Sanforization (mechanical pre-shrinking of fabric)
Sanforizado (preencogimiento mecánico del tejido)
- Date
- 1930 · confidence high
- Place
- Troy, New York, United States
- Credited to
- Sanford Lockwood Cluett (Cluett, Peabody & Co.)
- People
- 👤 Sanford Lockwood Cluett1874–1968
- Field
- Tools
What it is
A process that compresses cotton fabric lengthways (in the warp direction) against a rubber blanket so that it does not shrink when washed (less than 1%). It solved one of the main problems of cotton clothing.
Cluett patented the process in 1930; the rubber blanket relies on vulcanisation and the process is applied above all to cotton woven fabrics and denim.
What it led to
- shirts and jeans that keep their size after washing
- quality standard under the Sanforized brand
- mass-produced cotton clothing of reliable size