How to Care for Your Graphic T-Shirts
The complete guide to washing, drying, and caring for your t-shirts to prevent fading, cracking, and shrinking
Graphic tees are more than just basics—they’re wearable stories. So taking care of your graphic t-shirts properly will keep them looking their best for years.
Here’s how to wash, dry, and store your tees the right way—plus what to avoid.
Listen to this Story on the 1923 Main Street Podcast
Why Proper T-Shirt Care is Essential
Graphic prints are typically applied using screen printing, heat transfers, or direct-to-garment methods. While these are all durable methods, the prints can still can crack, fade, or even peel if treated too harshly. If you want your tee to last, the goal is simple: protect the fabric and preserve the print.
What is the Best Way to Wash Graphic T-Shirts?
Wash graphic t-shirts inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle using mild detergent, then hang dry to prevent fading, cracking, and shrinking.
1. Always Turn Them Inside Out
Before washing, flip your shirt inside out. This reduces friction on the graphic and prevents it from rubbing against other clothes or the drum of the machine.
2. Use Cold Water
Cold water is ideal for the following reasons. Washing your t-shirt in cold water
Prevents fading
Reduces shrinking
Protects printed designs
Hot water can weaken ink or graphics, and cause the prints to crack over time.
3. Choose a Gentle Cycle
Use a delicate or gentle cycle will minimize agitation. The less stress on the fabric and print, the better.
4. Use Mild Detergent
There aren’t many harsh detergents these days, so that is a good thing, but avoid adding bleach. A mild detergent cleans effectively without breaking down fibres or damaging prints.
Because the Best Stories Start When the Ocean Gets Serious
Every surfer knows the truth: perfect glass is nice, but it’s the challenging days that shape you.
Built for surfers who understand that progress lives just outside the comfort zone, this tee brings together classic surf and everyday wearability. Soft, breathable, and easygoing, it is the kind of shirt that always feels right.
Because calm water might look good in photos. But real surfers know the good stuff happens when the ocean pushes back.
Also available as a dark t-shirt.
• Base Item: Gildan 64000 • 100% ring-spun cotton • 4.5 oz/yd² (153 g/m²) • Shoulder-to-shoulder taping • Quarter-turned to avoid crease down the center • Blank product sourced from Bangladesh, Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Haiti or Guatemala
Disclaimer: Due to the fabric properties, the White color variant may appear off-white rather than bright white.
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it may take us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions.
Please note: since all orders are custom created, all sales are final and we do not accept returns, refunds or exchanges. Please check sizing carefully using the guide.
Machine Wash vs. Hand Wash: Which is Better?
Machine Wash (Best for Everyday Use)
Most graphic tees are designed for machine washing—as long as you follow proper care steps (cold water, inside out, gentle cycle).
Hand Wash (Best for Longevity)
Hand washing is a better choice, but it’s not that convenient for most people. If you want maximum lifespan for premium or favourite tees, then hand wash in the following way:
Use cold water
Gently agitate
Avoid scrubbing the graphic
Hand washing is the most protective option, but also the most work.
Should You Hang Dry or Tumble Dry Graphic Tees?
Hang Dry (Best Overall)
Air drying is the safest and most effective method because hang drying:
Prevents shrinkage
Eliminates heat damage
Maintains shape and print quality
Just don’t hang dry your t-shirt on a wire hanger (or any hangar really), because it can through the shirt out of shape (especially at the shoulders)
Tumble Dry (Use with Caution)
Unless you want to try to shrink a cotton t-shirt, use tumble drying with caution. If you do tumble dry, follow these steps:
Use low heat only
Keep the t-shirts inside out
Take them out of the dryer as soon as the cycle ends
Avoid high heat: high-heat tumble drying is the leading cause of cracked and peeling graphics.
Balance Earned. Lines Held. Never Broken.
The Unbroken Skateboarding T-Shirt from 1923 Main Street® is built around the idea that real skating is about control and commitment. This trademark tee speaks to balance and power without saying too much.
Cut from soft, comfortable cotton with a lightweight fit, this skate tee is made for sessions, travel days, and whatever happens after. It’s clean, durable, and designed to wear well.
Also available as a skateboarding hoodie.
• Base Item: Gildan 64000 • 100% ring-spun cotton • 4.5 oz/yd² (153 g/m²) • Shoulder-to-shoulder taping • Quarter-turned to avoid crease down the center • Blank product sourced from Bangladesh, Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Haiti or Guatemala
Disclaimer: Due to the fabric properties, the White color variant may appear off-white rather than bright white.
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it may take us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions.
Please note: since all orders are custom created, all sales are final and we do not accept returns, refunds or exchanges. Please check sizing carefully using the guide.
Can You Iron Graphic T-Shirts?
Yes—but it’s not recommended. If you do want to iron your tee for some reason, never iron directly on the print.
Turn the shirt inside out
Use low heat
Or place a cloth barrier over the design (preferred)
Direct heat will damage the graphic.
Storage Tips to Keep Tees Looking Fresh
Fold or roll instead of hanging to prevent stretching
Store in a cool, dry place
Avoid overpacking drawers to reduce creasing
Pro Tips to Make Your Graphic Tees Last Longer
Wash with similar fabrics (avoid denim and zippers than can scuff or scratch)
Wash less often—overwashing also fades prints
Spot clean small stains
Avoid fabric softeners (they can break down prints)
What to Remember to Care for Your Graphic T-Shirts
If you remember the following three points, you will be well on your way to getting the longest possible life from your favorite t-shirt:
Wash cold and inside out
Use gentle cycles and mild detergent
Hang dry whenever possible
Treat your graphic tees right, and they will stay bold, comfortable, and wearable for years.