wool jacket shrinkage

kvaughn

Gold Member
Joined
Dec 28, 2005
Messages
5,725
I have a Woolrich caped wool hunting jacket. The one with the large black and red checks. Have had and enjoyed it for 15 yrs plus. Problem is it seems to have shrunk. Particularly the sleeve length. Have never washed it only dry cleaned once. Is there any way to wet and stretch/fluff a wool garment back to its original size. I read somewhere on this forum about "planking" a wool blanket. Would this work? Any ideas? Thanx for your help?---KV
 
"Unfortunately, the shrinkage that occurs in wool is not
reversible....The outside of wool fibers are covered with overlapping
scales that run in one direction, much like the shingles on a roof.
Wool shrinkage occurs when these scales become interlocked from
exposure to moisture and agitation, such as during the washing
process. Once interlocked, the scales cannot be released due to their
physical structure. Attempts to forcefully stretch shrunken wools can
weaken and damage the fabric."

from here
 
Are you sure the jacket is shrinking or is it just being filled a little more:p

Richard

Over the past 15 years all my clothes seemed to have shrunk; I have the same problem...reversing it may require too much work:D

ROCK6
 
I just wear it-after washing my wool sweaters they are noticeably tighter but after a few chilly afternoons they seem to loosen up alot.
 
I have dropped other forums but stay with this one you guys are classic..mus tbe something about knives, steel,generally being creative.
Yes the wool when shrunk stays shrunk . Have you thought about getting the love of your life to add cuffs to the sleeves. This is not as daft as it sounds and you continue to enjoy old faithful.
 
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