Clothes that don't fit can play havoc with our moods.
And while online shopping has added huge convenience to our lives, returns policies can be a proper pain in the 'proverbial'.
Clothing of any material can shrink when washed for a variety of reasons, unless it is clearly marked as having been "pre-shrunk".
To save yourself the considerable stress of paying out for a long desired item of clothing only to wash it and it no longer fit, consider buying it in the next size up!
There are some simple maths you can apply to decide whether this would work for any particular product.
But it needs a little attention to detail.
First, measure (or check online) the specific sizes of the product and compare them against your own size using a tape measure as necessary.
Then, appreciate that clothing items can shrink by up to 10% on their first wash, depending on their material, and a further 5% over the course of their life, assuming a 40° centigrade washing temperature.
From that, you can on an informed basis assess whether the next size up would work better for you in the long term, or whether their is sufficient "wiggle room" in your usual size for shrinkage.
But remember, all materials and ranges shrink at a different rate. Online reviews can help you establish the tendency for any particular material or range.
PS, as an aside, the NHS recommends that any garments likely to contain more germs or bacteria, such as socks and underwear, be washed on a cycle of 60°, but watch out for the increased washing cost of this!
Big, clean, well fitting love ❤️ 😍 💖 ❣️ 💕 xxxx