Why does washing matter for branded workwear?
Branded workwear is an investment, and how it is washed has a big effect on how long it looks good. Most problems we see, such as puckered embroidery, faded colours or cracked prints, come from washing too hot, drying too hot or using harsh products.
The good news is that a few simple habits keep embroidery and prints looking sharp for much longer. Always start with the garment's care label, then follow the tips below.
How should you wash embroidered clothing?
- Check the care label and stick to the recommended temperature.
- Turn the garment inside out to protect the embroidery from rubbing.
- Wash similar colours together to avoid dye transfer.
- Use a mild detergent and avoid bleach on coloured garments.
- Avoid overloading the machine, so garments rinse properly and do not twist.
How should you dry embroidered workwear?
Line drying is kindest to embroidery and fabric. If you use a tumble dryer, choose a low heat setting and remove garments promptly. High heat can shrink the fabric around the stitching and cause puckering.
Can you iron over embroidery?
Iron embroidered garments inside out, or place a cloth between the iron and the logo. Never iron directly on embroidery or printed designs.
How do you care for printed workwear?
DTF and vinyl prints last longer when washed inside out at a moderate temperature and dried on low heat. Avoid ironing directly on the print. Our guide to DTF transfers explains how DTF prints are made.
What about hi-vis and protective clothing?
Hi-vis and protective garments often have specific care instructions, including a limited number of wash cycles. Follow the label closely, because incorrect washing can reduce visibility or protection. Replace hi-vis when the colour fades or the reflective tape is damaged. If your team needs flame-resistant clothing, our FR workwear guide covers what to consider.
How can you make uniforms last longer?
- Give each person enough garments to rotate, so no single item is washed every day.
- Remove stains promptly, before they set.
- Store garments folded or hung, away from damp.
- Repair small problems, such as loose buttons, before they get worse.
- Choose good-quality garments, which hold their shape and colour for longer.
Which garments do we supply?
We supply and brand polos, sweatshirts, jackets, hi-vis and more. Our polo shirts are one of the most popular choices for embroidered uniforms, and our embroidery service page explains how we work.
Do we supply customers near you?
We are based in Worcestershire and dispatch orders across the UK, and customers nearby can arrange local collection. See how we work with customers locally on our pages for embroidery in Stourbridge and embroidery in Droitwich Spa, or browse all areas we serve in the West Midlands.
Frequently asked questions about caring for branded workwear
What temperature should I wash embroidered workwear at?
Follow the care label for the garment. Washing at the recommended temperature, inside out, keeps embroidery and fabric in good condition.
Can embroidered clothing go in the tumble dryer?
Use a low heat setting if the care label allows tumble drying, and remove garments promptly. Line drying is gentlest.
Does DTF printing peel or crack after washing?
A DTF print that is applied at the right heat and pressure bonds to the fabric and flexes with it. Washing inside out at a moderate temperature and avoiding tumble-drying on high heat helps the print last.
Why has my embroidery puckered?
Puckering is often caused by high heat in washing or drying shrinking the fabric around the stitching. Washing at the recommended temperature and drying on low heat helps prevent it.
Do you supply the clothing as well as add the logo?
Yes. We supply the garments from trade brands such as Portwest, Regatta, Result, Gildan and Fruit of the Loom, then embroider or print them, so you deal with one supplier from start to finish.
Need new branded workwear?
Tell us the garments, quantities and sizes, and share your logo. You can request a quote, call 07825 818684 or message us on WhatsApp.
