Garment Wash | Vow Studio

How should I take care of my colourful pieces and why?

We want you to enjoy your Vow pieces as much as you can, so all Vow Studio garments come with care labels tailored for each fabric type. We also ensure that all fabrics are pre-washed, preventing shrinkage and removing any floating ink from the fabric's surface.

However, with printed fabric, there's still a chance of colour loss. From a technical standpoint, some ink colours are naturally weaker than others, like red and brown, making them more prone to fading. Additionally, when washing prints with high-contrast colours, such as red and white or black and white, there's a higher chance of colour mixing. So, be extra careful with those pieces (make sure you follow the care label provided), and using colour catchers (available at most supermarkets) can be a great help.

Different fabric printing processes can also impact colour fastness. Natural fibres need to undergo a low-heat printing process, resulting in lower colour retention than polyester, which uses a high-temperature colouration process that ensures colours stay longer. This reflects a trade-off between natural and synthetic materials and colour vibrancy.

However, there are ways to extend the life of your Vow pieces (or other colourful printed items you own). We've picked up some tips along the way to help your garments stay beautiful and vibrant for longer.

Detergent: Avoid using harsh detergents or bleach on your garments as they can lead to fading and damage your prints. Opt for a mild detergent instead. For stain removal, apply a stain-removing product directly to the stained area before washing. This gentle approach helps maintain the vibrancy and quality of your prints.

Water Temperature: Cold water is best to preserve the garment's life. A cold, gentle machine cycle is recommended. Additionally, don't leave items wet in the machine before or post-wash to prevent dye run. 

Dry Cleaning: Most of our garments can be cold machine-washed. Jackets and coats, with complex structures like linings and embroidery, should be dry cleaned to avoid machine damage.

Drying: No tumble drying, please. Overheating can cause colour fading in natural fabrics. Hanging items also maintain their shape. The old-fashioned way is the best.

Steaming: Steaming is gentler than ironing and helps prevent colour fading. You can also hang your printed pieces in the bathroom while showering for a time-saving way to maintain them.