Sports fans love wearing printed sports shirts everywhere. They don’t wait for match days to wear their favorite shirts. They wear them in casual outings, during workouts, or as daily wear.
However, wearing them frequently sometimes harms the shirts’ look and feel. The print might fade away or crack after a few washes, making the shirt look old. We usually blame the shirts’ quality for this; however, the main reason might be our wrong washing and care habits. Generally, printed sports shirts need extra care.
In this blog, we will discuss some practical tips to keep the printed sports shirts fresh and new-looking for longer.
Why do Printed Sports Shirts Wear Out Faster?
Contents
Printed sports shirts don’t wear out suddenly. They are damaged slowly because of wrong wash and care habits.
The main reasons for their damage are:
- Washing them with hot water
- Using high heat to dry them
- Using harsh detergent
- Ironing directly on print
Apart from care, initial quality of the shirts also matters. A good quality shirt lasts longer with proper care. For example, if you are buying Chicago Cubs shirts, you must consider the fabric’s quality, print’s finish, and care instructions before buying them. Many fans prefer established stores like Sports World Chicago, which offers a wide range of authentic Chicago sports apparel. Caring for these shirts is easy and not expensive, if done the right way.
The Right Ways to Wash Printed Sports Shirts
Washing the sports shirts is a part of the daily routine; however, the way you wash them decides how long the print and fabric will stay fresh. Here are some easy tips to wash the shirts correctly.
Wash the Shirts Inside Out
While washing the sports shirts in the washing machine, their outer surface suffers from heavy friction. You might have noticed that the print fades or becomes rough in old shirts, even if their fabric quality is good. That’s because of the extra friction applied while washing the shirts with other clothes.
That’s why you should always wash the shirt inside out so that the printed design is not directly affected. It is an effective habit that reduces the chances of shirts being damaged. Also, the colors don’t fade away quickly. You should make this habit a part of every clothes wash routine.
A few points to remember:
- Don’t wash printed sports shirts with rough fabrics.
- Don’t overload the washing machine.
- If the shirts have zippers, zip them before washing them to avoid friction.
Wash the Shirts With Cold Water
Water temperature and wash cycle also affect the prints of the sports shirts. Washing the shirts with hot water and a harsh wash cycle can make the prints of the shirts weak, which can also cause cracks. Also, we sometimes wash the shirts at the same high speed every time, even if it is not needed.
That’s why it is beneficial to use cold water and a gentle wash cycle to keep the fabric and prints bright and new. If the shirt is not too dirty, a gentle wash might be enough to clean it.
A few things to remember:
- Check the care label before washing.
- Use a gentle cycle for delicate shirts.
- Don’t use the same wash settings for every shirt.
Avoid Using Harsh Detergents
Harsh detergents and bleach just don’t remove stains; they have an impact on fabrics and printed designs. It is a myth that using extra detergent or bleach will make the shirts cleaner. The detergents have strong chemicals that dull the print with time.
You should always use a mild detergent for regular washing, especially if the shirt does not have deep stains. It is not good to use more cleaning agents than required, as it makes the shirts’ fabric and prints dull and rough.
A few considerations:
- Use the detergent in the recommended quantity.
- Use bleach only when required.
- Avoid using extra strong chemicals.
The Right Techniques to Dry the Printed Sports Shirts
Washing the shirts with care is not all you need for bright shirts. You should use the right ways to dry these shirts. Here are some easy ways to dry the shirts to increase their lifespan.
Air Drying is the Best Option
High heat is the biggest enemy of printed sports shirts. Using a dryer to dry the shirts might shrink and crack the prints. That’s why it is best to air dry these shirts. If you use a dryer, use it on a low heat setting to avoid the prints from getting damaged.
A few points to consider:
- Dry the shirts on hangers.
- The shirts remain safer on low heat drying settings.
- Natural drying is best for printed shirts.
Don’t Dry the Shirts in Direct Sunlight
Air drying the shirts is a good habit; however, it is important to dry them in the right place. Avoid drying the shirts under direct sunlight for longer, as it fades the print and fabric colors. It is better to dry the shirts in shade or a ventilated area, where they can air dry easily without direct sunlight.
A few things to consider:
- There should be good airflow for drying the shirts.
- You can dry the shirts on the balcony.
- Prioritise shaded places for drying the shirts.
Avoid Overdrying the Shirts
It is important to dry the sports shirts completely; however, you should avoid overheating or overdrying them. Overdrying causes unnecessary stress to the fabric, which makes them look rough and less vibrant. If you use a dryer, it is best to remove them as soon as the shirts dry.
A few things to consider:
- There’s no extra benefit to overdrying shirts.
- Every fabric needs different drying times.
- If you are using a dryer, keep a timer on it.
Everyday Habits to Protect the Print of the Sports Shirts
As we have discussed washing and drying care for the printed sports shirts, it is important to have some small habits to keep the shirts long-lasting.
Here are some of these easy habits.
- Don’t overstretch the shirts while wearing or removing them.
- Properly fold or hang the shirts after using them.
- Don’t fold or leave the shirts in damp conditions for longer.
- Clean the stains as early as possible.
- Use the shirts in rotation.
- Don’t keep the printed shirts in a crowded drawer.
- Don’t directly iron on the print.
- Don’t ignore the care label instructions.
Conclusion
It is easy to maintain the printed sports shirts for longer. You can enhance the life of these sports shirts with some easy and practical washing and drying methods. Wash the shirts inside out with cold water and less harsh detergents. Also, try to air dry the shirts, but not in direct sunlight. Avoid overdrying them. Include small daily habits such as reading care labels and folding them properly to maintain the colors and prints of the shirts.