(57) A continuous process for the production of shrink-resistant wool comprises:

i) subjecting the wool to an oxidative chlorinating pretreatment;

ii) subsequently treating the wool with an aqueous solu tion of a polymer containing quaternized amino groups, preferably one derived from an amino-acrylic monomer; and

iii) drying the wool to a chosen moisture level in the range 12% to 18% by weight on the weight of the dry wool, using at least 20% less energy than is required to dry to the same moisture level wool which has been rendered shrink-resistant by conventional continuous processes.