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Shrinkage allowance calculator
Work out the pre-shrink (cut or greige) length you need to end up with a required finished length after shrinkage.
Formula: required length = finished ÷ (1 − shrinkage%). Works for fabric or garment dimensions.
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Shrinkage allowance works backwards from the size you need. If fabric shrinks 5 per cent and you need 100 cm finished, you must cut 100 ÷ 0.95 = 105.3 cm.
The common error is adding 5 per cent instead of dividing by 0.95. Adding gives 105 cm, which finishes at 99.75 cm — short. The gap widens as shrinkage rises.
Typical shrinkage by fabric
Knitted fabric shrinks far more than woven, and length more than width. Polyester content reduces shrinkage sharply, which is one reason PC blends dominate uniform fabric.
| Fabric | Warp / length | Weft / width |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton single jersey | 4 – 7% | 3 – 6% |
| Cotton interlock | 5 – 8% | 4 – 6% |
| Woven cotton poplin | 2 – 4% | 1 – 3% |
| Denim (rigid) | 3 – 6% | 2 – 4% |
| Terry towel | 8 – 12% | 4 – 8% |
| PC blend woven | 1 – 3% | 1 – 2% |
Compacting and pre-shrinking
Compacting (for knits) and sanforising (for wovens) pre-shrink fabric mechanically so the finished garment moves less in the first wash. A compacted single jersey might drop from 7 per cent residual shrinkage to 3 per cent.
It is worth specifying. The cost of compacting is small against the cost of a rejected garment lot that shrank out of tolerance.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate shrinkage allowance?
Divide the finished dimension by (1 minus the shrinkage rate). For 100 cm finished at 5 per cent shrinkage, cut 100 divided by 0.95, or 105.3 cm.
How much does cotton jersey shrink?
Typically 4 to 7 per cent in length and 3 to 6 per cent in width, unless it has been compacted.
Why does knitted fabric shrink more than woven?
Knitted loops relax and shorten when tension is released and the fabric is washed. Woven fabric is held more stable by its interlaced structure.
Does polyester reduce shrinkage?
Yes, substantially. Polyester is dimensionally stable, so PC and PV blends shrink far less than pure cotton.
Can you supply pre-shrunk or compacted fabric?
Yes. Specify the residual shrinkage tolerance you need and we will quote fabric finished to it.