Fabric that looks and feels like nylon tricot but shrunk?

[debutanteclothing]

So I have this dress I laundered in cold water. It is cut like a 1940s dress but is made of a synthetic fabric that I thought for sure was nylon tricot so thought it was a vintage repro. Well I washed it and I think it shrunk! it does not feel like crepe at all, so I ruled that out and washed it. Any other nylon similar synthetics from the 40s?

 

[retro ruth]

It could be rayon? That's the one for shrinking, no? I understand rayon could imitate all sorts of other fabrics.

 

[poppysvintageclothing]

Did it feel a bit like jersey?

 

[denisebrain]

I would guess it's rayon too. I'm surprised it shrunk even then...

 

[debutanteclothing]

Well I have felt 1940s rayon before and it seemed to have a tighter weave than this dress. It was already quite small - vintage size 11. It has a paper tag with a woven backing. I learned a lesson. I normally dry clean 1940s dresses but I felt pretty confident about this one. Oh well. Live and learn.

 

[StelmaDesigns]

Oh my gosh, I have been on the post laundering end of your situation! I think it must be a rayon jersey too. I had a pink rayon jersey 40s undergarment years ago but as I recall it did fine with cold water hand wash. It is so sad isn't it? Now you have to list it as a childs garment, lol!

 

[debutanteclothing]

well you all might be right, once again. I think it is a rayon jersey. it was already on the small side but wearable. sigh.