Washing Do’s and Don’ts: How to Keep Your Vintage Shirts Looking Fresh

✅ Do: Wash at Low Temperatures

Heat is the enemy. High temperatures can damage fabrics, loosen stitching, and destroy delicate prints.

The rule:
👉 Always wash at 30°C or colder.
👉 For really delicate or match-worn shirts, consider hand washing.

🚫 Don’t: Tumble Dry

The tumble dryer is one of the fastest ways to ruin a vintage shirt. Heat, friction and shrinkage — not a good combo.

Air drying is always best. Hang your shirts flat or on a wide hanger, out of direct sunlight (which can fade colours).

✅ Do: Turn Shirts Inside Out

Before washing, always turn your shirts inside out. This helps:

Protect prints and badges

Reduce friction against other clothes

Keep colours vibrant

Simple, but very effective.

🚫 Don’t: Use Harsh Detergents or Fabric Softeners

Modern detergents can be too aggressive for older fabrics. And fabric softeners can leave residue that damages prints.

Stick with a gentle detergent, no bleach, and no softeners. Your shirt will thank you.

✅ Do: Wash Shirts Separately (If You Can)

If you’re washing a prized shirt, it’s worth giving it a wash of its own.
At the very least, wash with similar colours and avoid mixing with heavy items (like jeans) that can cause abrasion.