A great graphic tee should last for years, not a few washes. With a little care the colours stay bright and the print stays crisp. Here's how to look after your tees.
Washing
- Turn it inside out. This is the single most important step. It protects the print from rubbing against other clothes, zips and the drum of the machine.
- Use cold water. Hot water fades colours faster and can shrink cotton. Cold or cool water cleans just as well for everyday wear.
- Choose a gentle cycle. Less agitation means less wear on the print and the fabric.
- Wash with similar colours. Keep dark tees away from light ones, especially for the first few washes.
- Skip the bleach and fabric softener. Bleach can damage the print, and softeners can leave a film that dulls colours over time.
Drying
- Hang dry or lay flat when you can. Air drying is the best way to prevent shrinking and fading.
- If you use a dryer, go low. Tumble dry on low heat and take the tee out while it's still slightly damp.
- Keep out of strong direct sunlight. Hours of harsh sun can fade dark colours.
Ironing
- Never iron directly on the print. Turn the tee inside out and use a low to medium setting, or iron around the design.
- Try a steamer. It removes wrinkles without pressing on the print at all.
Storing
- Fold rather than hang for everyday storage. Hanging for long periods can stretch the shoulders.
- Avoid over-stuffed drawers, which crease prints and wear them faster.
A quick checklist
Inside out, cold wash, gentle cycle, no bleach, low or no heat, no iron on the print. Stick to those and your favourite tee, whether it's the Hike More Stress Less T-Shirt or the Grand Canyon Vintage Poster Tee, will look good for many seasons of trail days and weekend wear.
Ready for a new favourite? Browse the full Habitat Inventory collection.