# washing graphically printed t-shirts inside-out: true or false?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washing-graphically-printed-t-shirts-inside-out-true-or-false/85226>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [October 3, 2001, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washing-graphically-printed-t-shirts-inside-out-true-or-false/85226 "2001-10-03T18:28:26Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![MagicalSilverKey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8797f3/32.png) [@MagicalSilverKey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MagicalSilverKey)\
**Post date:** [October 3, 2001, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washing-graphically-printed-t-shirts-inside-out-true-or-false/85226/1 "2001-10-03T18:28:26Z")

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I have heard for many years, that one should always wash, and dry, their graphically printed t-shirts, inside-out to help preserve the design. It supposedly prevents cracking, flaking, fading etc. However, rarely, does the care label inside the shirt instruct to do the “indise-out” thing.

I really don’t see how it could make much of a difference, especially in the washer. The drying part seems a little more plausible, though, because it may (or may not) create less friction. Dryers also tend to make things “fuzz up” e.g. it seems to “raise the grain” on 100% cotton. The majority of printed tees are 100% cotton AFAIK, so let’s ignore the “fuzz-pills” that happen to synthetic fibers, for now.

So, does the “inside-out” method it really work? If yes, how and why?

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**Author:** ![geepee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ebca7d/32.png) [@geepee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/geepee)\
**Post date:** [October 3, 2001, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washing-graphically-printed-t-shirts-inside-out-true-or-false/85226/2 "2001-10-03T18:37:35Z")

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i’ve heard your supposed to wash jeans inside out , hmm  
additional does washing jeans inside out make any difference?

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**Author:** ![Duck\_Duck\_Goose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/50afbb/32.png) [@Duck\_Duck\_Goose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duck_Duck_Goose)\
**Post date:** [October 3, 2001, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/washing-graphically-printed-t-shirts-inside-out-true-or-false/85226/3 "2001-10-03T19:22:37Z")

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When your clothes slosh around in the washing machine, the fabric abrades against itself and against the agitator and the inside of the tub. This can cause premature fading on some fabrics, and can abrade the silk screened print on your t-shirt.

[http://www.guess.com/section.asp?section=help](http://www.guess.com/section.asp?section=help)

> [@](#):
>
> For Dark Denim (Raw & Rinse): Add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the water when you wash your jeans the very first time. This helps to set the dark dye in the fabric. Always wash denim inside out, zipper up, to prevent excess wear and tear and delay fading.
> 
> For Silk Screened Items: Wash items inside out, and lay flat to dry or dry using cool air. Use fabric softener to keep the items soft.