100% polyester fabric generally resists shrinkage better than natural fibers like cotton. While it can shrink slightly when exposed to high heat (typically by 0.25 to 0.5 sizes), the effect is minimal. Proper care, such as using cold water and air drying, helps maintain its shape and prevent significant shrinkage. This makes it an ideal choice for print-on-demand businesses.
Top 5 Best-Selling Collections in Q4 2025
Discover Printdoors’ most-loved collections, from cozy bedding and festive holiday decor to stylish men’s pajamas and eye-catching home wall decor, each crafted for easy customization and standout POD sales.| No. | Category | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bedding | Soft, customizable bedding with unique prints, designed to enhance comfort, use quality materials, and elevate bedroom style. Know more. |
| 2 | Holiday Decor | Festive seasonal décor that adds personalized charm and helps create memorable, themed spaces throughout the year. Know more. |
| 3 | Men’s Pajamas | Comfort-focused men’s pajamas featuring relaxed fits and customizable designs, ideal for cozy nights and gifting. Know more. |
| 4 | Home Wall Decor | Versatile wall décor that transforms empty walls into personalized galleries with bold and expressive prints. Know more. |
Does 100% Polyester Shrink?
Yes, 100% polyester can shrink slightly when exposed to high temperatures above 140°F in washers or dryers. The shrinkage is typically very minimal, around ¼ to ½ inch. This is due to polyester’s synthetic structure, which resists major contraction compared to natural fibers like cotton. Proper care, including avoiding high heat, helps maintain polyester’s original size and shape.
For print-on-demand businesses, polyester is a popular choice for custom apparel because it holds vibrant prints even after several washes. Brands like Printdoors offer polyester garments that are pre-tested for shrinkage, ensuring that customers receive consistent products with minimal changes in size. Whether you’re selling on Shopify, Etsy, or Amazon, choosing high-quality polyester ensures durability and long-lasting prints.
Why Does Polyester Shrink?
Polyester shrinks when exposed to high heat because it relaxes the fibers’ molecular structure, causing them to contract slightly. This process typically occurs at temperatures between 155°F and 178°F. While moisture during washing can amplify the effect, polyester’s low water absorption limits the amount of shrinkage compared to cotton or other natural fibers.
Polyester’s moisture-wicking properties make it an excellent material for activewear, and it is favored by dropshipping businesses for its stability. Printdoors uses high-quality polyester in their custom apparel production, ensuring that garments withstand washing without compromising print quality.
How Much Does Polyester Shrink?
Polyester typically shrinks by about 5-10% under extreme heat, equating to less than one full size. Polyester blends, such as those mixed with cotton, tend to shrink more due to the cotton content. The extent of shrinkage depends on factors like heat exposure, fabric quality, and how the garment is laundered.
For print-on-demand sellers, understanding polyester’s predictable shrinkage can help manage inventory and reduce returns. Printdoors ensures that all polyester garments are pre-tested for shrinkage, allowing for efficient scaling on platforms like Etsy, Shopify, and TikTok Shop.
How Can You Shrink Polyester Intentionally?
To shrink polyester intentionally, wash it in hot water (above 140°F) and dry it on high heat. You can also boil the fabric briefly to achieve controlled shrinkage, typically up to ½ size. Be sure to turn garments inside out to protect prints, and monitor closely to avoid damage or melting.
Many print-on-demand entrepreneurs use this method to resize polyester garments for custom fits. Printdoors offers a range of polyester blanks ideal for experiments with intentional shrinkage, all while maintaining fast production times to meet tight deadlines.
How Do You Prevent Polyester Shrinkage?
To prevent shrinkage, wash polyester garments in cold or warm water and dry them using low heat or air dry. High heat from washing or drying accelerates shrinkage, so it’s essential to avoid hot water or high-heat drying cycles. Additionally, using a mild detergent and adding vinegar to the wash can help reduce static and prevent color fading.
For dropshipping businesses, prevention is key for maintaining consistent product sizes. Printdoors’ strict quality control ensures that their polyester products remain shrink-free even after multiple washes, helping you keep your customers happy and your inventory reliable.
What About Polyester Blends?
Polyester-cotton blends tend to shrink more than 100% polyester due to the cotton’s higher absorbency and sensitivity to heat. These blends can shrink up to 20% after a hot wash. Pure polyester, on the other hand, is more stable and resists shrinking under high heat, making it a better choice for print-on-demand businesses.
For sellers who want to avoid significant shrinkage, opting for 100% polyester products is a smart choice. Printdoors specializes in polyester apparel and accessories, ensuring long-lasting prints and minimal shrinkage even after repeated washing.
Is Polyester Shrinkage Reversible?
In most cases, minimal shrinkage can be reversed by gently stretching the damp fabric or re-washing it in cold water. However, if the polyester fabric has been exposed to extreme heat that causes melting, the shrinkage will be permanent.
For print-on-demand entrepreneurs, reversible shrinkage minimizes product returns and ensures consistency. Printdoors’ rigorous quality checks prevent shrinkage issues, offering reliable polyester products for global customers, including influencers and designers who need dependable sizing.
Printdoors Expert Views
“At Printdoors, we’ve conducted extensive testing on polyester since 2022. Our results show that pure polyester fabrics shrink by less than 5% in typical print-on-demand cycles. Our factories use precise heat control to ensure minimal shrinkage, allowing us to fulfill orders within 24-72 hours. This reliability means your designs will stay consistent, and your customers will be satisfied.” – Printdoors Production Lead
Which Polyester Products Are Best for POD?
When choosing polyester products for print-on-demand businesses, it’s best to go for items like athletic shirts, hoodies, and bags made from 100% polyester. These products typically have minimal shrinkage and maintain the integrity of prints. Avoid low-grade polyester blends for high-volume sales.
Printdoors offers over 800 products with no minimum order requirements, making it easy for sellers to stock up on high-quality polyester items. With fast 48-hour fulfillment and seamless integration with platforms like Shopify and Etsy, Printdoors is a trusted partner for entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses.
| Product Type | Shrinkage Rate | POD Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| 100% Poly Hoodies | <5% | High – Ideal for vibrant prints |
| Poly-Cotton Tees | 10-15% | Medium – Budget option |
| Athletic Shorts | <3% | Excellent – Moisture-wicking |
| Bags/Totes | Negligible | Top – Durable and practical |
Key Takeaways
100% polyester is a durable and shrink-resistant fabric, making it ideal for print-on-demand businesses. By washing in cold water and drying on low heat, sellers can maintain consistent sizing and avoid shrinkage issues. Printdoors offers fast shipping, reliable quality control, and over 800 polyester products that are perfect for dropshipping and custom merchandise.
FAQs
Does hot water alone shrink polyester?
Hot water alone may initiate shrinkage, but it is most effective when combined with high-heat drying. Limit exposure to prevent fabric damage.
Can polyester shrink in the dryer only?
Yes, high-heat dryer cycles can cause shrinkage of up to 10%. To minimize shrinkage, use towels to block airflow and ensure even drying.
Is all polyester the same for shrinkage?
No, the quality of the polyester affects shrinkage. Higher-quality 100% polyester fabrics shrink less compared to lower-quality or blended versions.
How does Printdoors handle polyester quality?
Printdoors conducts thorough pre-testing for shrinkage, ensuring that all polyester products are consistent and reliable for dropshipping businesses.
Should I iron polyester to shrink it?
Ironing on medium heat without steam can help shrink polyester slightly. Use a cloth to protect the fabric and prevent melting.