How to Wash Printed T-Shirts and Hoodies So Your Designs Last for Years

A good t-shirt or hoodie should last for years, and so should the message on it. Most printed designs fade or crack not because of wear, but because of hot washes, tumble dryers and irons. The good news is that a few small habits make a big difference.

Here is how to look after printed and embroidered clothing so your designs stay as bold as the day they arrived.

Washing

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Turn it inside out. This protects the print from rubbing against other clothes and the drum of the machine.

Wash cool. A 30°C wash is enough for everyday wear and is much kinder to prints, colours and fabric. Use a mild detergent and skip bleach and fabric softener, which can break down inks over time.

Wash with similar colours. Darks with darks and lights with lights keeps whites bright and stops dye transfer.

Drying and ironing

Air-drying is best. Hang t-shirts on a hanger or dry them flat, and avoid radiators and direct heat. If you must use a tumble dryer, choose the lowest heat setting and take items out while they are still slightly damp.

Never iron directly on a print. Turn the garment inside out and iron on a low setting, or place a thin cloth between the iron and the design. For embroidered pieces, iron on the reverse side so the stitching keeps its shape.

Storing

Fold heavier hoodies and sweatshirts rather than hanging them, which stops shoulders from stretching. Keep clothes out of strong sunlight, which fades colours over time. If you are building a small collection, our hoodies and sweatshirts are made to be worn season after season.