How to Care for Your Custom Apparel

How to Care for Your Custom Printed Apparel

At Print + Press, we pour our heart into creating custom printed apparel that looks great and lasts. Whether it’s a bold graphic tee, a team jersey, or a branded hoodie, your custom gear deserves some TLC to keep it vibrant and wearable for years. Here’s our go-to guide for caring for your printed apparel—no complicated stuff, just simple steps to protect your investment.

1. Wash Smart: Inside Out, Cold Water

Turn your garment inside out before tossing it in the wash. This protects the print from rubbing against other clothes or the drum. Use cold water on a gentle cycle—hot water can fade colors or weaken the ink over time. Stick to mild detergent too; harsh chemicals can break down the design faster than you’d like.

2. Skip the Dryer (When You Can)

Air drying is your print’s best friend. Hang your apparel on a line or lay it flat to dry—it prevents heat from messing with the ink or stretching the fabric. If you’re in a rush and need the dryer, go low heat or tumble dry on the coolest setting. High temps can crack or peel prints, and nobody wants that!

3. Iron with Caution

Need to smooth out wrinkles? Flip that shirt inside out again and use a low-to-medium heat setting on your iron. Avoid direct contact with the print—steam or heat can melt or distort it. If you’re worried, toss a thin cloth (like a clean pillowcase) between the iron and the design for extra protection.

4. Store It Right

Folding beats hanging for printed apparel. Hanging can stretch out shoulders or distort the print over time, especially on heavier items like hoodies. Stack your gear neatly in a drawer or on a shelf, and keep it away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

5. Know Your Print Type

Not all prints are the same! If we used screen printing, your design is tough but still loves gentle care. For direct-to-garment (DTG) prints, be extra kind with washing and drying to keep those fine details sharp. Heat transfers or vinyl? Avoid high heat altogether. If you’re unsure what we used, just give us a shout—we’re happy to clue you in.

Bonus Tip: Act Fast on Stains

Spilled some coffee or ketchup? Dab—don’t rub—the spot with a damp cloth ASAP. Rubbing can damage the print or push the stain deeper. A little patience here goes a long way.

Taking care of your custom apparel isn’t rocket science—it’s just about giving it the respect it deserves. Follow these tips, and your gear will stay looking fresh, whether it’s for game day, a family reunion, or just flexing your style. Got questions about your specific order? Swing by [Your Print Shop Name] or drop us a line—we’re here to help your prints live their best life.