Granted, the effects are aggravated with cotton, but I figured the phenomenon was more familiar than the structural damaged caused by machine washing a tailored sport coat. Indeed, Nylon and polyester garments hold their shape much better than cotton and wool, but all knits are more vulnerable to deformation from twisting and stretching than woven, and seams along a bias are especially susceptible to permanent deformation. Nothing is 100% elastic, and seams are generally more plastic than not.

Now, the kind of deformation we're talking about may be too small to worry about. But if that's the case, the precision of the fit and construction is too fine to worry about as well, and one can say the whole thing is irrational, as in disproportionate to the general reality of cycling aparel. But if one does think the precise fit and construction is worthwhile, then the precise care recommended is quite proportionate. The Swiss are nothing if not rational.