CARE GUIDE

KEEP YOUR 8TEE PIECES LOOKING THEIR BEST

Proper care helps preserve the shape, color, fabric quality, and printed graphics of your 8TEE garments.

Always check the care label attached to your product before washing, as instructions may vary depending on the fabric, construction, and printing method.

GENERAL WASHING INSTRUCTIONS

For the best results:

  • Turn the garment inside out before washing.
  • Machine wash cold at a maximum temperature of 30°C / 86°F.
  • Use a gentle or normal wash cycle.
  • Wash with similar colors.
  • Use a mild detergent.
  • Avoid overloading the washing machine.
  • Remove the garment promptly after the wash cycle ends.

Cold washing helps reduce color fading, fabric shrinkage, and unnecessary wear on printed graphics.

WASH INSIDE OUT

Always turn your T-shirt inside out before placing it in the washing machine.

This helps protect:

  • Printed graphics
  • Surface color
  • Fabric texture
  • Seams and stitching
  • Exterior details

It also reduces friction between the printed surface and other garments during washing.

USE COLD WATER

Wash your garment in cold water whenever possible.

Hot water may:

  • Cause cotton fabric to shrink
  • Accelerate color fading
  • Weaken printed graphics
  • Affect the shape of the garment
  • Reduce the lifespan of the fabric

We recommend washing at or below:

30°C / 86°F

CHOOSE A MILD DETERGENT

Use a gentle detergent that is suitable for colored garments.

Avoid detergents containing:

  • Bleach
  • Strong whitening agents
  • Harsh chemicals
  • Heavy stain removers

Do not pour concentrated detergent directly onto the printed graphic.

For stains, gently treat the affected area before washing. Avoid aggressive scrubbing, especially over printed sections.

DO NOT USE BLEACH

Do not use chlorine bleach or other bleaching products.

Bleach may:

  • Discolor the fabric
  • Damage printed artwork
  • Weaken cotton fibers
  • Create uneven marks
  • Permanently alter the garment

Even color-safe bleach should be used only when specifically permitted by the product’s care label.

AVOID FABRIC SOFTENER

We recommend avoiding fabric softener.

Fabric softener can leave a coating on the garment and may:

  • Affect the texture of the cotton
  • Reduce breathability
  • Damage or weaken printed graphics over time
  • Change how the fabric absorbs moisture
  • Cause residue buildup

A mild detergent is usually sufficient.

DRYING INSTRUCTIONS

For the best long-term care, air drying is recommended.

After washing:

  • Gently reshape the garment.
  • Hang it in a shaded, well-ventilated area.
  • Keep it away from strong direct sunlight.
  • Avoid stretching the neckline or shoulders.
  • Do not leave the garment wet for an extended period.

Direct sunlight may cause dark or bright colors to fade over time.

TUMBLE DRYING

Air drying is the preferred method.

When machine drying is necessary:

  • Use the lowest heat setting.
  • Select a gentle cycle.
  • Remove the garment while slightly damp.
  • Do not over-dry.

High heat can cause:

  • Shrinkage
  • Fabric distortion
  • Cracking or peeling of prints
  • Damage to seams
  • Faster color fading

Avoid medium or high heat unless the care label specifically allows it.

IRONING

If ironing is necessary:

  • Turn the garment inside out.
  • Use a low-temperature setting.
  • Place a clean cotton cloth between the iron and the fabric.
  • Keep the iron moving.
  • Avoid prolonged heat in one area.

Important

Do not iron directly over printed graphics, logos, labels, or decorative details.

Direct heat may melt, distort, crack, or permanently damage the print.

Steam may be used carefully from the inside of the garment, provided it is allowed by the care label.

DO NOT DRY CLEAN

Unless otherwise stated on the garment label, we do not recommend dry cleaning printed 8TEE T-shirts.

Dry-cleaning chemicals and heat may affect:

  • Printed graphics
  • Adhesive layers
  • Fabric color
  • Surface finish

Follow the individual product label where different instructions are provided.

WASH WITH SIMILAR COLORS

Wash dark garments separately from light-colored garments, especially during the first few washes.

New cotton products may release a small amount of excess dye during initial washing. This is normal and does not necessarily indicate a defect.

We recommend separating:

  • Black and dark colors
  • White and light colors
  • Bright colors
  • Heavily soiled clothing

Avoid washing your T-shirt with rough items such as towels, denim, garments with metal zippers, or hook-and-loop fasteners.

