Clothing Care Guide

Our clothing is printed using high-quality, modern print technologies designed to create vibrant, long-lasting designs.

With the right care, your London Print Works T-shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies will stay brighter for longer, keep their shape, and maintain the integrity of the print.

This guide explains exactly how to wash, dry, and care for your garments so they look their best over time.

Before the First Wash

Before wearing or washing your new garment:

Check the care label inside the item
Avoid stretching or pulling the print area
Air the garment if there is any mild printing smell (normal with print-on-demand production; it disappears quickly)

Washing Instructions

To keep your garments vibrant and prevent premature fading or cracking:

Wash cold (30°C or below)
Turn the garment inside out to protect the printed surface
Use a gentle cycle (delicate or low spin)
Wash similar colours together
Use mild detergent free from bleach, brighteners, or harsh chemicals

Avoid

Hot washes
Heavy-duty wash cycles
Overloading the washing machine
Leaving the garment soaking for long periods

These steps protect the fibres and the printed artwork.

Detergents to Use (and Avoid)

Best choices

Mild liquid laundry detergent
Non-bio formulas
Gentle, fragrance-free options for sensitive fabrics

Avoid

Bleach
Stain-removal sprays directly on the print
Fabric brighteners
Oxygen-based whitening products
Strong powdered detergents

These can weaken ink adhesion and dull fabric colour.

Drying Instructions

To protect both the fabric and the print quality:

Air dry wherever possible
Lay flat or hang on a line indoors/outdoors away from direct sunlight
If using a hanger, support from the shoulders to maintain shape

Avoid

Tumble drying (high heat damages prints and shrinks cotton)
Direct radiator heat
Leaving garments creased in a pile while damp

Heat is the biggest cause of cracking, fading, and shrinking.

Ironing & Heat Guidelines

If your garment needs ironing:

Turn it inside out
Use a low heat setting
Do not iron directly on the print
Use a cloth or towel between the garment and the iron if needed
Avoid steam directly on printed areas

Never

Iron over the artwork
Use high heat presses at home
Apply strong heat to vinyl- or DTG-printed areas

How to Store Your Clothing

To keep garments looking new:

Store folded rather than hung for heavy items like hoodies
Keep in a cool, dry place
Avoid long-term exposure to sunlight (can fade colour over time)
Do not place weight on top of printed areas

Keeping Colours Vibrant

To maximise the life of bright colours (especially neons and deep blacks):

Wash inside out
Wash only with similar colours
Air dry
Avoid excessive friction in the print area
Do not use strong detergents or stain removers

This is especially important for posters adapted onto clothing or designs with bold Acid Yellow or Electric Pink tones.

Why Some Slight Changes Can Happen Over Time

Printed garments naturally soften and age slightly with wear and washing. This is normal and depends on:

Detergents used
Water hardness
Heat exposure
Frequency of washing
Type of printing method used (DTG, DTF, screen print, etc.)

Our garments are designed to last, but following the care steps in this guide will significantly improve longevity.

Common Issues & How to Prevent Them

Fading: Usually caused by hot washing or tumble drying. Always wash cold and air dry.
Cracking: Usually caused by high heat from tumble dryers or irons directly on the print.
Shrinking: Cotton naturally shrinks in heat. Keep temperatures low.
Pilling: Caused by friction. Wash garments inside out to prevent rubbing during cycles.
Print feeling slightly stiff when new: This is normal and softens after washing.