Wash inside out, gentle cycle, no heat dry, and treat specialty prints gently—proper care goes a long way in keeping your gear looking and feeling great.
Printed apparel is made to be worn, lived in, and enjoyed—not babied forever. That said, a few smart habits can help your gear look better for longer, especially when it comes to Direct to Film (DTF) printed shirts and hats.
Washing Life Brand Full-Color DTF Printed Shirts
DTF transfers are durable and flexible, but they still benefit from some basic care:
Best practices
- Turn shirts inside out before washing
- Wash in cold water
- Use a gentle or normal cycle
- Mild detergent works best
- Hang dry or tumble dry on low heat
What to avoid
- High heat (hot water or high dryer settings)
- Harsh detergents or bleach
- Ironing directly on the print
That’s it. No complicated rules. Cold water and lower heat go a long way.
Washing Drinkware
Hand Wash Only
To keep your product looking its best and lasting as long as possible, do not place it in a washing machine or dishwasher.
These machines can use high heat, harsh detergents, and extended wash cycles that can cause fading, warping, or damage over time.
Hand wash only with mild soap and warm water, then dry immediately.
This simple care step helps preserve the quality, finish, and longevity of your item.
Washing Hats (Yes, Even the Dishwasher)
Hats are a little different—and everyone has their own method.
Common ways people clean hats
- Hand washing with mild soap (the safest option)
- Top rack of the dishwasher (very common, surprisingly effective)
- Hat cages or frames to help keep the shape
If you do use the dishwasher:
- Skip the heated dry
- Don’t use harsh detergents
- Let it air dry naturally
Is it perfect? No. Does it work for a lot of people? Absolutely.
A Quick Reality Check on Wear & Tear
Here’s the honest part:
All apparel wears over time—no matter how it’s printed.
DTF, screen print, embroidery, vinyl—everything eventually:
- Softens
- Shows wear
- Develops small cracks
- Looks “lived in”
And honestly? That’s not a flaw—it’s character.
A shirt that’s been worn, washed, and loved usually looks better than one that’s never left the closet.
The Bottom Line
- Wash cold
- Avoid high heat
- Don’t overthink it
- Wear your stuff
Your apparel is made to be used. Take reasonable care of it, and it’ll age naturally—just like your favorite hoodie or hat always does.
If you ever have questions about a specific item or print style, we’re always happy to help.
