If fabric like linen and wool risk shrinkage, why not just shrink them ahead before making the clothes?

Question

Mourning the loss of my linen pants

In: 291

Answer 1

Some expensive fabrics are [sanforised](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanforization) – but it costs a lot, and most clothing manufacturers don’t bother. I remember back in the 70s folk telling stories of soaking in the bath in new jeans so that they shrank to fit.