So you've decided to purchase company uniforms or promote your business with a giveaway of branded garments – good for you! However, in order to maintain the value of your clothing investment, and make sure that the presentation of your brand on those garments is always looking smart, you need to ensure that they are properly cared for.

Whilst many of us do the laundry weekly, washing clothing correctly, especially customised clothing, it is essential to maintain the looks of garment by following the care instructions. Depending on the type of promotional clothing you have purchased, there are specific ways to see to its care and several important tips to keep in mind.

Caring for Embroidered Pieces

Remember that the clothing labels on embroidered pieces generally refers to the fabric of the piece itself, and not the embroidery. Always follow those instructions whilst keeping these embroidery-specific guidelines in mind as well:

  • Use only cold water on the hand wash or delicate wash cycle to launder garments
  • Use gentle laundry soap and non-chlorine bleach
  • Do not allow embroidered areas to soak or remain damp
  • Never wring out or rub embroidered areas, even if they are stained
  • Dry garments on medium heat, or lay them flat and inside out.

Caring for Screen Printed & Vinyl Pieces

Screen or vinyl printed areas on garments often take up much more space than embroidery, which means that the approach you take to care for them must account for the printed area in a more specific way than the often-tiny area of embroidery. Here are some basic guidelines:

  • Always launder printed garments inside out
  • Wash garments in cold water, using gentle laundry soap
  • Avoid bleach, as it will cause the screen printing to fade
  • Never dry on high heat as it will melt the transfer
  • When ironing, avoid the transfer area which is prone to cracking and melting

Caring for 100 per cent Cotton

Another specific type of garment that many people use for promotional items are those made of 100 per cent cotton. Notable for its bright colours and soft feel, cotton is also incredibly prone to shrinkage and fading. For this reason, many people choose to line dry cotton garments. However, there is a specific way in which to do this.

First, make sure the garment is inside out to prevent the sun from fading the side people see. Next, anchor shirts at the armpits rather than the collar or the base. The heaviness of the fabric will stretch the shirt otherwise.

The Case for Wash-and-Wear Garments

The final care tip to keep in mind is actually more important to consider before ordering promotional garments that after. Certain materials, including cotton and linen, require extra care processes other than a simple wash and dry. Namely, they need to be ironed.

Though it was once a popular household chore, today the prevalence of a viable alternative, wash-and-wear garments exists in the form of everything from casual t-shirts & Polos to formal office attire. The idea is to make washing easier and save people time. Therefore, consider a polyester shirt or cotton/poly blend, especially for uniforms. This allows for easy dryer use whilst maintaining the fresh look of each garment.


If you are unsure of the best solution for your business, just give us a call or pop in to our Newcastle St showroom and we can take you through the options. 


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