How to Wash Printed T-Shirts So the Print Lasts

A good printed t-shirt should last for years, not a handful of washes. Most fading, cracking and peeling isn't down to the print at all. It's down to hot washes, tumble dryers and irons. Change a few habits and your favourite tee will stay sharp for much longer.

The short version

1. Turn it inside out.
2. Wash at 30°C or lower.
3. Use a gentle detergent and skip the bleach.
4. Air dry. No tumble dryer.
5. Iron inside out, never directly on the print.

1. Turn it inside out

This is the single biggest thing you can do. Inside out, the print doesn't rub against zips, jeans and other clothes in the drum, so it wears far more slowly. It also protects the colour of the fabric itself.

2. Wash cool, at 30°C

Heat is the enemy of printed clothing. High temperatures soften inks, stress the fabric and encourage cotton to shrink. A 30°C wash is more than enough to clean everyday wear, and it uses less energy too. For a light freshen-up, a quick cold cycle is fine.

3. Go easy on detergent

• Use a mild, colour-safe detergent, and less of it than you think.
• Avoid bleach and stain removers on or near the print.
• Fabric conditioner can leave a film on printed areas. Use it sparingly, or not at all.
• Wash with similar colours, and keep heavy items like denim and towels for a separate load.

4. Skip the tumble dryer

Tumble dryers are hard on prints and are the main reason cotton shrinks. Instead, give your tee a gentle shake and hang it on a line or airer, or dry it flat. Keep it out of strong direct sunlight for long periods, as UV can fade dark colours over time.

5. Iron with care

If your tee needs ironing, turn it inside out and use a low to medium setting. Never put a hot iron directly on the print. For hoodies and sweatshirts, a quick steam usually does the job.

6. Wash less, wear more

Unless it's been through a gym session, a t-shirt doesn't need washing after every single wear. Airing it overnight often does the trick. Fewer washes means a longer life for the print and the fabric, and less water and energy used at home.

Caring for organic cotton

Organic cotton is just as easy to look after, but because it hasn't been treated with harsh finishing chemicals, it can shrink slightly in a hot wash. Stick to 30°C and line drying and it will keep its shape. Read more about our fabrics on the Materials & Craft page.

Quick questions

Will my print crack? Quality prints are made to flex with the fabric. Cracking usually comes from tumble drying or ironing directly on the print.

Can I dry clean a printed tee? It's not recommended. Dry-cleaning solvents can damage prints.

How do I get a stain out near the print? Dab it gently with cold water and a little mild detergent, then wash inside out as normal. Don't scrub the print.

Look after it, and a good tee becomes the one you reach for first. Shop printed t-shirts and hoodies or check our size guide.