Polyester has come a long way from being the punchline of ’70s fashion jokes. Today, it’s the most widely used synthetic fiber in the world—found in everything from athletic gear to office chairs.
Despite its popularity, there’s still confusion about how to properly care for polyester clothing—especially when it comes to shrinkage. So, can polyester shrink? We put it to the test. Keep reading to see what we found out.
What Exactly Is Polyester?
Polyester is a synthetic fabric made primarily from polyethylene terephthalate (PET)—a type of plastic derived from petroleum. Though some eco-friendly versions now use plant-based materials, most polyester remains oil-based.
Think of polyester as ultra-fine plastic threads woven into fabric. It’s known for being lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, durable, and incredibly versatile. From sportswear to home furnishings, you’ll find polyester nearly everywhere.
Its popularity stems from performance and practicality: it wicks moisture, dries fast, resists stretching, and holds dye exceptionally well. And it’s affordable—which makes it a favorite for brands and consumers alike.
So, Can Polyester Shrink?
Yes, but not easily.
Polyester is naturally resistant to shrinking, especially compared to cotton or wool. However, it can shrink under high heat. If you frequently wash and dry your polyester items on hot settings, you may notice some subtle shrinkage over time.
To keep polyester in top shape:
- Wash in cold water
- Tumble dry on low or air dry
- Avoid high heat and harsh chemicals
We Put Polyester to the Test
To find out just how much polyester can shrink, we conducted a hands-on experiment. We took three popular 100% polyester performance T-shirts and subjected them to an extreme wash test:
- Washed in hot water
- Dried on high heat
- Repeated for 5 full cycles
- No detergent or fabric softeners used
The Results?
All three shirts showed some shrinkage—none drastic, but noticeable. Let’s break it down by style:
🧪 Polyester Shirt 1: A4 Moisture Wicking Tee
- Fabric: 4.2 oz, tight-knit, stain & odor resistant, 44+ UV protection
- Result: Minimal shrinkage. Slight narrowing of the torso, with little change to sleeve or shirt length. Held up best overall.
🧪 Polyester Shirt 2: Team 365 Performance Tee
- Fabric: 3.5 oz interlock knit, moisture-wicking, UV 40+ protection
- Result: Shrinkage in both width and length. Also wrinkled more than the others (can be reduced using a permanent press cycle).
🧪 Polyester Shirt 3: Sport-Tek PosiCharge Tee
- Fabric: 4.1 oz with breathable heathered knit and silky finish
- Result: Noticeable shrinkage in shirt and sleeve length, but retained shape. A fan favorite due to comfort and breathability.
Overall Shrinkage? Around 2%—well within the acceptable range for most manufacturers. If these had been cotton shirts, the results would have been far more dramatic.
Polyester FAQs (Updated for 2025)
Here’s what people ask most often about polyester—and our expert answers:
🔹 Is Polyester Moisture-Wicking?
Yes! Polyester is naturally hydrophobic, meaning it repels water. That makes it ideal for moisture-wicking apparel that pulls sweat from the skin and allows it to evaporate quickly.
🔹 Does Polyester Wrinkle?
Not easily. Polyester is wrinkle-resistant, though lower-quality garments or blends may wrinkle more. Tri-blends (poly-cotton-rayon) tend to resist wrinkles best.
🔹 Can You Iron Polyester?
You can—but carefully. Use a low heat setting and place a cloth between the iron and fabric. Or better yet, use a steamer to gently release wrinkles without risking damage.
🔹 Is Polyester Stretchy?
On its own, polyester has some give. But many performance fabrics mix polyester with spandex or lycra to boost stretch and comfort.
🔹 Does Polyester Dry Fast?
Absolutely. One of polyester’s best qualities is its quick-dry capability, thanks to its water-repellent nature.
🔹 How Do You Wash Polyester?
Wash in cold water. Tumble dry on low. Avoid bleach, fabric softener, or high heat. Always check the care tag for garment-specific instructions.
🔹 How Do You Shrink Polyester (on purpose)?
To intentionally shrink polyester:
- Wash on the hottest setting
- Dry on high heat
- Repeat until the garment no longer shrinks
Use caution: results may vary based on construction and fabric quality.
🔹 What Does Polyester Feel Like?
Modern polyester is soft, smooth, and lightweight. Some fabrics mimic the feel of cotton, while others have a sleek, performance-ready texture.
🔹 Does Polyester Make You Sweat?
Polyester doesn’t cause sweating—it’s designed to manage it. However, tight-knit poly fabrics may breathe less than natural fibers. Breathability depends on weave, thickness, and finishing.
🔹 Does Polyester Breathe?
Traditional polyester isn’t the most breathable, but advanced designs—like mesh or heathered knits—can offer solid airflow along with wicking.
🔹 Is Polyester Odor-Resistant?
To an extent. Polyester doesn’t absorb sweat, so bacteria (the source of odor) has less to cling to. Still, regular washing is essential, especially for activewear.
🔹 Can Polyester Irritate Skin?
Rarely. Most people wear polyester without issue. For those with sensitivities, blends or softer, premium polyester options are a better choice.
🔹 Does Polyester Keep You Cool?
Yes—through moisture management. It helps regulate your body temperature by keeping sweat off your skin and aiding in rapid evaporation.
🔹 Is Polyester UV-Protective?
Some polyester garments are treated for UV protection. Even untreated, tightly knit poly fabrics provide a decent barrier against the sun.
🔹 Can You Swim in Polyester?
Yes! Polyester is chlorine-resistant, UV-resistant, and quick-drying—making it a top pick for swimwear, especially when blended with spandex for stretch.
Final Verdict: Will Polyester Shrink?
Yes, polyester can shrink—but only slightly, and typically after repeated exposure to high heat. If you follow proper washing instructions, your polyester garments should retain their shape and size for years.
If you want to shrink polyester on purpose, it can be done. Just know that it’s not an exact science—and results may vary by garment.
Ready to Customize Performance Apparel?
Need moisture-wicking polyester tees or team uniforms? Use our online Design Studio to create custom gear with your logo, graphics, or text. Choose from our bestselling polyester shirts and performance styles, and we’ll print them using state-of-the-art dye sublimation for vivid, long-lasting color.
💡 Pro Tip: Dye sublimation only works on polyester—and it’s the best method for vibrant, all-over prints.
Browse our polyester performance wear to get started. If you don’t see what you need, contact our project specialists for help.