Preshrinking Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers to the questions buyers ask most often about Preshrinking.
What does it mean?
relaxing fabric before cutting. Working figures for Preshrinking normally sit around below 3% residual shrink in mainstream production. Note AATCC 135 verification on the tech pack so nobody tests against an older revision.
What value should be specified?
Start from below 3% residual shrink and adjust for the end use of the garment. Record elastane content alongside Preshrinking, because blends shift the measured value. A result outside below 3% residual shrink usually points to process drift rather than to the fibre itself.
How is it tested?
AATCC 135 verification. Keeping reference values for Preshrinking lets suppliers quote without extra sampling rounds. Ask for conditioning details together with AATCC 135 verification, since both affect the reading.
Why does it change between lots?
Process variables such as finishing temperature and elastane batch cause the normal spread of results. Working figures for Preshrinking normally sit around below 3% residual shrink in mainstream production. Note AATCC 135 verification on the tech pack so nobody tests against an older revision.
Can results be compared across suppliers?
Only when the same standard revision and conditioning are used; otherwise measurements are not equivalent. Record elastane content alongside Preshrinking, because blends shift the measured value. A result outside below 3% residual shrink usually points to process drift rather than to the fibre itself.
