Cordura is a durable, abrasion-resistant nylon fabric known for its strength and use in heavy-duty applications like luggage, military gear, and performance apparel.
Have you ever purchased a cordura item, only to find that it’s a bit too big or loose? Do you want to shrink your cordura fabric to fit you perfectly? Look no further!
How to Shrink Cordura
Shrinking Cordura fabric is a great way to get your clothes fitting just right. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Wash the Cordura
Put the Cordura fabric in the washing machine with hot water and a small amount of detergent. Use the gentle cycle and let it run through a full cycle.
Step 2: Dry the Cordura
After washing, put the Cordura in the dryer on high heat. Check the fabric every 10 minutes to see how much it has shrunk. If it has shrunk enough, remove it from the dryer and hang it up to cool.
Step 3: Iron the Cordura
If the Cordura hasn’t shrunk enough, iron it on high heat while it is still damp. Make sure to iron both sides of the fabric to ensure even shrinkage.
Step 4: Tailor the Cordura
If you need to further reduce the size of your Cordura fabric than what laundry and ironing can provide, taking it to a tailor is the way to go. They can adjust it to the size you’d like.
Does Cordura Fabric Shrink?
No, Cordura fabric does not typically shrink when washed or dried. As a synthetic nylon fabric, Cordura is resistant to shrinking and stretching [1].
However, when exposed to significant heat, Cordura can potentially melt or deform to some degree. So heat treatments could be used to carefully “shrink” the size of Cordura products, but this is tricky and risks damaging the fabric.
The key points about shrinking Cordura fabric are:
- Cordura is made from nylon, which does not shrink like natural fibers such as cotton or wool.
- Care labels should always be checked before attempting to shrink Cordura items.
- Heat can be applied to Cordura to reduce size, but there is a risk of melting the fabric if too hot.
- Any heat shrinking should be done slowly and evenly to prevent damaging the Cordura.
So in summary, Cordura does not naturally shrink when washed, but heat can be used to carefully shrink Cordura products if needed. However, it is a delicate process with risks, so care labels should be followed and heat applied cautiously.
Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/airsoft/comments/8sqjuj/shrinking_cordura_fabric/
Understanding Cordura Fabric
Cordura is a type of nylon-based fabric that is known for its durability and strength. It is often used in military and law enforcement clothing and gear due to its ability to withstand wear and tear.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when dealing with Cordura fabric:
- Durability: Cordura fabric is designed to be durable and long-lasting. It is resistant to abrasions, tears, and scuffs, making it a popular choice for outdoor gear and heavy-duty clothing.
- Weight: Despite its durability, Cordura fabric is lightweight, making it comfortable to wear and easy to move in. It also has a high “durability per weight” index, meaning that it is strong and durable for its weight.
- Water Resistance: Cordura fabric is water-resistant, which means that it repels water and dries quickly. This makes it a great choice for outdoor clothing and gear that may be exposed to rain or other moisture.
- Breathability: While Cordura fabric is water-resistant, it is also breathable, which means that it allows air to circulate and helps to regulate body temperature. This makes it a comfortable choice for outdoor activities and athletic wear.
By understanding the properties of Cordura fabric, you can better care for your corduroy garments and ensure that they last for years to come.
Tips
- When selecting your clothing made from Cordura fabric, opt for one with some stretchiness, as this will reduce any chances of shrinkage when washed incorrectly.
- Try not to wear them too often or overexpose them to direct sunlight, as this could cause further damage and fade over time.
- Always store your items properly by folding them neatly in a cool place away from direct sunlight or heat sources such as radiators or fireplaces.