkage over time.

• Does polyester T-shirts shrink? – Not under normal washing conditions. However, frequent hot washes and high-heat drying can cause slight shrinkage (around 3-5%).

• Best care tips: Wash in cold water, use mild detergent, and dry on low heat or air dry to prevent shrinkage.

Athletic Wear & Moisture-Wicking Fabrics

Polyester is a dominant fabric in sportswear, leggings, and activewear due to its moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties. Performance fabrics often contain a polyester-spandex blend, which adds stretch and flexibility.

• Does polyester activewear shrink? – Pure polyester rarely shrinks, but spandex-blended polyester may contract slightly in high heat.

• Best care tips: Wash on gentle cycle, avoid fabric softeners (which can damage moisture-wicking properties), and dry at low temperatures.

Suits & Formal Wear

Polyester is also widely used in suits, dresses, and formal clothing, often blended with rayon or wool for a refined appearance. Since formalwear is dry-cleaned rather than machine-washed, the risk of shrinkage is lower.

• Does polyester formal wear shrink? – Minimal shrinkage, especially when dry-cleaned. However, steaming at high temperatures can cause minor shrinkage.

• Best care tips: Follow dry-cleaning recommendations, avoid direct heat ironing, and use steam at a safe distance to remove wrinkles. A guide to the best clothes steamers is here.

 

How to Prevent Polyester from Shrinking

Here are a few tips if you're looking to avoid shrinkage in your next laundry day.

1. Washing Tips

• Use cold or lukewarm water (below 104°F or 40°C).

• Select the gentle cycle on your washing machine.

• Avoid harsh detergents and bleach.

• Wash polyester items inside out to prevent damage.

2. Drying Tips

• Air-dry polyester whenever possible to avoid heat damage.

• If using a dryer, select the lowest heat setting or the “tumble dry low” option.

• Remove clothes while they are slightly damp to prevent overheating.

3. Proper Storage

• Store polyester items in a cool, dry place to maintain their shape.

• Avoid ironing at high temperatures; use a low-heat setting or a pressing cloth.

Keep reading as we go deeper into proper storage so you can get the most out of your polyester clothes.

 

Folding vs. Hanging for Polyester Longevity

How you store polyester clothing can significantly impact its shape, durability, and lifespan. Polyester is a resilient fabric that resists wrinkles and shrinking, but improper storage can still cause stretching, creasing, or fiber damage over time.

For lightweight polyester garments such as T-shirts and activewear, folding is the best option, as it prevents the fabric from stretching under its weight. Heavier polyester items, such as suits, dresses, and coats, should be hung on padded or wide-shouldered hangers to maintain their structure and prevent creases.

Avoid using thin wire hangers, as they can leave indentations and distort the shape of the fabric. Storing polyester in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight will also prevent fading and fiber weakening over time.

For delicate polyester blends, using garment bags can provide extra protection from dust and moisture, keeping your polyester clothing looking new for longer.

 

How to Shrink Polyester on Purpose

Conversely, there may be a scenario where you've bought a size too large or you're looking for a better fit in a current garment. We cover the method of shrinking clothes separately but here are a few tips pulled from that article:

Using Hot Water

• Wash the polyester item in hot water (above 140°F or 60°C).

• Use a heavy-duty washing cycle to agitate the fibers.

Using a Dryer

• Place the polyester garment in the dryer on the highest heat setting.

• Check the fabric every 5-10 minutes to avoid excessive shrinkage.

Ironing Techniques

• Set the iron to a low-to-medium heat setting.

• Use a pressing cloth between the iron and fabric to prevent melting.

 

Why Cotton Might Be a Better

We deep dive into cotton vs polyester separately but would be remiss if we didn't mention it here to point out why cotton might still be the better fabric choice, despite more shrinkage as a fiber.

Polyester is praised for its durability and shrink resistance, but cotton offers several key advantages that make it a better fabric choice in many situations.

• More Breathable & Comfortable: Cotton is softer and more breathable than polyester, making it ideal for hot weather and everyday wear. It absorbs moisture, keeping you cool and dry, whereas polyester traps heat and sweat against the skin.

• Better for Sensitive Skin: Cotton is hypoallergenic and free from synthetic chemicals, reducing irritation for sensitive skin. Polyester, on the other hand, can cause discomfort due to its plastic-based fibers and chemical treatments.

• More Eco-Friendly: Cotton is a natural, biodegradable fiber, while polyester is made from petroleum-based plastics that contribute to microplastic pollution. If sustainability matters, cotton is the better choice.

• Feels Better Over Time: Unlike polyester, which can feel stiff or synthetic, cotton softens with each wash, making it more comfortable the longer you wear it.

• More Absorbent & Odor-Resistant: Cotton absorbs sweat and moisture, helping to regulate body temperature. Polyester repels water, causing sweat to sit on the skin, leading to discomfort and odor buildup. A few guides on how to remove stains from white clothes and that ring around the collar.

(A drop of water on a water-resistant polyester fabric. Petar Milošević, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

• Easier to Dye & More Natural Look: Cotton absorbs rich, natural-looking dyes better than polyester, which often has a shiny, synthetic appearance.

• Safer for Heat Exposure: Polyester can melt or warp under excessive heat, while cotton can withstand high-temperature ironing and drying without damage.

 

Conclusion

Polyester is a shrink-resistant fabric, but it can shrink slightly if exposed to extreme heat. To prevent shrinkage, always wash it in cold or warm water, use a gentle cycle, and dry it on low heat or air-dry. If you need to shrink polyester intentionally, washing in hot water and using high heat in the dryer can help.

With proper care, polyester garments can maintain their size and shape for years, making them a great choice for durable and low-maintenance clothing.

 

FAQs about does polyester shrink

How much will polyester shrink?

Polyester is designed to be shrink-resistant, so it won’t shrink significantly under normal washing conditions.

However, if exposed to high heat (above 140°F or 60°C) in a washer or dryer, polyester fabric can shrink by 5-10%. Polyester blends, like polyester-cotton, may shrink more depending on the fabric ratio.

Can you put 100% polyester in the dryer?

Yes, you can put 100% polyester in the dryer, but it’s best to use a low or medium heat setting to prevent shrinkage. High heat can cause the polyester fabric to shrink slightly and may damage the fibers over time.

If possible, air drying is the safest option to maintain a polyester garment's shape and durability.

Can you shrink polyester down a size?

Yes, you can shrink polyester clothes down a size by using hot water and high heat drying. Washing it in hot water (above 140°F/60°C) and drying it on the hottest setting can cause it to shrink slightly.

However, polyester doesn’t shrink as dramatically as natural fibers like cotton or wool, so the size reduction may be minimal.

Should I size down in polyester?

Not necessarily. Polyester does not shrink significantly under normal conditions, so it usually retains its shape well. If you're buying polyester clothes, choose your regular size rather than sizing down.

However, if the garment is a polyester blend, checking the fabric composition and care instructions is recommended. If you're wondering, does polyester shrink, it does very minimally under certain circumstances.