Practical guide: how to care for your personalised clothing so it lasts

Introduction

Custom clothing, whether made for events, merchandising or personal use, is often made up of one-off pieces with sentimental or commercial value. To preserve their look and quality, proper care is essential. At Printtex, we use high-quality textile printing techniques, but how long these items last also depends on the care you give them. This practical guide gives you advice on how to look after your custom clothing so that it keeps its vibrancy and durability over time.

Contents

1. Washing custom clothing: tips and precautions
2. Drying and ironing: best practices
3. Storing custom clothing
4. Caring for specific textile prints
5. What to do if it wears or fades?

1. Washing custom clothing: tips and precautions

Washing is a crucial step in keeping both the prints and the fabric in good condition.

• Wash inside out: Turning garments inside out before washing protects the prints from rubbing and premature wear. It is a simple step that can make a big difference to the lifespan of printed designs.
• Washing temperature: Use cold or lukewarm water, ideally at 30°C. A high temperature can weaken the fibres of the fabric and alter the colours of the prints.
• Gentle detergents: Choose detergents without harsh bleaching agents. Strong chemicals can break down printing inks and dull the colours.
• Hand wash or delicate cycle: For your most precious or delicate garments, prefer hand washing or use the delicate cycle of your washing machine.

2. Drying and ironing: best practices

Drying and ironing can also affect how long your custom clothing lasts.

• Avoid the tumble dryer: Machine drying, especially at high temperature, can cause garments to shrink and damage the prints. It is best to air dry your clothes, in the shade to avoid fading caused by the sun.
• Iron inside out: If your garments need ironing, always do it inside out so as not to damage the prints. Use an iron at a moderate temperature, and place a cloth between the iron and the garment for extra protection.
• Avoid ironing directly on the prints: Never iron directly on printed designs. It could melt or distort them. If necessary, iron with a cloth in between to protect the prints.

3. Storing custom clothing

Good storage helps to preserve your custom clothing.

• Careful folding: Fold garments so that no creases form on the prints, as these can become permanent over time.
• Dry, dark place: Store your clothes somewhere dry and away from direct sunlight to avoid fading. Humidity and UV rays can damage fabrics and prints.
• Avoid hangers for heavy garments: For heavier garments such as hoodies or jackets, avoid hanging them on hangers for long periods, as this could distort the fabric at the shoulders.

4. Caring for specific textile prints

Each type of textile print needs particular care.

• DTF (Direct to Film) prints: These prints are durable but must be protected from harsh washing. Follow the gentle washing and drying advice to keep them vibrant.
• Screen printing: Garments printed by screen printing can be more resistant, but gentle care extends their lifespan. Avoid harsh chemicals that can break down the ink.
• Digital prints: These prints are more sensitive to wear. A cold wash and air drying are strongly recommended for these textiles.

5. What to do if it wears or fades?

Even with the best care, some signs of wear may appear.

• Repair small flaws: If a print starts to fade or crack, you can try to revive it with special textile products, available from haberdashery shops. However, for more complex repairs, it is best to consult a professional.
• Extend its life: If your clothes show signs of wear, keep washing them carefully. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun or extreme conditions to minimise damage.
• Consider replacing it: When garments are too worn, consider creating new custom pieces. At Printtex, we offer reprinting services to renew your textiles while keeping your favourite design.

Conclusion

Looking after your custom clothing properly is essential to extend its life and preserve print quality. By following these practical tips, you will enjoy your unique pieces for longer, whether they are meant for events, merchandising or personal use. At Printtex, we offer a wide range of premium-quality textiles, including 100% organic options, to suit all your projects, whether for special events or ongoing production for businesses. To discover our full range of textiles and get a personalised quote, visit our online catalogue or get in touch via our contact page. Also see our FAQ for any further questions.

Take action: customise your garment online from 1 item, or request a quote for a bulk order.

Printtex is your online textile printer, with a workshop in Paris and delivery across France and Europe.