Why RFD Fabrics Must Be Sanforized

Importance of Sanforization in RFD Fabric Finishing

RFD (Ready for Dyeing) fabric is widely used in the textile and garment industry, especially for piece dyeing, garment dyeing, and value-added finishing. Although RFD fabric looks clean and ready for further processing, it is not dimensionally stable by default.
That is why sanforization of RFD fabric is extremely important before cutting, sewing, or garment dyeing.

This article explains in detail why RFD fabrics must be sanforized, how the process works, and what problems can occur if sanforization is ignored.

What Is RFD Fabric?

RFD fabric means Ready for Dyeing. It is fabric that has undergone:

• Desizing (if needed)
• Scouring
• Bleaching

But no dyeing or printing is done yet.

Key characteristics of RFD fabric:

• Clean and absorbent
• Neutral white or off-white shade
• Suitable for piece dyeing and garment dyeing
• Still contains residual shrinkage

 

What Is Sanforization?

Sanforization is a mechanical pre-shrinking process applied to fabric to control lengthwise (warp) shrinkage.

In this process:

• Fabric is moistened with steam or water
• Passed over a rubber belt
• Compressed and relaxed under controlled tension

As a result, most of the potential shrinkage is removed before garment manufacturing.

 

Why RFD Fabrics Must Be Sanforized

1. RFD Fabrics Have High Residual Shrinkage

RFD fabrics have already passed wet processes like scouring and bleaching, but:

• They are often stretched during stenter drying
• Warp yarns remain under tension

Without sanforization, RFD fabric can show:

• 3%–8% lengthwise shrinkage
• Width instability

Sanforization reduces this shrinkage to buyer-acceptable levels.

 

2. Essential for Garment Dyeing

RFD fabrics are widely used for:

• Garment dyeing
• Garment washing
• Enzyme or pigment processes

During garment dyeing:

• High temperature
• Strong mechanical action
• Repeated washing

If RFD fabric is not sanforized:

• Garments shrink heavily
• Shape distortion occurs
• Size inconsistency becomes severe

Sanforization ensures size stability after garment dyeing.

 

3. Buyer Shrinkage Requirements

Most international buyers specify strict shrinkage limits, such as:

• Lengthwise shrinkage: max 2–3%
• Widthwise shrinkage: max 2%

Without sanforization, RFD fabric cannot meet these requirements consistently.
Sanforized RFD fabric easily passes wash test and shrinkage test.

 

4. Accurate Cutting and Sewing

Unsanforized RFD fabric causes:

• Pattern mismatch
• Cutting size variation
• Sewing distortion

After garment washing, these problems become more visible.

Sanforization ensures:

• Accurate pattern dimensions
• Consistent cutting panels
• Smooth sewing operation

This is especially important for woven garments like shirts, trousers, and jackets.

 

5. Prevents Garment Twisting and Skewness

Residual stress in unsanforized RFD fabric can cause:

• Leg twisting in trousers
• Side seam twisting
• Garment torque after washing

Sanforization relaxes the internal stresses of fabric, resulting in:

• Better fabric balance
• Reduced skewness and torque

 

6. Improves Fabric Handle and Appearance

Sanforization improves:

• Fabric softness
• Drape and smoothness
• Surface appearance

RFD fabrics after sanforization show:

• Better hand feel
• Improved fall and comfort

This is important for premium and value-added garments.

 

7. Reduces Rejection and Claims

If RFD fabric is not sanforized:

• Shrinkage complaints increase
• Buyer claims become frequent
• Reprocessing cost rises

Sanforization reduces:

• Fabric rejection
• Garment rejection
• Financial loss

It acts as a preventive quality control step.

 

Typical Shrinkage Comparison

Fabric Condition	Lengthwise Shrinkage
Unsanforized RFD	4%–8%
Sanforized RFD	1%–3%

This difference clearly shows why sanforization is critical.

 

When Should RFD Fabric Be Sanforized?

RFD fabric should be sanforized:

• After bleaching
• After stenter drying
• Before cutting or garment dyeing

This sequence ensures maximum shrinkage control.

 

Is Sanforization Mandatory for All RFD Fabrics?

Not all RFD fabrics require sanforization, but it is highly recommended for:

• Woven cotton fabrics
• Shirt and bottom fabrics
• Garment-dyed items
• Export-quality garments

For knit fabrics, compacting is used instead of sanforization.

 

Conclusion

RFD fabric may look finished, but it is not dimensionally stable without sanforization. Because RFD fabrics are widely used for garment dyeing and export garments, controlling shrinkage is critical.

Sanforization of RFD fabrics is necessary to:

• Control shrinkage
• Maintain garment size and shape
• Meet buyer requirements
• Reduce rejection and claims
• Improve fabric performance and appearance

In modern textile finishing, sanforization is not an optional step—it is a quality assurance necessity for RFD woven fabrics.