The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Printed & Embroidered Clothing
Custom clothing is an investment whether it’s branded workwear, uniforms, promotional apparel, or teamwear. With the right care, printed and embroidered garments can look great for years. With the wrong care, even high-quality clothing can fade, crack, or lose its professional appearance.
This guide explains exactly how to care for printed and embroidered clothing, so your garments stay sharp, durable, and comfortable for as long as possible.
Why Proper Garment Care Matters
Looking after your custom clothing:
✔ Extends the life of prints and embroidery
✔ Keeps colours vibrant
✔ Maintains a professional appearance
✔ Saves money by avoiding early replacements
Good aftercare is just as important as good printing.
Caring for Printed Clothing
Printed garments (such as screen print, vinyl, or DTF) require gentle handling to prevent cracking or peeling.
Washing Printed Clothing
✔ Turn garments inside out before washing
✔ Wash at 30°C or lower
✔ Use mild detergent
✔ Wash with similar colours
✘ Avoid bleach
✘ Avoid fabric softener (this breaks down print adhesives)
Drying Printed Clothing
✔ Air dry whenever possible
✔ If tumble drying is necessary, use low heat
✘ Never tumble dry on high heat
✘ Never wring out printed areas
Ironing Printed Clothing
✔ Always iron inside out
✔ Use a low heat setting
✘ Never iron directly on the print
✘ Avoid steam on printed areas
Caring for Embroidered Clothing
Embroidery is extremely durable, but proper care keeps it looking clean, sharp, and professional.
Washing Embroidered Clothing
✔ Wash inside out
✔ Use cool or 30°C washes
✔ Gentle cycles are best for frequent washing
✘ Avoid harsh detergents
✘ Avoid bleach near stitching
Drying Embroidered Clothing
✔ Air drying is ideal
✔ Lay flat to avoid pulling the fabric
✘ Avoid high-heat tumble drying, which can shrink garments and distort stitching
Ironing Embroidered Clothing
✔ Iron inside out or place a cloth over the embroidery
✔ Use medium heat
✘ Never press hard directly on stitched areas
How Often Should You Wash Custom Clothing?
Over-washing is one of the biggest causes of wear.
Best practice:
✔ Wash only when needed
✔ Spot-clean small marks
✔ Rotate garments if worn daily
This is especially important for workwear worn multiple times per week.
Storage Tips for Printed & Embroidered Clothing
✔ Store folded or on hangers
✔ Keep garments dry and away from direct sunlight
✔ Avoid crushing printed areas under heavy items
Good storage prevents cracking, creasing, and fading.
Common Care Mistakes to Avoid
✘ Washing too hot
✘ Using tumble dryers on high heat
✘ Ironing directly on prints
✘ Using bleach or strong chemicals
✘ Ignoring care labels
These mistakes are the main reason custom clothing wears out prematurely.
Quality Starts with the Right Supplier
Even the best aftercare can’t fix poor-quality printing or embroidery. That’s why choosing an experienced supplier matters.
At The Clothing Company, we focus on:
✔ High-quality garments
✔ Professional printing & embroidery
✔ Clear care advice with every order
✔ Clothing designed to last
Final Thoughts
With proper care, printed and embroidered clothing can stay comfortable, professional, and brand-ready for years. A few simple steps make a big difference.
👕 Looking to order custom clothing that lasts?
Get in touch with The Clothing Company today for expert advice and high-quality custom garments you can rely on.