Garment Care
Keep Your Gear Looking Great
Custom-decorated apparel lasts longest when it's cared for properly. Follow these guidelines to protect your screen prints, embroidery, and heat transfers wash after wash.
Why Proper Care Matters
Custom decoration — whether screen printed, embroidered, or heat transferred — is built to last. But harsh washing conditions, high heat, and abrasive detergents can break down inks, loosen threads, and fade colors faster than normal wear ever would.
A few simple habits will keep your team gear, spirit wear, and custom apparel looking sharp for seasons to come.
Care by Decoration Type
Screen Printed Garments
Do
- Turn garments inside out before washing
- Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle
- Use a mild, color-safe detergent
- Air dry or tumble dry on low heat
- Iron on the reverse side only, on low heat
Don't
- Do not bleach or use fabric softener
- Do not iron directly over the print
- Do not dry clean
- Avoid high heat in the dryer — it can crack plastisol ink
Embroidered Garments
Do
- Machine wash cold on a gentle or delicate cycle
- Turn garments inside out or use a mesh laundry bag
- Use a gentle, color-safe detergent
- Lay flat or hang to dry when possible
- Steam or iron around the embroidery, not directly over it
Don't
- Do not wring or twist embroidered areas
- Do not iron directly over the stitching — it can flatten the texture
- Avoid harsh detergents or bleach
- Do not use a high-heat dryer setting
Heat Transfer & DTF
Do
- Turn garments inside out before washing
- Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle
- Air dry or tumble dry on the lowest heat setting
- Wait 24 hours after decoration before the first wash
- Iron on the reverse side only, on low heat
Don't
- Do not iron directly over the transfer
- Do not use bleach or fabric softener
- Avoid high-heat drying — it can cause peeling or cracking
- Do not dry clean
Sublimated Uniforms
Do
- Machine wash cold — sublimation dye is bonded into the fabric
- Tumble dry on low or hang to dry
- Use a mild detergent
- Wash with similar colors
Don't
- Do not bleach — it will permanently damage the dye
- Do not use fabric softener — it coats the moisture-wicking fibers
- Avoid high heat — polyester can shrink or warp
- Do not dry clean
General Best Practices
Cold Water is Your Friend
Hot water breaks down inks and dyes faster than anything else. Cold water cleans just as effectively and protects your decoration.
Air Dry When You Can
Air drying is the gentlest option for any decorated garment. If you use a dryer, always choose the lowest heat setting.
Inside Out Every Time
Turning garments inside out before washing reduces friction on the decorated surface and prevents fading from agitation.
Skip the Fabric Softener
Fabric softener leaves a coating that can break down ink adhesion and reduce the moisture-wicking performance of athletic fabrics.
Store Properly
Store decorated garments folded flat or hung — avoid cramming them into tight spaces where creasing can stress the decoration.
Treat Stains Promptly
Blot stains immediately — don't rub. Use a gentle stain remover away from the decorated area and wash as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Your Order?
Our team is happy to answer any questions about garment care or the decoration process. Stop in or give us a call.