How to Wash Graphic Tees So the Print Lasts

Why Graphic Tee Prints Crack, Peel, and Fade

You finally found the perfect Land Cruiser tee or Polaris hoodie, and after a few months the graphic starts to crack, peel or fade. It happens to most graphic tees, and it's almost always the wash routine, not the shirt.

The culprits are heat, friction and harsh chemicals. Hot water and high dryer heat break down printing inks and shrink the cotton underneath, which makes the print crack. Rubbing against zippers, jeans and other clothes wears the graphic down, and bleach fades colors fast. The good news is that a few easy habits can keep your favorite licensed gear looking sharp for years.

How to Wash Graphic Tees

1. Turn it inside out. This is the single biggest thing you can do. The graphic rubs against the inside of the drum instead of other clothes, so it takes far less wear.
2. Wash in cold water. Cold water protects the ink and helps keep 100% cotton from shrinking. It also keeps dark colors from fading.
3. Use a gentle or normal cycle. Skip the heavy-duty cycle unless the shirt is truly caked in mud.
4. Choose a mild detergent, and not too much. Extra detergent can leave residue that dulls colors. Avoid bleach, including "color-safe" bleach on dark shirts.
5. Skip fabric softener. Softener can coat the print and break it down over time.
6. Wash with similar items. Keep graphic tees away from jeans, zippers, Velcro and heavy work clothes that grind against the print.
7. Don't overload the washer. Clothes need room to move freely. A packed drum means more friction.

Wearing a shirt once to the store? You probably don't need to wash it. Fewer washes equals a longer-lasting print.

Drying, Ironing and Storage

Dry low or hang it up

The dryer does more damage than the washer. High heat cracks prints and shrinks cotton, especially in length, which matters a lot if you wear tall sizes.

• Best: Hang dry or lay flat, still inside out, away from direct sunlight.
• Next best: Tumble dry on low or delicate, and pull the shirt out while it's still slightly damp.

Never iron the print

If you need to iron, turn the shirt inside out and use low heat, or put a thin cloth between the iron and the design. A hot iron directly on a graphic can melt or smear the ink.

Store it smart

Fold graphic tees rather than hanging them for long periods, which can stretch the neckline and shoulders. Try not to fold straight through the middle of the graphic, since repeated creases can eventually crack the print.

Getting Out Trail Dirt, Mud and Grease

Off-road apparel gets dirty. That's the point. Here's how to clean it up without wrecking the graphic.

• Mud: Let it dry completely, then brush or shake off as much as you can before washing. Scrubbing wet mud just pushes it deeper into the fibers. Pre-soak heavily soiled shirts in cold water for 30 minutes.
• Grease and oil: Blot, don't rub. Work a drop of liquid dish soap into the stain from the back side of the fabric, let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then wash as usual. Check that the stain is gone before drying, because heat can set it permanently.
• Sweat and campfire smoke: A cold soak with a scoop of baking soda before washing helps lift odors.
• Sap: Harden it with an ice cube, gently scrape off what you can, then treat the rest like grease.

Whatever the stain, keep stain removers off the printed area when you can, and always test on an inside seam first.

Quick Care Cheat Sheet

Built to Last, Made to Wear

Our officially licensed tees are made from heavyweight cotton built to handle trail life, and with the right care they'll last for seasons. Stock up on Toyota, Polaris, Arctic Cat and Goats Trail originals so you always have a clean one ready. Free shipping on orders over $69.