Even the best quality t-shirt will need to be cared for properly if you want it to last. The important thing to note is that not all t-shirts are the same, and as a result, how you care for a specific t-shirt will often differ from case to case.
Getting it right becomes even more important when you’ve bought an item in bulk. Here, we go through some of the main things to take into consideration, from sorting colours to appropriate storage conditions.
Sort for pre-ware washing
Even high-quality t-shirts from suppliers like Screen Textiles will often need to be washed before they’re worn. These pre-washes are often essential to make sure that any dye that’s liable to bleed a little can do so in a controlled environment, without damaging other pieces you’re washing them with.
To do this properly, you need to make sure that these initial washes are separated by colour. You don’t want all of your white t-shirts turning a pale shade of pink, or your yellow t-shirts turning slightly green.
Hang dry
If you’re buying t-shirts in bulk for personal usage, then one of the main benefits you can make the most of is optimising your washing and drying routine. You can afford to wash less regularly, and to use slightly slower but less damaging drying methods such as hang drying. In the long run, this will mean that you’ll save money on washing and drying, and by helping your t-shirts to last for longer.
Read product care instructions
While it’s always important to read product care instructions, when you’re buying in bulk this becomes even more important. For example, the potential ramifications of washing a large batch of t-shirts at too high a temperature and having them shrink are far more serious if you end up with 90 unusable items compared to just one or two.
If you have any concerns or questions, it’s absolutely worth reaching out to the manufacturer or supplier – they’ll likely have some good tips on cleaning and storage that might not be included on the label.
Store properly
If you’re buying t-shirts in bulk, there’s a chance that they won’t all be worn straight away. Whether you’re buying them for your five a side football team or to sell at your next gig, the majority of the t-shirts might end up sitting in boxes for months before they get any use.
As a result, it’s crucial that you store them in an appropriate environment. Importantly, that means finding a cool, dark space where the T-shirts won’t be damaged by sunlight or mould. Depending on the number you end up buying, it could represent a substantial investment, and you don’t want that money going down the drain.
With just a little preparation, you can help make sure that you’re able to care for the t-shirts you buy in a sustainable, efficient manner. This is important with all t-shirts, but especially when you’re buying larger batches – it only takes a few moments of research and preparation to get it right, and it’ll save you a lot of bother in the long run.
