Custom apparel is an investment, and how you care for it determines how long it looks great. Prints can crack and fade, and embroidery can snag, if garments are washed carelessly. Follow these simple, method-specific care tips to make your custom apparel last.
General rules for all custom apparel
- Wash inside-out. This protects the print or stitching from friction against other garments.
- Use cold water. Cold is gentler on inks, threads, and fabric, and reduces shrinking and fading.
- Turn to a gentle cycle when possible.
- Skip harsh additives. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners, which can degrade prints over time.
- Wash before first heavy use to set the garment (following the blank's guidance).
Caring for screen-printed apparel
Screen prints last longest when you: * Wash inside-out in cold water. * Tumble dry on low, or air dry, to avoid heat cracking the ink. * Never iron directly over the print — iron inside-out or avoid the print area.
Caring for embroidered apparel
Embroidery is durable but benefits from gentle handling: * Wash inside-out in cold water on a gentle cycle. * Air dry or tumble dry low to protect the threads. * If ironing, iron around the embroidery or place a cloth over it; never iron directly on stitching. * Watch for snags — keep embroidered items away from Velcro and rough surfaces.
Caring for DTF/DTG prints
Digital prints preserve their color best when you: * Wash inside-out in cold water. * Tumble dry low or air dry. * Avoid ironing directly on the print.
Why care matters for durability
Different methods have different lifespans, and proper care extends all of them. Embroidery is inherently very durable; quality screen prints last for years with gentle washing; DTF/DTG holds up well when kept out of high heat. Treating your garments gently is the simplest way to protect your investment.
Built to last
At 24 Hour Apparels, we stand behind the durability and performance of our customization. Every order is finished in our dedicated in-house decoration facility under strict quality control. Our master craftspeople carefully inspect every print pass and stitch density to ensure it meets our rigorous standards, and we include a dedicated wash care card with every shipment to help you and your team get the maximum lifespan out of your custom gear.
Browse our durable custom apparel, and follow these tips to keep it looking sharp for years.