Preserving Perfection: How Dry-Cleaning Affects Garment Size

A guide to shrinkage, fabric care, and how The Laundrywalla protects your wardrobe.

Opening Thought

Ever pulled out your favourite kurta or suit only to find it mysteriously tighter than before? Shrinkage is a subtle saboteur or a silent destroyer —often overlooked until it’s too late. For those who invest in premium fabrics, tailored fits, or heirloom pieces, even a few centimetres of change can be a costly disappointment. At The Laundrywalla, we believe that every garment deserves precision care. This post unpacks the science of shrinkage and how we ensure your wardrobe stays flawless.

What Is Shrinkage?

Shrinkage refers to the reduction in a garment’s dimensions after cleaning. While dry cleaning is gentler than traditional washing, it’s not immune to causing shrinkage—especially if the fabric wasn’t properly stabilized during manufacturing or if the cleaning process isn’t finely tuned. Think of fabric like memory foam—it reacts to stress, heat, and moisture. Without expert handling, it can lose its shape and fit.

Why Indian Fabrics Are Especially Sensitive

India’s rich textile heritage includes delicate silks, breathable cottons, luxurious wools, and artisanal blends. These fabrics often come with unique vulnerabilities:

• Handloom cottons: prone to relaxation shrinkage due to weaving tension.

• Silks and brocades: sensitive to heat and agitation.

• Woolen shawls and suits: susceptible to felting shrinkage (link this to the article on the next page)

• Synthetic blends: unpredictable behaviour if not classified correctly.

Add to this the regional climate—like Pune’s humid monsoons—and you’ve got a recipe for fabric stress if not handled with care.

How The Laundrywalla Minimizes Shrinkage

At The Laundrywalla, we treat every garment like couture—because to you, it is. Our process includes:

• Precision classification: separating garments by fibre type and construction.

• Controlled solvent levels: reducing friction and fabric stress.

• Low temperature drying: especially for silks, wools, and delicate blends.

• Moisture management: critical during monsoon months to prevent fibre swelling.

We also conduct pre-cleaning inspections to identify vulnerable areas—like stitched seams or embellishments—that may react differently during cleaning.

Tips for Garment Owners

Want to extend the life of your wardrobe? Here are a few expert tips:

• Store garments in breathable covers, especially during humid seasons.

• Avoid frequent washing of delicate items—opt for professional care.

• Never iron over embellishments or embroidery.

• Let garments rest between wears to retain shape.

• Choose dry cleaning for occasion wear, suits, and anything tailored.

Trust the Experts

Shrinkage may be subtle, but its impact is significant—especially when it comes to luxury and fit. At The Laundrywalla, we combine tradition with technology to ensure your garments stay as perfect as the day you bought them. Whether it’s a bridal lehenga, a designer suit, or your everyday essentials, we’re here to preserve what matters.

Have a question about your wardrobe? Let’s talk fabric.