Why do some materials shrink in the dryer?

Question

Seriously, where does all that fabric that used to fit you beautifully go when it shrinks? And it never stretches again!

Answer 1

It depends on how it is made.  Knitted fabrics will shrink much easier, as there are lots of air pockets between the fibers. When washing or drying, the air pockets get squeezed out.  If you don't pull the fabric out to the original shape, called blocking, then it will stay shrunk.  Pull it from the washer and block it on a rack, or at least on a clothes hanger.  I hang my sweaters upside down with clips holding the arms and hem and the weight of it pulling it into shape.  Make sure it's the way it should look before leaving it to dry, though.  A lopsided hem will always look funny, unless you're trying to make a new fashion statement!

Answer 2

You might be setting the dyer on "high" that makes the dryer too hot for polyester clothes. Check your garment labels for washing and drying instructions, this could make a difference.