Nothing is more frustrating than wearing a new garment, putting it in the washing machine with all the excitement... and taking it out dull, faded, and lifeless. When it comes to underwear, where comfort and appearance play a key role in everyday life, preserving the original color is synonymous with quality and personal care. We'll tell you
how to prevent clothing from fading , so your clothes look like new wash after wash. At Abanderado, we know that our garments must not only be comfortable, durable, and functional, but also long-lasting.
Why do clothes lose color?
Before moving on to the tips, it's worth understanding the whys and wherefores, as it will help us better understand the solutions we propose below. Clothes lose color due to a combination of factors:
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Low-quality fabrics and dyes that easily come off when in contact with water or detergent.
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Hot water , which opens the fabric fibers and causes the dyes to release faster.
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Excess detergent or use of aggressive products , such as bleach or highly perfumed fabric softeners.
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Sun-dried , which “burns” the colors, especially the darker ones.
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Friction with other garments , especially in overloaded washing machines or those with excessively long cycles.
But don't worry: with a few simple changes to your laundry habits, you can extend the life and color of your clothes without any hassle. On our blog, you'll find another article that tells you
how to wash underwear , both in the washing machine and by hand.
The best tricks to prevent clothes from losing color
Discover the best-kept secrets for preserving the color of your clothes and keeping them looking newer for longer. With these practical tips, you can prevent colors from fading. Plus, you'll also
prevent other garments from bleeding by taking on the color of those that have lost it in the wash.
Fix the color in the first wash
If a garment is new and brightly colored (black, red, navy blue), it's recommended
to hand-wash it the first time with a little white vinegar or salt , as these products help set the pigments. You can also soak it in cold water with a splash of vinegar for 30 minutes before washing it normally.
Always separate clothes by color
Although it may seem like a very basic tip, we often end up mixing colored and white clothes in the washing machine out of laziness. Mistake! Sort clothes into
dark, light, and white items, and wash these items separately to prevent dyes from migrating from one garment to another.
Wash with cold water
Hot water is the enemy of color. Most modern detergents are formulated to work well at
30°C or lower , so there's no need to raise the water temperature in the washing machine. Cold water protects the fabric and dyes, and is more environmentally friendly. It also has another advantage: it prevents your clothes from wrinkling in the wash.
Turn garments inside out
Especially for colored undershirts, underwear, or pajamas,
turning garments inside out and washing them inside out reduces friction wear and keeps the visible area in better condition. Also, pay special attention to this advice for garments with screen prints or patterns, as they will last longer this way.
Use detergent for colored clothes
Avoid generic detergents or those containing optical brighteners. Look for one
specifically for colored clothing , without harsh ingredients. Liquid soap is even better: it dissolves more easily. If you have a lot of black or dark-colored clothing, there are also
specific detergents to preserve their intensity and prevent them from turning gray.
Do not overload the washing machine
An overfilled washing machine
prevents the water and detergent from distributing properly , which can cause uneven washing and unnecessary wear from rubbing against each other. Ideally, load clothes up to the recommended level, usually
leaving room at the top of the drum .
Avoid direct drying in the sun
Direct sunlight can break down fabric pigments. Whenever possible,
dry in the shade or indoors . And if you use a dryer, choose gentle cycles for delicate fabrics. When
drying underwear , there are a number of specific tips for proper drying.
At Abanderado, our garments are designed to withstand daily use without losing shape or color, thanks to high-quality materials and durable finishes. However, knowing
how to prevent clothing from fading is essential, and just as important as choosing quality garments. By following these simple home tricks, you can extend the life of your underwear (and all your clothes in general) without complications. Because taking care of your clothes is also a way of taking care of yourself.
