Does Nylon Shrink? What Actually Happens in the Wash and Dryer

Nylon has a reputation for being tough and resilient — and when it comes to shrinking, that reputation is mostly deserved. But "mostly" isn't "never." Here's the honest answer to whether nylon shrinks, when it can happen, and exactly how to prevent it.

Does Nylon Shrink?

Pure nylon is highly resistant to shrinking under normal washing conditions. Unlike natural fibers like cotton or wool, nylon doesn't absorb water, so it doesn't swell and contract the way natural fabrics do. Washed in cold or warm water on a gentle cycle, nylon will not shrink.

However, nylon can shrink or distort when exposed to high heat — particularly in the dryer or from a hot iron.

When Does Nylon Shrink?

Nylon is most at risk when:

• Dried on a high heat setting in the dryer
• Washed in very hot water (above 140°F / 60°C)
• Ironed directly with a hot iron without a pressing cloth
• Left in a hot dryer for too long after the cycle ends

Even then, pure nylon typically shrinks only slightly — around 1–3%. The more common problem is warping or distortion rather than dramatic size reduction.

What About Nylon Blends?

• Nylon-spandex: Low shrink risk, but spandex loses elasticity permanently with heat exposure
• Nylon-polyester: Very low shrink risk — both are heat-resistant synthetics, but still avoid high heat
• Nylon-cotton: Moderate shrink risk from the cotton component — wash in cold water and dry on low heat
• Nylon-wool: High shrink risk from the wool — always hand wash in cold water and lay flat to dry

How to Wash Nylon Without Shrinking

1. Use cold or warm water — never hot
2. Select a gentle or delicate cycle
3. Use a gentle detergent like Puracy Laundry Detergent — enzyme-powered, non-toxic, and safe for all synthetics
4. Place delicate nylon items in a mesh laundry bag to reduce friction and agitation
5. Air dry or tumble dry on the lowest heat setting only
6. Remove from the dryer while still slightly damp and hang to finish drying

Can You Unshrink Nylon?

1. Fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a tablespoon of hair conditioner or baby shampoo
2. Submerge the garment and soak for 20–30 minutes to relax the fibers
3. Gently stretch the garment back toward its original shape while wet
4. Lay flat on a clean towel, reshape, and allow to air dry completely

This works best on mild distortion. Severe heat damage to nylon is usually permanent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does nylon shrink in cold water?
No. Cold water is completely safe for nylon and will not cause any shrinkage.

Does nylon shrink in the dryer?
It can on high heat. Always use a low heat or air-only setting to keep nylon safe in the dryer.

How much does nylon shrink?
Pure nylon typically shrinks less than 1–3% even under high heat conditions. Nylon blends may shrink more depending on the other fiber content.

Does 100% nylon shrink?
Rarely, and only under high heat. It's one of the most shrink-resistant fabrics available.

Does nylon stretch out instead of shrink?
Yes — nylon can also stretch or distort if wrung forcefully when wet. Always press out water gently and reshape while damp.

The Bottom Line

Pure nylon is extremely resistant to shrinking — the real risk is heat damage, not water. Keep nylon away from high heat in the dryer and hot water in the wash, and it will hold its shape wash after wash. For nylon blends, always treat the garment according to the most delicate fiber in the blend, and use a gentle detergent like Puracy to keep all fiber types protected.