Sunspel - Shrunk - AGHHHHH!!

welshboy78 · February 2011

I recently recieved one Riviera Black Sunspel Polo and another in Bond navy blue!! I carefully handwashed both in the same luke warm water and hung them up to dry indoors (identical conditions).

My black one has shrunk and the Navy one has not!! I dont understand this at all and pretty pissed as it is brand new (though im glad the black one was the one which shrunk)

Anybody experienced this? Im really puzzled as the same wash! Tempted to quiz Sunspel and see if they have any sympathy, I really did make a point of treating them carefully but now sort of wish I had thown them in the washing machine on a gentle program!

007 and a half · February 2011

I had the same thing happen with one of mine, had to argue with the customer service person to change it as she swore blind it was within their size dimensions when I returned it.

I told them there's no way it was the same size as when I bought it otherwise it wouldn't be skin tight when I put it on after washing it.

They said they'd change it as a gesture of good will, I thought that was out of order as they didn't apologise or acknowledge the fact that their product had badly shrunk and unless I pushed them to replace it they seemed totally reluctant.

I mentioned this experience to the manager of the Sunspel shop who was quite shocked at the treatment from the customer service person and said they would have given me a new polo shirt without any hesitation.

welshboy78 · February 2011

Thats good (or rather not good) to know.

Unfortunately I will have to rely on email communication, I will take a pic of them side by side. The navy one is perfect and snug with my body (I was worried what size to order but when it came I was amazed how perfect it fit) the black one fits but is very tight, I would say has lost a good inch all over!!!!

Righty, will write to Vanessa tomorrow at Sunspel customer services!!!!!

The Domino Effect · February 2011

I washed my first one in the washing machine and it shrank like mad...but that was entirely my own fault for not following Sunspel's instructions properly. I still wear it, but it's like a muscle top on a mussel and I only wear it when no one that I know is around! I bought a second one (blue short-sleeved) and have washed it precisely as instructed and it has been perfect.

CmdrAtticus · February 2011

Your lucky you weren't given over to Mr. Humphreys or Mr. Lucas - they would have told you that the shirt would "Ride up with wear".

- For all you "Are You Being Served" fans.....

Wilde · February 2011

Perhaps you've gained weight, old boy.

welshboy78 · February 2011

Wilde wrote:

Perhaps you've gained weight, old boy.

Ha - but the other one hasnt shrunk!!!

Kittlemeier · February 2011

I bought one in each color a couple of years ago and the blue one(the important one) had two different diameters in the sleeve openings. One was fitted and one was gaping open. And that was straight out of the package. Need to get it altered as it's not wearable right now. No one else may notice but I'd feel awkward the whole time. I expected more.

Wilde · February 2011

Where did you get them from?

welshboy78 · February 2011

Wilde wrote:

Where did you get them from?

Sunspel directly!!!

welshboy78 · March 2011

Just like to follow up on this.

I emailed Sunspel directly, they asked me a few questions e.g how I washed and dryed it etc

Anyhow they instantly dispatched me a new one (didnt even ask for the old one back)

Again the black one feels softer then the navy one, its like a diff variation of the material. I ahve not washed it yet but think this time will go for a cold wash to avoid any shrinkage at all

Wilde · March 2011

This is good to know, thanks. -{

The Limey · March 2011

Yep...same problem here too. Bought the Navy Blue (of course) and also the Royal Blue . The Royal Blue is MUCH softer material , but also shrank in the wash .
Fortunately , the fit is now slightly better , and not so loose , but in reality this is pretty appalling considering the cost of these shirts !! (fortunately , I bought mine in the 50% off sale last year , as I'd be furious if I'd paid full price)
Advice : Cold wash only , and drip-dry not tumble.

shearer09 · March 2011

That's really weird! I have several of these in varying colours and have (touch wood) never had one shrink in the wash - bunged them in washing machine on a 40 degree wash without any problems. My biggest gripe is how much variation there is in size - all mine are large but I don't have 2 that are the same size! I even got a large Cobalt Blue one that was nearer medium - Sunspel replaced with a new large which is more like xtra large!!!!!!!

nms75 · March 2011

I have two in Black and four in varying shades of dark blue and none have shrunk. Sounds like Sunspel have had a quality control issue with some, but not all, of their Riviera polos. Send them back and demand a replacement I say - although how lucky you will be to get one is a good question!

NMS

welshboy78 · March 2011

nms75 wrote:

I have two in Black and four in varying shades of dark blue and none have shrunk. Sounds like Sunspel have had a quality control issue with some, but not all, of their Riviera polos. Send them back and demand a replacement I say - although how lucky you will be to get one is a good question!

NMS

Its a tricky one as the item is perfect until it was washed etc.

Fair play to Sunspel though, their customer service replaced it and to be honest I was expected to get the blame somehow during the Sunspel washing and drying process

cmdr_bond_007 · May 2011

If your Sunspel polo shrunk from washing it you can reverse it. Due to the unique fabric you can re-fit the polo again. Simply soak the polo in water and put it on (yes it is entirely uncomfortable) and gently work the fabric to the right fit again. Hang the polo and allow it to dry.

BuckMcNaked · April 2012

I have three Sunspel riviera polos (two CR navy, and one black). They are size medium, and I have lost a lot of weight over the past year, and they have become too large for me. Should I try to get them altered, or should I just let them shrink and reshape them a little?

I don't want to ruin them as you can't get the same shade of navy anymore.

thesecretagent · April 2012

I've bought identical shirts before (Not Sunspel) and only one has shrunk in the same wash. I just don't get the science of washing and let the wife do it now! Get a fat friend, let him stretch the shirts back out for you!

)

nms75 · April 2012

Land's End do a nice polo that is much cheaper and not far off the Sunspel range...

BuckMcNaked · April 2012

I'm going to choose to take this as "Go ahead and try to shrink it."

Sunspel - Shrunk - AGHHHHH!!

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