What dye in clothes is and whether you should worry

Short answer: Dye in clothes is the colouring substance that bonds to the fibres and gives fabric its colour. Most people do not need to worry about it, but new clothes should be washed before wearing because excess dye can sit loosely. Here is how dye works and what you can do.

What is dye in clothes

Dyes are the substances that give clothes their colour. When fabric is dyed, the fibres take up the dye in a process with water, heat and auxiliaries, and most of it bonds firmly. A small amount can still sit loosely on the surface, and that is what may come off in the first washes or with rubbing.

How dye bonds to the fibres

How firmly dye holds depends on the fibre, the colour and the dyeing method. Dark and strong colours need more dye and can therefore release more, especially at first. Light and muted colours are often calmer. Differences like these are normal and say nothing on their own about quality.

Why new clothes can bleed

It is completely normal for new clothes to release a little colour in the first wash, especially dark pieces. If that applies to a new hoodie, for example from bamboo sweat for men and women, wash it separately at the temperature on the care label. The water may look slightly tinted, and usually nothing more is needed.

Dye and sensitive skin

Most people notice nothing from dyes in clothing. If you have sensitive skin, or have reacted to new clothes before, wash them before wearing. If your skin reacts with redness or itching, stop wearing the piece and talk to your doctor, who can judge what is behind it.

Wash new clothes before wearing

The simplest habit is to wash new clothes once before they touch your skin. It removes loose dye and other residue from production and transport. Follow the care label, use a moderate amount of detergent and add an extra rinse if the water is strongly coloured afterwards.

How to test whether clothes bleed

Dampen a white cloth or a piece of kitchen paper and rub lightly on a hidden part of the garment. If the cloth picks up colour, the garment releases dye and should be washed alone the first time. Use the same method on dark tops, for example bamboo tops for women, if you are unsure.

Wash darks and lights separately

Sort the laundry by colour so loose dye does not settle on light clothes. That applies above all to red, navy and black, which most often release something at the start. Wash new coloured clothes alone the first few times and do not leave wet laundry lying together in the basket.

When dye should make you act

Small amounts of colour in the wash water are normal, but if clothes still release a lot of colour after several washes, check the care label and contact the shop. If your skin is involved, talk to your doctor. If you want to add to your wardrobe, take a look at the range for women, and always wash new clothes first.

Frequently asked questions

Is dye in clothes dangerous

Most people notice nothing from dye in clothes, and washing before wearing removes loose dye. If you have sensitive skin or react to clothing, stop wearing it and talk to your doctor.

Should new clothes be washed before wearing

Yes, it is a good habit. Washing removes loose dye and residue from production and transport, and you can see whether the clothes bleed before they go in the wardrobe.

Why do dark clothes bleed in the wash

Dark colours need more dye, so more loose dye sits on the surface. Wash dark pieces separately at first and add an extra rinse if the water is strongly coloured.