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B1

Si restringe dopo il lavaggio?

Does it shrink after washing?

Pronunciation

'Restringe' — 're-STRIN-je'. Stress on the second syllable. The 'ge' at the end = soft 'j' sound.

When to use it

For knitwear, cotton and natural fabrics that might shrink. Ask before buying when you're already in the right size — shrinkage could ruin the fit.

What it means

'Restringersi' (reflexive) = to shrink. 'Si restringe' = it shrinks (impersonal reflexive). 'Dopo il lavaggio' = after washing. 'Il lavaggio' = the wash/washing.

Variations

Tende a restringersi?

Does it tend to shrink?

'Tendere a' = to tend to — more natural conversational form

Prende acqua facilmente?

Does it absorb water easily?

Relevant for wool and cashmere garments

Devo prendere una taglia in su per sicurezza?

Should I take a size up to be safe?

Practical follow-up question

Mini Dialogue

Cliente: Questo maglione di lana si restringe dopo il lavaggio? Commessa: È trattato anti-feltro, quindi se segue le istruzioni in etichetta non si restringe. Cliente: Lavaggio a mano o in lavatrice? Commessa: A trenta gradi con programma delicati. Mai a sessanta.
Customer: Does this wool jumper shrink after washing? Assistant: It's treated to prevent felting, so if you follow the care label instructions it won't shrink. Customer: Hand wash or machine? Assistant: At thirty degrees on a delicates cycle. Never at sixty.

Cultural Note

Italian wool and cashmere garments are often 'lavorate a mano' (handcrafted) and require careful washing. Some Italian brands treat their knits with special anti-felting processes — a sign of quality worth asking about.

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