Do you purchase with shrinking in mind?

Peri

I'm asking because it keeps happening and I'm getting so annoyed. Not always of course, but in the past year or so I've bought several things only to have them shrink in the first wash.

The latest is an anthropologie top I was sure I was keeping, so as per my post a few days ago I washed it first. Label said hand wash, I used the hand wash cycle on my machine...super gentle, I've watched it work. Actually more gentle than real handwash could be i think. So mad, the top shrank. Not a full size or anything...I can wear it...I'm just not as happy with the fit now. It pulls just a little.

I'm not sure what I'm going to do...return it or put up with it....but I'm wondering for future shopping.

How do you tell what is likely to shrink? Do you buy a little oversize to allow things to shrink? If something shrinks, but not enough to go s full size and try again, what do you do about it?

12 years ago

General

12 replies

Latest reply was from

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Hmm; I usually take it back and exchange for a bigger size - Anthro has a pretty good return policy

12 years ago

Peri

Veteran

Thanks Lyn, I think I will. It was $78 and I don't want to be dissatisfied every time I put it on. I think a size up will be too big, but I will insist on a refund.

12 years ago

annaj

Veteran

I allow for shrinkage, but if I'd paid $78 for a top and washed it according to the directions, I'd return it for sure! I often try on the next size up and buy the biggest size I can get away with to allow for shrinkage (will look ok "as is" but still be ok if it shrinks a little).

12 years ago

Anonymous

I don't size up but actually hand wash in a sink so that there is no agitation, just soak, rinse and hand or lay on a rack to dry. I also gently pull a piece into the size and shape I want, if necessary. The hand wash cycle of my washer still agitates some. More often I can make things bigger and longer if needed. I hope that you get your refund.

12 years ago

DeclawedJaguar

Veteran

If you wash according to instructions and it shrinks, I would definitely return it, most definitely so at Anthro prices. But, like Joy, I prefer to actually hand wash delicate items, because then I can control not only the amount of agitation, but the water temperature too, which is crucial for preventing shrinkage.

Out of curiosity, was it a rayon top? Rayon can be so fussy/unpredictable when washing.

12 years ago

Peri

Veteran

Yes, 100% rayon. Now I know!

12 years ago

Diana

Veteran

Anthro will take things back if you explain the issue. I've never had a problem getting a refund from them.

Yes, rayon is notoriously shrink-y and it's annoying. You can never know whether manufacturers prewashed it either.

12 years ago

dizzys

Active Member

I stopped buying rayon because of fussiness. I would return it and fund something else.

12 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

You know, for a long while there I found things were NOT shrinking, so stopped making allowances. But in the past year, I've created a number of crop tops...

12 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I definitely buy jeans and cotton pants a little long in order to account for the lengthwise shrinking. Most decent fabrics won't shrink that much width wise but denim etc will always shrink a little height wise. It is hard toi eyeball though because every fabric and every method of washing and drying will give a slightly different result.

Rayon is notorious for shrinking, especially 100% rayon in a woven (knits's not usually that bad). I love sewing with it because its got such a nice hand but I preshrunk the fabric before sewing, which you can't really do with rtw. They should definitely stand behind their product and take your return.

12 years ago

Scarlet

Veteran

I have the same problem with rayon and modal jersey. I don't buy it anymore because of that.

12 years ago

Anonymous

Argh, that is so hard to predict! When I bought the BR striped sweater, I was so paranoid that it would either shrink, or worse, stretch way out. I PM'd everyone on the forum that had one to ask what their washing experience was like. I agree that woven rayon is a whole 'nother animal. My DD has purchased several blouses/items and luckily all but one were cut in a very flow-y fit. She sized down on that one though, and now it pulls across the front.

It looks like you can get a refund, but if you really love it, can you try the next size up? It is such a nice fabric to wear in the heat.

12 years ago

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