Why do the uniforms shrink
What we use in production
Cotton is one of the most common natural fibers. Our uniforms for karate/taekwondo/BJJ/Judo are made of cotton. Cotton, as a natural fiber, is comfortable, hygroscopic, and durable. But it also has high water absorption and shrinkage. Without pre-shrinking, cotton fabrics may shrink by 20% or more after washing, so some users will find that the clothes are smaller after the first washing of the uniform they bought.
The shrinkage rate of a dobok depends on the precision of the yarn used in its weaving and the properties of the material. Is there any way for manufacturers to solve this problem?
The answer is YES! In the clothing industry, especially in high-end cotton and wool clothing, pre-shrinking is a common practice. As a manufacturer with many years of experience, our usual solution is to pre-shrink the fabric. We can ensure that the finished product will not shrink too much after washing, thereby maintaining the size and shape of the clothing. For example, the cotton gi of the Zhengtu brand will be pre-shrunk by 20% during the production process.
Common pre-shrinking methods
Mechanical pre-shrinking: using mechanical equipment to treat fabrics, usually at a certain temperature and humidity, by applying tension and humidity to reduce the shrinkage of fabrics. After mechanical pre-shrinking, the shrinkage of fabrics can be controlled below 1%, and it will become softer.
Wet pre-shrinking: By soaking the fabric in water, the fibers absorb water and swell, so as to achieve the pre-shrinking effect. This method is suitable for a variety of fabrics, especially cotton and linen fabrics.
Steam pre-shrinking: Using the wet heat of steam to make the fabric shrink naturally in a tension-free state, restore the balance of the yarn, and thus reduce subsequent shrinkage.
Combination of mechanical and wet heat: In the processing of some high-end fabrics, mechanical and wet heat methods are combined to achieve the best pre-shrinking effect and feel improvement.
Through these pre-shrinking processes, the fabric can maintain better dimensional stability in subsequent washing and use, reduce the inconvenience caused by shrinkage, and thus improve consumer satisfaction.
We strive to make you satisfied!
