Have you ever been disheartened when you pulled out your favorite polo with the beautiful embroidered logo you created and saw it was ruined? Embroidered shirts aren’t just another piece of clothing you can wash and dry as usual, expecting everything to be okay. These unique garments need a bit more attention to keep them looking as vibrant and pristine as the day you first wore them.

Whether it’s a custom embroidered logo on a work shirt or a beautifully stitched design on women’s denim shirts , taking the proper steps in caring for your embroidered shirts can make all the difference. But how do you keep these garments looking fresh? The last thing you want is your favorite custom dry-fit shirt to lose its charm after a few washes. This blog will guide you through the essential steps to ensure your embroidered shirts stay fresh and intact, wash after wash.

Why is it Important to Protect Embroidery for Clothing?

Embroidery is an investment that you want to pay off for years. The intricate stitching and detailed designs need special care. If properly maintained, the threads will keep looking first-day fresh. However, if not handled with care, they can unravel over time, fade, or fray.

Nobody wants to wear women’s dry fit shirts with embroidery that has become dull, fuzzy, or distorted. Proper care ensures your clothing always looks crisp and clean, leaving a lasting impression wherever you go.

How to Keep Your Embroidered Shirts New and Intact

Now that you understand why protecting embroidered clothing is vital, how do you do it effectively? Well, that's why you're reading this blog! Here are some practical tips to keep your embroidered, custom dry fit shirts looking new and intact.

Hand Wash the Items

Hand washing is the gentlest way to clean your embroidered shirts. Unlike machine washing, which can be rough on delicate threads, hand washing gives you control over the cleaning process. Here are a few steps to properly hand wash an embroidered shirt.

1. To start, fill a clean sink or basin with cold water. Cold water helps prevent any dye from bleeding and reduces the risk of the fabric stretching.
2. Add a small amount of mild detergent, making sure it dissolves completely before submerging your shirt.
3. Gently swirl the shirt in the water without wringing or twisting the fabric. This gentle motion ensures the embroidery is cleaned without being damaged.
4. After 10-15 minutes, rinse the shirt thoroughly in cold water to remove all soap residues.
5. Once rinsed, gently press it between your hands to remove excess water — do not wring or twist it. Instead, lay the shirt flat on a clean towel and roll it up to absorb the moisture.
6. Unroll the towel and lay the shirt flat on a dry surface to air dry. Avoid hanging it; this can stretch the fabric and distort the embroidery.

Hand washing and proper drying will keep your embroidered shirts looking fresh and intact for years.

Use Mild Cleaning Products

Not all detergents are created equal when cleaning embroidered shirts. Harsh chemicals and strong detergents can weaken the threads and fade the vibrant colors. Always opt for a mild, gentle detergent that’s tough on stains but kind to your fabric. A mild stain remover can be used if you encounter a stubborn stain, but avoid applying it directly to the embroidered area.

Be Gentle and Avoid Scrubbing

It’s natural to want to scrub away stains but resist the urge when it comes to your embroidered shirts. Scrubbing can distort the fabric and damage the delicate threads, leaving the embroidery looking fuzzy or worn. Instead, if you need to treat a stain, gently dab it with a soft cloth soaked in your mild detergent solution.

When hand washing, avoid scrubbing the fabric against itself. Move the shirt gently in the water to loosen any dirt or debris. This approach will help maintain the integrity of the fabric and the embroidery while actively cleaning it. Think about it — a washing machine doesn't vigorously scrub clothing together, and we need to be even more gentle than a washer.

Avoid Washing With Other Clothes

Your embroidered shirts deserve special attention, so it’s best to wash them separately from other clothes. Hand washing with items that have zippers, buttons, or any other rough surfaces can lead to snags or pulls in the embroidery. Even something as simple as rough denim fabric can damage the delicate threads.

Air Dry Your Embroidered Shirts

As stated above, air drying is the best method after hand washing, not a dryer. The heat from a dryer can be too intense for embroidered fabrics, causing shrinkage, puckering, or even unraveling of the threads.

Take Care When Ironing

Ironing can be tricky when it comes to embroidered clothing. High heat can damage the threads, causing them to lose their luster or even melt. To protect your embroidery, always iron your shirt inside out. This method places a barrier between the iron and the embroidery, reducing the risk of damage.

Secure Loose Threads and Stitches

Over time, the stitches in your embroidery may start to loosen, especially in high-friction areas. If you notice any loose threads, don’t pull on them. Instead, use a needle to carefully tuck them back into place or knot them securely on the inside of the garment.

Don’t Starch the Clothes Before Storing

Starching is often used to keep clothes looking crisp and fresh, but it’s not a good idea for embroidered items. Starch can make the fabric more brittle and prone to damage. It also attracts insects that feed on the starch residue, potentially ruining your embroidery. 

When storing your embroidered shirts, ensure they're clean and dry and stored in a cool, dry place. Avoid hanging them on sharp or rough hangers that could snag the embroidery. Instead, opt for padded hangers or store them flat to prevent stretching or damage.

Thread Carefully and Keep Your Embroidery Fresh

Taking care of your embroidered shirts doesn’t have to be a chore. With these simple tips, you can ensure your custom embroidered shirts remain vibrant and intact. Proper care will keep your embroidery looking sharp.

Are you ready to add more custom embroidery to your wardrobe? Stitch America has you covered with top-quality options that stand the test of time. Visit our website today to explore our collection and find your next favorite embroidered piece.

Back to Blog Contents