When you invest in custom apparel—whether it’s screen-printed T-shirts, embroidered polos, or hoodies with direct-to-film (DTF) designs—you want them to last. The quality of the printing and stitching matters, but so does how the apparel is cared for after it leaves production. With the right washing, drying, and storage habits, your custom pieces can look sharp and vibrant long after their first wear.
At Company Apparel, we don’t just create great custom clothing—we also want to help you protect your investment. Here are some easy but important tips to keep your custom apparel looking its best.
General Care Tips for All Custom Apparel
Before diving into specifics for screen printing, embroidery, and DTF, let’s cover some universal best practices:
- Wash in cold water: Hot water can cause colors to fade faster and may shrink certain fabrics. Cold washes are gentler on both the material and the design.
- Use mild detergent: Harsh chemicals or bleach can break down ink and thread over time. Stick to gentle detergents for a longer lifespan.
- Turn garments inside out: This simple step reduces friction on prints and embroidery during the wash cycle, protecting the surface of your design.
- Avoid overloading the washer: Giving garments enough space allows them to move freely and reduces unnecessary rubbing against other items.
These basic habits create a strong foundation for keeping any kind of custom apparel in good condition.
Caring for Screen-Printed Apparel
Screen printing is known for its durability, but that doesn’t mean it’s indestructible. To keep prints crisp and vibrant:
- Wash gently: Always turn shirts inside out before washing. Stick to cold or lukewarm water.
- Avoid fabric softeners: They can create a residue that dulls the print’s appearance.
- Air dry when possible: If you must use a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting. High heat can crack or fade ink over time.
- Iron with caution: Never place a hot iron directly on a screen-printed design. If ironing is necessary, flip the garment inside out or use a protective cloth.
Caring for Embroidered Apparel
Embroidery uses thread rather than ink, which gives it a premium look and feel. To keep stitches neat and vibrant:
- Gentle washing is key: Use cold water and a mild detergent. For delicate embroidery, consider using a mesh laundry bag for added protection.
- Avoid bleach: Even small amounts of bleach can discolor threads.
- Dry flat when possible: Hanging heavy embroidered items (like jackets) while wet can stretch the fabric and distort the stitching. Laying them flat helps maintain their shape.
- Iron carefully: If embroidery gets wrinkled, iron on the reverse side using low heat. Avoid steaming directly over stitched designs.
Caring for DTF-Printed Apparel
Direct-to-film (DTF) printing is popular for its flexibility and vibrant color range, but like screen printing, it needs the right care:
- Stick to cold washes: Heat is the biggest enemy of DTF prints, so cold water is best.
- Skip harsh detergents: Choose mild, color-safe options without additives.
- Avoid tumble-drying on high: DTF designs can peel if exposed to high heat. Air drying is ideal, but if you use a dryer, select the lowest setting.
- Handle peeling early: If edges ever start to lift, avoid pulling at them. Contact your provider for repair or replacement options.
Storing Custom Apparel the Right Way
How you store your apparel matters almost as much as how you wash it. Proper storage extends the life of your clothing and protects prints and embroidery.
- Keep items in a cool, dry place: Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade colors over time.
- Don’t overcrowd closets or drawers: Tight storage can wrinkle designs and press fibers down.
- Fold heavier garments: For items like hoodies or jackets, folding helps prevent stretching at the shoulders that can happen when left on hangers too long.
- Separate delicate items: If you have embroidered or specialty pieces, store them separately from rough fabrics like denim that can cause friction.
Long-Term Tips for Lasting Quality
Even with the best care, apparel naturally wears down over time. But small adjustments can make a big difference:
- Wash less often: If the garment isn’t visibly dirty, spot-clean instead of running it through a full cycle.
- Follow care tags: The manufacturer’s instructions provide guidance specific to the fabric type.
- Rotate your wardrobe: Avoid overusing the same items every day, giving each piece a chance to “rest.”
These little habits go a long way in keeping both fabric and designs looking fresh.
Protecting Your Investment
Custom apparel isn’t just clothing—it’s a reflection of your brand, your team, or your event. By caring for it properly, you extend the life of your investment while keeping your group looking sharp and professional.
At Company Apparel, we’re here to provide more than just printing and embroidery services. We’re your partner in creating apparel that lasts, and we want you to feel confident that your custom pieces will stay looking their best, wash after wash.
