shrinkage
SHRING-kij
/ˈʃrɪŋ.kɪdʒ/
The reduction in dimensions or size of fabric caused by exposure to heat, moisture, or mechanical stress.
In retail, 'shrinkage' can also mean inventory loss due to theft, but in garment care, it specifically means structural fabric contracting.
The story behind the word. Traced to Old English 'scrincan' (to draw together, wither). The suffix '-age' was added in the 19th century to formalize the noun describing the measurable percentage of contraction in industrial textiles.
Word relationships
- contraction: Contraction refers broadly to any drawn-together state, whereas shrinkage specifically denotes permanent reduction in physical size due to environmental factors.
- reduction: Reduction is any decrease in quantity or dimension, whereas shrinkage emphasizes contracting fibers.
- expansion: Expansion is an increase in length or volume, opposite to shrinkage.
- stretching: Stretching is the physical pulling out of fabric fibers to enlarge dimensions.
Commonly confused with
- shortage: Shortage means a lack of quantity, whereas shrinkage is a physical reduction in garment size or inventory loss.
Word family
- shrink (verb): To become or make smaller in size or amount.
- preshrunk (adjective): Treated during manufacture to prevent shrinking when washed.
Collocations
- prevent shrinkage
- fabric shrinkage
- excessive shrinkage
- shrinkage rate
Example sentences
- "High dryer heat can lead to permanent shrinkage in unwashed cotton apparel." Fabric testing
- "The garment maker preshrinks the wool fabric to minimize dimensional shrinkage after consumer washing." Retail manufacturing
Memory hook
SHRINKAGE leaves you SHOCKED when your shirt turns into a toddler's size. Hot water creates clothing shrinkage.
When not to use
Do not use 'shrinkage' when referring to loss of garment color or fading; it applies only to physical dimensions.
Fun facts
- Sanforization is a patented mechanical process invented in 1930 that stretches and dampens fabric before cutting to guarantee less than 1% shrinkage.
Explore more words
Shrinkflation, compression, alteration, Tailoring, garment, shoplifting
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