Washing Mistakes That Kill Your Tees (And How to Avoid Them)

Tired of your prints fading, shrinking, or cracking? Learn the top laundry mistakes people make with graphic and oversized tees — and how to keep your fits looking fresh.

A Tee Can Only Take So Much

You cop the perfect graphic tee. It fits right. The print hits hard. But after a few washes? It starts looking like you borrowed it from your uncle’s wardrobe. Cracks, fades, loose necklines — all because of what happens in the wash.

Here’s a simple truth: most t-shirts don’t die from wear — they die from bad laundry decisions.

Let’s fix that.

1. Hot Water = Hot Mess

Never wash your tees in hot water. It causes shrinkage, especially with cotton, and weakens fabric over time. Always go with cold water. It’s gentler and helps preserve both the fabric and the print.

2. Washing Inside Out Isn’t Just a Suggestion

Turning your tee inside out is one of the easiest ways to protect your prints. Direct friction with other clothes or the machine wall can wear out the artwork fast.

3. Say No to Bleach & Harsh Detergents

Bleach might be great for your toilet, not your t-shirt. Use mild detergent — no harsh chemicals or fabric softeners. These ingredients break down ink and cotton fibers.

4. Skip the Dryer, Embrace the Air

Dryers are the silent killer. They overheat and crack prints. Instead, hang your tee in the shade to dry. Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade colors too fast.

5. Iron Smart, or Don’t Iron at All

If you must iron, always flip the tee inside out. Never iron directly on the print. Use low heat and skip steam. Better yet, just shake it out and let it hang.

6. Don’t Dry Clean Your Tees

We’re not designing blazers. Dry cleaning uses chemicals that aren’t tee-friendly. Stick to regular machine or hand washing.

The Zero IQ Standard: Built to Last (If You Treat It Right)

We make our oversized graphic tees to go hard — thick cotton, bold prints, tight stitching. But even our best fabric needs love. Follow this care guide, and your fit will keep turning heads long after the trend fades.