These items may create friction and damage the fabric or printed surface.

CARING FOR PRINTED GRAPHICS

To extend the life of the graphic:

  • Always wash inside out.
  • Use cold water.
  • Avoid bleach.
  • Avoid fabric softener.
  • Do not scrub the printed area.
  • Do not iron directly on the print.
  • Avoid high-temperature drying.
  • Do not stretch the graphic excessively when wet.
  • Keep the print away from rough surfaces.

Some natural signs of wear may appear over time, particularly with frequent use and washing. Following these instructions will help slow that process.

CARING FOR OVERSIZED FITS

Oversized garments require proper drying and storage to maintain their intended shape.

After washing:

  • Gently reshape the body and sleeves.
  • Smooth the seams by hand.
  • Do not twist or wring the garment.
  • Avoid hanging a soaking-wet heavyweight T-shirt from a narrow hanger.

The weight of wet cotton can stretch the neckline or shoulder area.

For heavyweight garments, drying flat on a clean surface is often the safest option.

HOW TO DRY FLAT

To dry your garment flat:

  1. Place it on a clean, dry towel or drying rack.
  2. Reshape the neckline, shoulders, sleeves, and hem.
  3. Keep the graphic flat and free from folds.
  4. Allow air to circulate around the garment.
  5. Turn the garment over when necessary.
  6. Keep it away from radiators and direct heat.

Do not place a wet printed garment directly on unprotected wooden, painted, or delicate surfaces.

STORAGE

Before storing your garment, make sure it is completely clean and dry.

For best results:

  • Fold heavyweight T-shirts instead of hanging them for extended periods.
  • Store them in a cool, dry place.
  • Keep them away from direct sunlight.
  • Avoid damp or humid storage areas.
  • Do not place heavy objects on printed graphics.
  • Avoid folding directly across a thick print for long periods when possible.

Long-term hanging may stretch the shoulders or neckline of heavyweight cotton garments.

SHRINKAGE

Natural cotton garments may experience slight shrinkage, especially when exposed to high washing or drying temperatures.

To minimize shrinkage:

  • Wash in cold water.
  • Avoid hot wash cycles.
  • Air dry whenever possible.
  • Avoid high-temperature tumble drying.
  • Do not apply direct heat to the garment.

Any expected fabric variation will be described on the relevant product page where applicable.

COLOR VARIATION AND FADING

Garment colors may gradually change with repeated wear and washing.

To reduce fading:

  • Wash inside out.
  • Use cold water.
  • Wash dark colors separately.
  • Avoid bleach.
  • Avoid direct sunlight during drying.
  • Do not soak for long periods.
  • Use only the recommended amount of detergent.

Slight fading over time is a natural characteristic of dyed cotton and is not necessarily considered a manufacturing defect.

STAIN REMOVAL

Treat stains as soon as possible.

Recommended steps:

  1. Blot the stain gently with a clean cloth.
  2. Do not rub aggressively.
  3. Apply a small amount of mild detergent to the affected area.
  4. Let it sit briefly.
  5. Rinse or wash in cold water.
  6. Allow the garment to air dry before checking the result.

Do not use hot water until the stain has been removed, as heat may set certain stains permanently.

Avoid applying stain-removal products directly to printed graphics without first testing them on an inconspicuous area.

FIRST WASH

For the first wash, we recommend:

  • Washing the garment separately or with similar dark colors.
  • Turning it inside out.
  • Using cold water.
  • Using a small amount of mild detergent.
  • Air drying after washing.

Do not soak a new garment for an extended period.

QUICK CARE SUMMARY

For everyday reference:

Machine wash cold
Wash inside out
Wash with similar colors
Use mild detergent
Do not bleach
Avoid fabric softener
Air dry when possible
Tumble dry on low only
Do not iron directly on graphics
Do not dry clean unless stated on the care label

CARE SYMBOL SUMMARY

You may also display the following simplified instructions near the top of the page:

Wash cold at or below 30°C
Wash inside out
Do not bleach
Do not use fabric softener
Air dry recommended
Tumble dry low
Iron inside out on low heat
Do not iron the graphic
Do not dry clean

NEED HELP?

For questions about caring for your 8TEE product, contact:

8TEE Studio
Website: https://8tee.net
Email: support@8tee.net

Please include your order number and the name of the product when contacting us.