How to Care for Your Custom-Made Products: Sublimation, Pigment, DTG, and Embroidery

When you invest in custom printed products — from all-over printed fabrics and DTG-printed hoodies to printed textile products and embroidered products — proper care is essential. Following the right washing, drying, and storage practices keeps your items looking fresh, preserves print quality, and extends the life of your products.

Here’s a guide for caring for your custom fabrics and apparel based on their production technique.

1. Sublimation Prints: Polyester Fabrics & All-Over Print Products

Sublimation printing embeds dye directly into the fibers, creating vibrant, long-lasting colors that won’t crack or peel.

Care tips:

• Wash at 30–40°C with a mild detergent

• Always wash with other items — avoid washing just one piece alone

• Avoid bleach and fabric softeners

• Air dry or tumble dry on low heat

• Do not iron directly on the print — turn inside out or use a cloth barrier

• Store out of direct sunlight to prevent fading

2. Pigment Prints: Natural Fabrics & AOP Products

Pigment ink sits on the fabric surface, producing a soft matte finish. It’s delicate and sensitive to heat and washing.

Care tips:

• Wash by hand or on a delicate machine cycle at max 30°C

• Wash with similar items — never alone

• Use pH-neutral detergent; avoid bleach or strong chemicals

• Avoid long soaking; wash gently

• Air dry only

• Iron inside out on low to medium heat

3. DTG (Direct-to-Garment) Prints: Apparel & Accessories

DTG printing works best on cotton garments, giving soft, detailed prints ideal for T-shirts and hoodies. Like pigment, the ink sits on the surface and requires gentle handling.

Care tips:

• Wash inside out

• Always wash with similar garments

• Use cold or lukewarm water (max 30°C) and gentle detergent

• No bleach or fabric softeners

• Tumble dry on low or air dry

• Never iron directly on the print

4. Embroidered Products

Embroidery is durable but threads and backing need care to maintain shape and texture.

Care tips:

• Wash at 30°C on a gentle cycle

• Use mild detergent; avoid bleach or softeners

• Air dry to preserve shape

• Iron on the reverse side or use a pressing cloth

Final Thoughts

Each printing technique — sublimation, pigment, DTG, and embroidery — has its own personality and care requirements. A little extra attention when washing, drying, or ironing ensures your custom products last longer, maintain vibrant colors, and stay comfortable to wear.

Ready to create your own custom fabrics and apparel? Follow these care instructions to keep your items looking their best, and explore our collection of customizable products to order your unique pieces today.