For many, dark garments are the backbone of our clothing collection. And whether you enjoy a lived-in look with some natural fading or prefer to preserve the intensity in color, the way you care for your pieces is the first step on your journey.
SORTING
Same With Same
Sorting laundry by color is especially crucial for dark clothes. However, not all fabric types should be washed together either and sorting by fabric type can be equally important too.
WHY: + Mixing colors can lead to color bleeding = fading of dark clothes and transfer dye to lighter garments
+ Agitation increases color bleeding, so separate heavier and thick materials from lightweight fabrics like cotton, silk, etc.
DETERGENT
Deliberate Wins
Always opt for a more gentle detergent (with no bleach or optical brighteners) and measure your detergent correctly. Harsh chemicals and too much detergent can be detrimental to your garments.
WHY: + Harsh chemicals can strip color for dark garments + Surplus of suds prevents the release of trapped dirt and residue → dulls the appearance of your garment over time and stains/residue can interact with UV exposure or other environmental factors to increase photodegradation, oxidation, etc. DO: + Look for gentle or “color safe” detergent + Use the smallest amount of detergent necessary to clean clothes
WASHING
Less Is More
The key to preserving richness in dark colors is agitating the garment as little as possible. It’s recommended to wash items less frequently and employ spot cleaning for stains and steaming/fabric deodorizers for freshness. And remember, hand-washing is always a more gentle option. LOADING: + Avoid overloading the washer, as this can cause more friction which leads to color loss and fabric damage → Ample space allows clothing enough room for detergent and water to circle properly + Turn your clothes inside out to preserve color vibrancy by minimizing direct surface contact
TEMPERATURE: + Warm/hot water can be harsh and encourage fibers to open up and release dye → Always opt for cold water to help preserve dye and extend the garment life cycle
TIME: + The less time dark clothes are in water, the less likely fading will occur → Use delicate and short cycles
DRYING
Light & Airy
Air-drying is the gentlest and safest way to dry dark garments and most clothing in general.
WHY: + Heat and agitation from a drying machine can encourage shrinkage and fabric weakening, which will in turn make clothing more susceptible to fading overtime
AVOID: + Exposing dark clothing to direct sunlight and UV rays will cause clothing to fade
AFTERCARE
Protect & Revive
Preventative steps will always keep the color in your garments more vivid. But if you prefer a refresh, you can always seek professional help or at home DIY kits.
Check for stains: + Stains are less visible on dark clothing, but cause more issues if left untreated + Spot clean immediately when possible + Always inspect garments for small stains or spots to treat before washing, so they don’t set in the fabric
Direct sunlight and environmental factor exposure: + Sunlight and UV rays essentially act as bleach and can cause photodegradation or the breaking down of chemical bonds in dye → This can often be seen with uneven fading only on the sun-exposed side of a garment + Pollutants and chemicals can also cause pigments and dye binders to degrade over time
Color revival: + Color fading is loss of dye, and the only true way to bring color back is by dyeing the fabric + Seek professional services if you prefer + Great at home alternatives include products like Dylon’s Machine Dye Pods for Black Colors
While dark garments are often and may seem the most low maintenance in our wardrobes, longevity in color, especially for our most worn pieces, requires touches of preventative care to hinder fading. And while aging and signs of wear in our book are in some ways part of the charm, modern technology makes methods of reviving color more approachable. Our favorite garments live with us day in and day out, and the care for our dark garments remind us to savor the moments in between.
