Drying in direct sun

Short answer: The sun dries quickly, but it bleaches colour at the same time. On dark clothing one sunny day costs more colour than a month of washing. With a simple rule about what hangs in sun and what hangs in shade, you get the best of both.

Colour pays the price

Ultraviolet light breaks down dye, and on wet fabric the light reaches deeper into the fibres. That is why clothing fades faster while drying than when it simply lies dry in the sun. It hits dark items like a men's bamboo sweatshirt hardest, because there is the most colour to lose, showing first on shoulders and sleeves.

White can take it

White clothing does not visibly fade, because there is no dye to break down. The sun also has a mild disinfecting effect and can lift a little stale odour. That is why white bamboo socks for men and women can happily hang out in the sun, where they dry quickly and fresh.

The simple rule

Hang dark items in shade and light items in sun, and always turn them inside out. Then the inside takes the light while the visible side stays protected. That way the colour of a bamboo boxer lasts many times longer and looks neat for several seasons.

Shade dries too

Many people think clothes must hang in the sun to dry properly. Yet it is mainly air and wind that remove moisture. A shady spot with good airflow dries laundry almost as fast and spares the colours. Under a porch roof or in the shade of a tree works well.

Bring the laundry in on time

Once clothing is dry there is no reason to leave it out. The sun keeps working on the colour even when the fabric is no longer wet. So bring the laundry in as soon as it is dry, especially dark items. It is a small habit that makes a big difference over a whole spring and summer.

Heat makes fibres stiff

Strong sun warms the fabric, and clothing that dries fast in direct heat can feel stiff when you bring it in. Soft materials like bamboo viscose regain their smooth feel after a short time on the body, but you can also shake the clothes well before folding. The fibres loosen and settle into place.

Hang the laundry properly

Shake each item before hanging so creases smooth out. Drape jumpers over the line or a drying rack instead of pegging them at the shoulders, which can leave marks. Underwear and socks can hang by the waistband. Leave air between the pieces so everything dries evenly and quickly.

Think about the season

In summer the sun is strongest, and that is when colours suffer most. In spring and autumn the light is weaker and the risk is lower. In winter the sun sits so low that it hardly affects colour. So adjust the spot on the line to the season, and be most careful in the bright months.

Frequently asked questions

How fast does the sun fade clothes

On strong colours it shows after three to five sunny days. Dark and bold colours show it first, while light shades hold up longer.

Can you dry in the sun in winter

Yes, winter sun is weaker and does far less damage. The clothes do dry more slowly, though, because the air is cold.

Does turning clothes inside out help

Yes, it protects the side that faces out when you wear it. The inside takes the light, so the colour on the outside lasts longer.