Should you turn clothes inside out

Short answer: Yes, for anything coloured and anything with a print. It is the outside that rubs against the drum, and with the garment inside out the inside takes the wear instead. The habit takes seconds and keeps clothes looking good for longer.

The outside rubs against the drum

In the washing machine clothes tumble around and rub against the drum and each other. That friction wears the surface facing out, which is exactly the side you see when you wear it. Turn the piece inside out and the inside takes the wear. You notice it most on soft knits like bamboo sweatpants for women.

Prints last much longer

A print that does not rub directly against the drum cracks later. The print is a layer on top of the fabric that bends and rubs in every wash. Inside out, it sits protected within the garment instead of scraping against metal and other fabrics. Over time that makes a clear difference to how long it looks good.

Colour fades more slowly

Less friction on the outside means less colour loss. Colour is not only lost in the water but also with the fibres that get worn the most. When the inside takes the wear, the outside keeps its colour longer. This matters most for dark and strong colours, such as a bamboo sweatshirt for women.

Less pilling on the surface

Pilling happens when short fibres are rubbed loose and gather into small balls. It occurs mostly on surfaces exposed to friction. Turn clothes inside out and the friction moves to the inside, where small pills are not visible. The outside stays smoother and the garment looks newer for longer, even after many washes.

Close zips and buttons first

Before you turn clothes inside out, close zips and buttons. An open zip can catch other garments and pull threads, whichever side faces out. Drawstrings on trousers and hoodies are best tied loosely so they do not tangle with the rest of the load. It only takes a moment longer.

Do it as you take clothes off

The easiest way is to turn clothes inside out as you take them off. Then they are already right in the basket, and you do not have to think about it at the machine. Many pieces end up inside out anyway when pulled over the head. Leave them that way until they are dry and ready to fold.

Dry them inside out too

The wear does not stop at washing. In the tumble dryer clothes rub against the drum again, and on a drying rack sunlight can fade the side facing out. So leave clothes inside out until they are dry. The outside stays protected the whole way. Turn them back when folding, and they are ready to wear.

Does it apply to all clothes

The habit makes most sense for coloured clothes, prints and soft knits you want to keep looking good. Towels and bed linen do not need turning. If in doubt, turn it, since it does no harm. Browse all women's clothing for pieces that benefit from that little bit of extra care.

Frequently asked questions

Should clothes be turned inside out before washing

Yes, for anything coloured and anything with a print. The outside rubs against the drum, and inside out the inside takes the wear instead of the side you see.

How much difference does it make

A noticeable one over time. Colour lasts visibly longer, and a print can survive twice as many washes before it starts to crack, because it does not rub against the drum.

Does it apply to white clothes too

Less so. White clothes have no colour to lose, but the surface still wears and can pill, so the habit does no harm and works fine on everything.