7 Easy Tips to Make Your Graphic Tees Last Longer
Here, you will learn 7 tips to make your graphic tees last longer. Let's jump straight right into it.
There’s something iconic about a great graphic tee. Whether it reppin’ your favorite band, a bold design, or a limited edition collab, it’s more than just a t-shirt, it’s a statement. But as much as we love them, graphic tees can wear out fast if you’re not careful. Cracking prints, faded colors, shrinking fits... sound familiar?
The good news? A little extra care goes a long way. With the right wash routine and storage tips, you can keep your favorite graphic tees looking crisp, vibrant, and wearable for years.
1. Turn Inside Out Before Washing
This one’s a simple but powerful trick: always turn your graphic tees inside out before tossing them in the wash.
Why? Because the agitation of the machine can cause friction that leads to cracking and fading on the print. Flipping them inside out helps protect the design from direct contact with other clothes, zippers, and the washing machine drum.
2. Use Cold Water & Gentle Cycle
Heat is the enemy of most printed designs. Washing in cold water not only protects the fabric, but also helps prevent the ink from cracking or fading. Pair cold water with a gentle or delicate cycle to reduce the amount of stress your tee goes through during washing.
If your washing machine has a “hand wash” or “delicates” setting, that’s even better. You can check a guide on how to care for a cotton tshirt.
3. Chose the Right Detergent
Stick with a mild, color-safe detergent, ideally one that’s free from bleach or harsh chemicals. Harsh detergents can break down the ink used in screen printing or direct-to-garment printing, causing your design to fade faster than it should.
Pro tip: Avoid fabric softener too. It can leave residue that dulls the vibrancy of your graphic and affects the texture of the print.
4. Avoid the Dryer
We get it, it’s tempting to throw everything in the dryer and be done with it. But for graphic tees, that’s a fast track to fading, shrinking, and cracking. The high heat of dryers breaks down the ink and can shrink the cotton, especially if it hasn’t been preshrunk.
Best move? Air dry your tees. Lay them flat or hang them on a drying rack in a shaded area (sunlight can fade colors too). If you must use the dryer, use the lowest possible heat setting and take the shirt out while it’s still slightly damp.
5. Iron With Care
If your graphic tee gets wrinkled and you want to iron it, never iron directly over the print. Instead:
- Turn the tee inside out, or
- Place a clean cloth (like a pillowcase) over the design. Use low heat and keep the iron moving to avoid heat damage.
- Even better? Use a steamer to gently remove wrinkles without risking the print.
6. Store Smart
Even how you store your graphic tees matters. Fold them rather than hanging them to prevent stretching at the shoulders. If you do hang them, use wide, padded hangers.
Also, keep them in a cool, dry place. Excess humidity can make prints stick together or degrade faster over time.
7. Wash Less Frequently
We’re not saying you should live in dirty clothes, but washing your graphic tees only when necessary can help preserve them. If you wore it for a short time and it’s not sweaty or stained, give it an air-out instead of a wash. Every cycle wears down the fibers and the print a bit more.
Final Thoughts
Graphic tees are meant to be worn and loved—but that doesn’t mean they have to wear out quickly. With just a little extra care, you can keep your favorite printed t-shirts looking vibrant, fitting well, and feeling soft for years.
At Vestis Vicinity, we design our tees with quality in mind, but we also know the little things matter when it comes to longevity. Whether you’re rocking our latest drop or a tee from your all-time favorite band, these tips will keep it looking fresh. If you want more tips, take a quick look at this.