Colour fastness compared

Short answer: Synthetic fibres hold their colour best, because the colour is dyed into the fibre itself. Cellulose fibres and cotton fade more visibly, especially in dark colours. With the right washing and drying, though, you can delay it for a long time.

Where the colour sits

In synthetic fibres, the colour is part of the fibre itself and cannot be washed out in the same way. In cellulose fibres, the colour sits in the structure of the fibre and can wear out over time. That is why two tops in the same colour can age differently. See the colours in bamboo joggers for men.

Why cellulose fibres fade

Bamboo viscose and cotton are both cellulose fibres. They absorb water, and each time they are washed, the fibres move and release a little colour. At the same time, friction wears the surface, so small fibre ends turn lighter. It happens slowly and is hardly visible at first.

Sun is the biggest threat

Ultraviolet light breaks down dyes in all materials, synthetic ones included. That is why curtains and garden furniture fade. Drying in the shade is therefore the single most important step for colour. Hang clothes indoors or somewhere shady, including the pieces in the range for women.

Washing that protects colour

Turn clothes inside out, so the inside is what rubs against the rest of the load. Use a mild detergent and avoid overdosing, because leftover detergent can leave a greyish film. Do not wash hotter than needed, and do not fill the machine completely, so the surface wears less.

Dark colours show the loss most

A black top that loses a little colour looks clearly greyer. A light grey top that loses the same amount looks almost unchanged. It is about contrast, not about dark colours being worse. See the muted colours in long sleeve styles, which hide it better over many washes.

Muted colours last longest

Grey, navy and olive are good choices if you want clothes that look the same for a long time. Mid tones show both wear and fading less than black and strong colours. They are also easy to combine, so they tend to get worn a lot. That makes them a good choice for everyday pieces.

The first washes

New clothes in dark or strong colours can release some dye in the first washes. That is normal and does not mean the colour is disappearing. Wash them with similar colours the first few times, and keep light items out of the machine. After a few washes, the excess dye is gone.

How to make colour last

Wash inside out with a mild detergent for dark clothes, dry in the shade and skip the tumble dryer. Keep light and dark apart. Only wash when needed, because every wash causes a little wear. Airing clothes between wears keeps many tops fresh for longer, and the colour lasts longer too.

Frequently asked questions

Which colours last longest

Muted mid tones such as grey, navy and olive. They show the loss least, because the contrast between the original colour and a slightly faded version is small.

Does detergent for dark clothes help

Yes. It contains no bleach and is gentler on colour. Over many washes it makes a difference, especially for black and navy, where even a small loss shows clearly.

Can you dye clothes again

There is fabric dye for home use, but the result is rarely completely even. Seams and threads can take the colour differently from the rest of the fabric.