Garment Care Tips: How to Keep Your Custom Apparel Looking New

Investing in custom apparel means you want your pieces to look sharp, vibrant, and professional for as long as possible. Whether it’s screen-printed tees, embroidered hoodies, or custom workwear, proper care is key to maintaining the quality of your garments.

Here are some pro tips to help you keep your custom apparel looking fresh and long-lasting.

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1. Read the Care Label (It’s There for a Reason!)

Before washing any custom clothing, check the care label for instructions. Different fabrics and printing methods require specific care to prevent fading, shrinking, or damage.

Common Care Label Symbols to Know:

🧺 Machine Wash Cold – Helps preserve fabric integrity and prevents ink from cracking.

🖐 Hand Wash Only – Essential for delicate embroidery or specialty prints.

🚫 No Bleach – Harsh chemicals can ruin colors and break down fibers.

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2. Wash Custom Apparel Inside Out

Turning your custom garments inside out before washing helps:

✅ Protect printed designs from friction.

✅ Reduce fading from direct exposure to detergent and water.

✅ Minimize pilling on fabric surfaces.

Pro Tip: Use a mesh laundry bag for extra protection, especially for embroidered items.

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3. Use Cold Water & Gentle Detergent

Hot water can weaken fabric fibers and cause colors to fade quickly. Wash in cold water with a mild detergent to:

✔️ Preserve the vibrancy of prints and embroidery.

✔️ Prevent shrinkage in cotton-based garments.

✔️ Keep fabrics feeling soft and comfortable.

Avoid fabric softeners—they can create a residue that affects the print or embroidery.

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4. Skip the Dryer – Air Dry Instead

Heat is the enemy of custom clothing! High temperatures can:

⚠️ Crack screen-printed designs.

⚠️ Weaken embroidery threads.

⚠️ Shrink fabrics.

Best Practice: Hang or lay your garments flat to air dry. If you must use a dryer, select the lowest heat setting and remove clothes while slightly damp.

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5. Iron with Caution

If your custom apparel gets wrinkled, follow these steps:

🔥 DO NOT iron directly on printed or embroidered areas!

🧺 Turn the garment inside out and use low heat.

🛡️ Place a thin cloth over the design to protect it.

For embroidered items, steaming is a safer option to smooth out wrinkles without applying direct heat.

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6. Store Your Custom Apparel Properly

How you store your clothes can affect their longevity. Follow these simple rules:

✅ Fold heavy printed or embroidered garments to avoid stretching.

✅ Hang lighter items like T-shirts to maintain shape.

✅ Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

For long-term storage, place items in a breathable garment bag to protect from dust and humidity.

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7. Spot Clean Instead of Over-Washing

Frequent washing can wear down fabrics and designs. If you get a small stain:

🧽 Blot with a damp cloth and mild soap instead of scrubbing.

🚫 Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals.

💨 Let air dry completely before wearing again.

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Custom apparel is an investment, whether it’s for personal wear, business branding, or special events. With the right care, your custom garments will stay looking fresh, vibrant, and high-quality for years to come.

Need high-quality custom apparel? Check out E.M Customs for top-tier customisation and production!