A garment with custom embroidery is decorated with logos or designs that make an enduring positive impression. Understandably, you want this apparel to last as long as possible, which is why proper garment care is essential. Discover how to best care for your custom embroidered clothing below.

Do:

Protect the garment in the washing machine.

It's usually acceptable to wash custom embroidered clothing in a washing machine, but it requires a bit of extra preparation. First, turn the garment inside out to protect the embroidery from being abraded by the churning water or contact with other clothing. Placing the garment in a pillowcase offers an extra barrier.

Also, don't wash the garment with clothing that has zippers, buttons, or other hardware, any of which can scratch the embroidery.

Wash gently in cold water.

Before washing your garment, always consult the fabric care instructions on the label or the recommendations of the embroidery professional. In general, most embroidered fabrics can be safely washed in cold water on the gentlest setting available. Handwashing these items in cold water will give you even better control over the intensity of the wash.

Don't:

Apply high heat.

High heat can ruin embroidered clothing, potentially melting decorations or pulling them away from the fabric. Again, consult the garment label for exact drying instructions.

In most cases, you should aim to air dry custom embroidered clothing. Lay the garment flat in a dry, warm—but not sweltering—place.

Also, if you need to iron the garment, don't apply the iron face directly to the embroidered section. On a low setting, iron from the opposite side of the garment or place a pressing cloth over the embroidered surface.

Use bleach products.

Bleach can fade or discolor embroidered sections of clothing and weaken the fibers of the garment, resulting in a shorter life span. Avoid washing the garment in bleach products. Instead, use the mildest laundry detergent you can find, preferably one without an abundance of harsh chemicals and perfumes.

If you’re looking to make clothing with custom embroidery, trust in Kenjo, Inc. They’ve offered embroidery and screen printing services to the Honolulu, HI, area since 1987. They customize shirts, caps, athletic wear, and many other promotional products. Call (808) 841-8282 or visit their website to find out more about their products and services.