What Makes Your Clothes Color Fade
13 January
Last Updated: 2025-03-21
Yesterday, my friend Sana shared her frustration with me regarding a winter coat she had purchased just last week for approximately ¥1500 (US$230). To her dismay, the coat had already faded, and regrettably, some of her other light-colored garments had also become stained after washing. Understandably, she was quite upset and strongly suspected a quality issue with her new coat.
It is a common notion that only inexpensive, poorly made clothes are prone to fading, while pricier, high-quality outfits are expected to maintain their color for a longer duration.
However, it's important to remember that fibers are inherently delicate and not everlasting. Regardless of the quality of your clothing, some degree of fading or aging is inevitable over time.
In fact, many name-brand or designer clothes can fade just as quickly as less expensive items, as several popular brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Adidas, Nike, and Levis have been reported to fade significantly after washing. Nevertheless, with careful attention and the application of correct washing techniques, you can significantly prolong the vibrancy of your favorite clothes, allowing you to enjoy them until they eventually go out of fashion. Before we delve into the proper methods for washing and preserving your cherished garments, I would like to clarify some points that often cause confusion.
Due to this inherent lower color fastness, garments dyed with such methods typically cannot withstand prolonged soaking and should not be washed with warm water.
Additionally, some brands may be practicing "planned obsolescence" – deliberately designing products to fade quickly to encourage more frequent purchases. Many "fast fashion" brands fall into this category, despite sometimes carrying premium price tags.
1. Why are some expensive / luxurious clothes susceptible to fading?
With increasing environmental consciousness, a growing number of garment manufacturers are adopting plant-based dyeing methods for their clothing production. This involves using costly natural ingredients extracted from plants. While these natural dyestuffs are environmentally friendly and generally considered harmless, they often exhibit poorer color fixation, making them more prone to fading. For instance, the traditional technique of "blue-dyeing" involves extracting indigo from the Persicaria tinctoria plant and then artificially coloring the fabric.
Due to this inherent lower color fastness, garments dyed with such methods typically cannot withstand prolonged soaking and should not be washed with warm water.
2. What types of materials are particularly prone to fading?
Natural fibers, including cotton, linen, ramie, silk, and wool, tend to fade more quickly compared to chemical fabrics such as chinlon, terylene (Polyester), and acrylic. This explains why many linen clothing items often lose their color relatively fast, and cotton outfits are susceptible to aging.
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| Natural Fiber: Linen |
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| Cotton gets aging |
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| Chemical Fabric: Polyester |
Furthermore, in comparison to light-colored clothes, textiles dyed in bright or dark tones are generally more susceptible to fading.
Interestingly, outdoor and athletic brands like North Face, Columbia, and similar "outdoorsy" brands often use more color-fast dyes due to the UV resistance requirements for their products, making them less prone to fading.
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| The more to the right, the more serious of the color fade |
3. Tips to Help Prevent Clothes from Fading
1. Firstly, always turn your clothes inside out before washing to minimize friction between the fabric surfaces. Ensure you select a mild laundry detergent to help preserve the colors. Use significantly less detergent than recommended on the packaging – approximately one-third of the suggested amount is often sufficient, as most manufacturers encourage overuse.Regular-formula detergents often contain harsh chemical additives that can damage the fibers and lead to fading. Washing clothes in cold water is also crucial for protecting a garment's colors, as warm water tends to make fibers more likely to release dye into the wash water.
2. Sort your laundry carefully, separating dark-colored items from light-colored ones to prevent any potential color transfer, especially when using washing machines. Further sort by texture and durability to prevent abrasion from rougher fabrics against delicate ones.
3. Thoroughly rinse your clothes with clean water to ensure that no detergent residue remains, as leftover detergent can sometimes contribute to color fading over time.
2. Sort your laundry carefully, separating dark-colored items from light-colored ones to prevent any potential color transfer, especially when using washing machines. Further sort by texture and durability to prevent abrasion from rougher fabrics against delicate ones.
3. Thoroughly rinse your clothes with clean water to ensure that no detergent residue remains, as leftover detergent can sometimes contribute to color fading over time.
4. Avoid exposing your clothes to direct sunlight for extended periods. Instead of using a dryer, which is a major cause of fading, air-dry your clothes in a cool and well-ventilated area, preferably indoors or in the shade. If you must use a dryer, use the lowest heat setting and remove clothes while still slightly damp.
4. Additional Considerations to Minimize Color Fading
Avoid Harsh Detergents and Bleach:
Opt for color-safe detergents and never use chlorine bleach on colored garments unless specifically indicated on the care label. Consider specialized detergents for dark clothes like Woolite Dark or Oxiclean Dark Protect.
Consider Pre-Treating New Items:
For new, brightly colored clothes, consider soaking them in a solution of cold water with a cup of white vinegar or a tablespoon of salt for about 30 minutes before the first wash. This can sometimes help to set the dye.
Add Vinegar to Regular Washes:
Adding about a cup of white vinegar to your washing machine can help lock in colors and remove odors without leaving a vinegar smell once clothes are dry. This also helps prevent mold growth in your washing machine.
Wash Less Frequently:
Only wash clothes when they are visibly dirty or have a noticeable odor. Over-washing can contribute to fading.
Skip the Dryer When Possible: Air-drying is gentler on fabrics and helps to preserve color. If you must use a dryer, use the lowest heat setting.
Avoid Fabric Softeners:
Fabric softeners leave a coating on clothes that can accelerate fading and decrease the absorbency of towels and moisture-wicking athletic wear. Consider using wool dryer balls instead if you need to reduce static.
Protect Clothes from Sweat and Body Oils:
Consider wearing an undershirt, especially with delicate or brightly colored garments, to absorb sweat and oils.
Be Mindful of Hard Water:
If you have hard water, consider using a water softener or a detergent formulated for hard water to prevent mineral buildup that can affect color. High chlorine content in municipal water can significantly accelerate fading – consider installing a water filter for your washing machine if this is a concern.
Check Care Labels:
Always refer to the care label on your garments for specific washing and drying instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Reviving Faded Clothes:
If your dark clothes have already faded, consider using fabric dye (like Rit dye) to restore their color. This works particularly well for items that are at least 90% cotton, though Rit also makes a synthetic fabric dye for other materials. You can often dye clothes directly in your washing machine by following the manufacturer's instructions.
By taking these factors into consideration and following the recommended washing practices, you can significantly extend the life and vibrancy of your beloved clothing.
About different washing tips for clothes with different fabrics, please head over to the following articles:
1. How to Wash Down Puffer Jackets
2. 8 TIPS OF CARING FOR SWEATERS
3. HOW TO WASH COTTON LINEN CLOTHING
4. 8 TIPS OF CARING FOR WOOL COATS
5. HOW TO CARE FOR LEATHER JACKETS
Post by: https://morimiss.blogspot.com
1. How to Wash Down Puffer Jackets
2. 8 TIPS OF CARING FOR SWEATERS
3. HOW TO WASH COTTON LINEN CLOTHING
4. 8 TIPS OF CARING FOR WOOL COATS
5. HOW TO CARE FOR LEATHER JACKETS
Post by: https://morimiss.blogspot.com
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3 评论
This is very informative on how your clothes wont fade, It is ideal and helpful. Big thanks for sharing this with us.
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