Does Modal Fabric Shrink?

Many people worry about one question when buying Modal underwear, sleepwear, or base layers: Does Modal fabric shrink? In fact, it cannot be simply answered with "yes" or "no." Shrinkage is closely related to fabric quality and washing care.

Modal is a regenerated cellulose fiber made from beech wood pulp. Its fiber structure is inherently stable. Modal fabrics produced by reputable large mills are pre-shrunk before leaving the factory. For products that meet standards, the shrinkage rate can be controlled within an acceptable range, and under normal washing and care, there will be no obvious shrinkage. This is also one of the reasons Modal is widely used in intimate apparel.

However, this does not mean Modal has no risk of shrinkage at all. If you buy low-cost fabric that has not undergone pre-shrinking, the internal stress in the fibers has not been released in advance, so it is prone to shrinking and deforming when exposed to water. At the same time, improper washing and care are the main causes of Modal shrinkage and shortening. Many people are used to soaking garments in hot water, machine washing at high temperatures, vigorously wringing them after washing, or tumble drying at high heat. High temperatures can damage the fiber structure and cause the fabric to shrink rapidly. Not only does the size become smaller, but the fabric can also easily lose its original soft, drapey texture, and the shape can become loose or elongated.

Many people also confuse one misconception: sometimes what is thought to be shrinkage is stretching. Pure Modal itself has limited elasticity and tends to become longer after being pulled, which is different from shrinkage. Modal + spandex blends offer better resistance to stretching.

To avoid shrinkage and deformation, remember these care tips. For washing, use cold or lukewarm water at 30°C or below, select a gentle cycle, do not soak for a long time, and avoid using bleach. After washing, do not wring or twist forcefully. Press out excess water by hand and dry naturally in a cool, well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight and high-temperature tumble drying.