SHRINKAGE ALLOWANCE
How to Allow for Fabric Shrinkage
Shrinkage allowance compensates for dimensional change during washing, finishing, relaxation, or processing.
SHORT ANSWER
Start with the inputs you can verify
Shrinkage allowance compensates for dimensional change during washing, finishing, relaxation, or processing.
What the estimate means
Lengthwise and widthwise shrinkage can differ, so test and record both directions.
Adding the shrinkage percentage directly is not always the exact inverse of the expected reduction.
Where estimates go wrong
Use a representative test under the intended process conditions rather than a generic fabric-family assumption.
Keep the source measurements and assumptions with the result so another person can review or update the estimate later.
A practical workflow
- Mark and measure a representative sample.
- Process it under intended production or care conditions.
- Measure each direction, calculate change, and update pattern or consumption allowances with documented test results.