What does colourfast mean for a sweatshirt

Short answer: What does colourfast mean for a sweatshirt? It means the colour stays in the fabric through washing, sweat and rubbing. A new sweatshirt can still release a little dye in the first washes, especially in dark or strong colours, so wash it with care.

What does colourfast mean in practice

Colourfast means the colour stays in the fabric when it is washed, worn and rubbed. A sweatshirt is a bigger garment than a t-shirt, so if it releases dye, you can notice it across the whole load. That is why a new sweatshirt deserves a little thought before it goes in with everything else.

Why a new sweat can release colour

Dark and strong colours often release a little surplus dye in the first washes. That is normal and does not mean the fabric is poor. If you wash the sweatshirt apart from light clothes the first few times, the dye does not end up where you do not want it.

A test before the first wash

Dampen a white cloth and rub gently on a hidden part of the sweatshirt, such as the inside of the cuff. If colour comes onto the white cloth, the sweatshirt is releasing dye. When you have a bamboo sweatshirt for women in a dark colour, the test is especially useful.

How to wash it the first time

Wash the sweatshirt at a low temperature on a gentle programme and turn it inside out. Wash it with clothes of the same colour, or entirely on its own. Always follow the care label. Check the rinse water afterwards, and repeat with a new wash if the water is still coloured.

Do not leave it wet

Dye can transfer while clothes are wet, so do not leave a wet sweatshirt lying against light clothes in the basket or in the machine. Take it out as soon as the programme ends and hang it to dry. That lowers the risk of the colour transferring.

Good habits for all colours

Sort the laundry by colour, use only a little detergent and avoid too much fabric softener, which can leave a film on the fibres. Let the sweatshirt dry on a rack away from direct sun, which can bleach colours over time. That helps both colour and shape last longer.

T-shirts and other layers

What you wear under the sweatshirt should be washed the same way. Both bamboo T-shirts for women and other light layers can be marked if they are washed with a new, dark sweatshirt. Wash new dark items on their own the first few times, and you are on the safe side.

Socks and small items

Small items such as bamboo socks are easily forgotten in a mixed wash. Keep an eye on which colours are washed together, especially if there is new clothing in the machine. A quick sort before washing takes a minute and can save you a few stained pairs of socks.

Frequently asked questions

Is it normal for a new sweatshirt to run a little?

Yes, especially if the colour is dark or strong. Wash it apart from light clothes the first few times, until the rinse water is clear.

How warm can I wash a new sweatshirt?

Follow the care label in your own sweatshirt. A low temperature and a gentle programme are usually safest, for both colour and shape.

Can I remove dye that has transferred?

Wash the marked clothes again straight away, before they dry. If that does not help, contact the shop and keep the label from the garment.