Forget the Pep Talk — Try This Instead
By Patricia Ibari • October 13, 2025

Imagine this: the long search is finally over. You’ve found it — the softest, best-fitting, most fabulous T-shirt ever made. You’re ready to wear it everywhere, maybe even get your custom logo or graphic printed on it. Life is good… until laundry day shows up to ruin the vibe.
Somewhere in the back of your mind, you hear that familiar voice:
“Turn it inside out before you wash it!”
And suddenly, you realize — ugh, Mom was right again.
Laundry Lessons, the Hard Way
Most of us have a list of things our mothers told us that only started making sense once we became adults. “Wear sunscreen.” “Don’t microwave foil.” “Start the laundry before 9 PM or hydro will cost a fortune.”
For me, the inside-out thing didn’t really click until years later — right around the time my husband and I started Simcoe Customizing. Back then, I figured Mom’s laundry advice was just one of those household rituals with no real logic. But once I started learning about how apparel decoration actually works — screen printing, embroidery, DTF transfers — suddenly her wisdom hit different.
The Real Reason Behind the Mom Rule
Zippers, jean rivets, Velcro, hooks, and buttons all cause friction in the wash. As modern washers spin, twirl, and basically throw a party with your laundry, that friction wears down the very spots that make your favourite T-shirt awesome.
Those little cracks in printed graphics? That fading embroidery thread? That mystery fluff in your dryer’s lint trap?
Yep — it’s your clothes slowly losing the fight against science.
So What’s the Fix?
You guessed it. Turn everything inside out.
It’s the simplest way to protect printed designs, embroidered logos, and rhinestone pieces. Think of it like putting your favourite hoodie in “armour mode” before battle.
And while we’re on the subject — here are a few more ways to keep your custom apparel looking sharp:
Patricia’s Points to Remember
- Wash inside out. Always.
- Use cold water. It’s easier on fabric, the planet, and your hydro bill.
- Avoid the dryer — or at least use medium heat, not “blazing inferno.”
- Skip the bleach and harsh detergents. They eat away at the adhesives in printed graphics.
- Don’t iron directly on prints or embroidery. If you must, do it inside out (or better yet, don’t).
In Short
If you love that custom T-shirt or embroidered hoodie — treat it kindly. A little extra care keeps your clothes (and your company logo) looking their best, wash after wash.
So yes, Mom… you were right. Again.
And if you ever need new gear to test that theory —
well,
Simcoe Customizing’s got you covered.
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