“Oh my! I that’s, um, not how it fit the last time I wore it. Sure, I had an extra slice or two of that incredible peach pie Mrs. Lewis sent over from next door, but….”
It’s the nightmare scenario:
You rush to pick up your dry cleaning, counting on a new fresh shirt for the meeting. The coffee Joe spilled on you at lunch left a less than impressive looking stain. You quickly unbutton your shirt and slip into the fresh one. But something’s wrong. The buttons just don’t reach the way they should. What’s happening here? Your meeting’s about to start!
Frustrating
Everyone knows there is a fair amount of natural shrinkage with a traditional home washing machine and dryer. But should you expect it to happen with professional dry cleaning too? Almost never.
Fiber content and finishing treatments
The truth is that different fabrics are more or less susceptible to shrinkage due to fiber content and finishing treatments applied to the fabric. When shrinkage occurs, those fibers within the fabric have contracted. The weave of the fabric becomes tighter, causing the garment to shrink. It’s important to remember that a garment susceptible to shrinkage is safer in the hands of your professional dry cleaner.
Natural fibers
Including cotton, wool, linen and flax are most vulnerable to shrinkage. Unless the fabric has been specially treated to resist heat and shrinkage, a fair amount of loss should be expected, and factored into the size and fit chosen. Many people choose to dry clean natural fiber garments because the loss tends to be negligible compared to traditional home machine washing. Looking for garments made with preshrunk fabrics will help eliminate the shrinkage issue with natural fibers.
Synthetic fabrics
Like nylon and polyester, by nature of their makeup, are virtually shrink-free. Choosing a garment made with a natural/synthetic fiber blend is another good way to cut down on shrinkage issues.
Multiples make it easy
Do you rely on dry cleaning to keep the button-up shirts you wear to the office fresh, crisp, and ready to go? If so, consider purchasing numerous shirts in the same style and fit by the same manufacturer or designer. This gives you the opportunity to become familiar with the life and wear cycle unique to that style and fabric. It will also help you more easily recognize and monitor shrinkage issues over the life of the garment. That way, you will be able to handily avoid future embarrassing issues with “the incredible shrunken shirt”.
At McPherson Cleaners,
We are always happy to help you keep your wardrobe in top condition. With a convenient pickup and drop off service, will have your wardrobe looking clean and pristine again at the snap of a finger! To schedule a pickup, call McPherson Cleaners at (615) 278-9188.
Click here to learn more about McPherson’s special offers and discounts: http://www.lebanontncleaners.com
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