Which of the following fabrics is known to shrink when laundered improperly?

Wool is known to shrink when laundered improperly due to its unique fiber structure. Wool fibers have scales that can lock together when exposed to heat, moisture, and agitation, a process often referred to as felting. When wool is washed in hot water or put in a high-heat dryer, these scales can cause the fibers to contract, resulting in shrinkage. This characteristic makes it essential to care for wool garments carefully, typically through hand washing or using a gentle cycle with cold water, followed by air drying.

In contrast, polyester and nylon are synthetic fibers that are designed to resist shrinking during laundering. They have a stable structure that does not react to heat and moisture in the same way that natural fibers like wool do. Silk, while it can be affected by improper laundering methods, typically does not experience the same level of shrinkage as wool and requires special handling to maintain its texture and luster rather than worrying about felt-like shrinkage.