Whether you’ve just picked up a beautifully embroidered company shirt, a personalized gift, or your child’s custom sportswear, one thing is for sure: you want it to last. Custom embroidery is a timeless way to add personality and professionalism to almost anything. Still, like all good things, it requires a little care and attention to maintain its best appearance.
K&S Sportwear offers custom embroidery in Humble, TX, where style meets Southern charm. Embroidered items are popular for business branding, school pride, and personalized gifting. If you’ve recently had something custom-made or are considering it, let’s discuss how to care for your embroidered items so they last for years to come.
Wash with Care: Gentle is Best
The first rule of embroidered clothing is simple: be gentle. Machine embroidery is durable, but it’s still thread. Threads can fray, fade, or snag if they’re treated too roughly.
Here are a few washing tips to follow:
- Turn items inside out before washing. This helps reduce friction during the embroidery process.
- Use cold water and mild detergent. Hot water can cause the fabric to shrink and fade the threads.
- Avoid bleach or strong chemicals. These can weaken both fabric and thread, especially colored embroidery.
- Wash on a gentle cycle. This is especially important for hats, jackets, or anything with structured fabric.
If you’re washing something truly special, such as a custom-embroidered bag or decorative piece, hand washing is your safest bet.
Drying and Ironing: Slow and Low
Once your embroidered item is clean, the next step is to dry it carefully. High heat from a dryer or iron can cause threads to warp, and even melt if they’re synthetic.
Here’s what to do instead:
- Air dry flat when possible. This prevents wrinkles and helps the embroidery keep its shape.
- If you must use a dryer, select the lowest heat setting and remove the item while it’s still slightly damp.
- Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric, as this can distort the embroidery design.
- Iron on the reverse side with a clean cloth between the iron and the fabric. Never iron directly on embroidered threads.
Remember, embroidery adds texture and structure to fabric. Heat and pressure can flatten or damage that texture over time.
Storing and Preserving Your Embroidered Items
If you’re not wearing your embroidered item every day, how you store it can also affect its longevity.
- Hang structured items, like custom embroidered jackets or polos, on padded hangers to maintain their shape.
- Fold soft items, such as towels or blankets, with the embroidery facing out and loosely stacked to avoid creasing.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, which can cause fading.
- If you’re storing for the long term, consider wrapping items in tissue paper or a cotton pillowcase to prevent dust buildup.
Especially here in Humble, TX, where summer heat and humidity are no joke, keeping embroidered goods in a climate-controlled environment can help prevent issues such as mildew or thread deterioration.
Looking for Quality Custom Embroidery in Humble, TX?
Caring for custom embroidery doesn’t have to be complicated. With a bit of attention and the proper habits, your items can stay crisp, vibrant, and ready to wear or gift at a moment’s notice.
Whether you need company uniforms, school spirit gear, or a meaningful gift with a personal touch, we’re here to help. At K&S Sportswear, we specialize in custom embroidery in Humble, TX, offering high-quality stitching, fast turnaround times, and the kind of service you can count on.
Do you have a question about how to care for a specific item, or ready to create something unique? Reach out or stop by. We’re always happy to help! Let’s make something that lasts.