If you have a garment made from 100% cotton, you know how comfortable and versatile it can be. But to make it last longer, you need to take proper care of it. In this blog, we’ll provide a complete guide on how to care for your cotton garments to ensure they last as long as possible.

Why Are 100% Cotton Garments So Popular?

Cotton is one of the most popular fabrics for garments like t-shirts, hoodies, sweaters, and sweatshirts because it’s comfortable, breathable, and soft to the touch. It’s also high-quality, durable, and can withstand a lot of wear and tear as long as it’s treated properly and washed according to instructions. It’s truly an ideal fabric for everyday wear.

Washing Your Cotton Garment

Properly washing a cotton garment is crucial to maintaining its quality and longevity. Here are some tips on how to correctly wash your 100% cotton garment:

Check the Care Label

The first thing before washing your garment is to make sure to read the care label and washing instructions. This will tell you if the garment should be machine washed or hand washed, what temperature to use, and a few more tips we’ll cover next. On a MONOIC garment, you’ll find this label on the right inside seam. It looks something like this:

Separate Colors

When washing your cotton garment, it’s important to separate dark-colored garments from whites or similarly light shades (cream, pink, light blue, etc.). This will prevent colors from bleeding onto lighter garments and damaging them.

Turn the Garment Inside Out

Turning your garment inside out before washing can help prevent fading and keep colors vibrant for longer. Additionally, if it has any prints or designs, this will help preserve them.

Wash It in Cold Water, Whether by Hand or Machine

Hot water can damage the fibers of your cotton garment, so it’s better to use cold water when washing it. This will also help prevent shrinkage. At MONOIC, we recommend hand washing or machine washing at 30 degrees Celsius.

Use a Gentle Detergent

A gentle detergent is best for washing your cotton garment, ideally in liquid form. Some recognized brands are Coco Varela, Vel Rosita, FAB, or Ariel. Harsh or abrasive detergents can damage the fibers and cause them to break down over time. WARNING: Do not use bleach, as it will strip the color from the fibers and ruin your garment.

Drying Your Cotton Garment

Drying your cotton garment properly is just as important as washing it. Here are some tips on how to dry them correctly:

Don’t Overdry It – Avoid the Dryer

Overdrying your cotton garment can cause it to shrink and lose its shape. We recommend avoiding the dryer, as cotton garments are prone to shrinking, and it may damage any prints or designs.

Air Dry in the Shade

The best way to dry your cotton garment is naturally. Hang it on a hanger or a line to let it air dry. However, it’s important to avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause the colors to fade or “dull.” So, it’s better to always look for a shaded spot.

Do Not Wring or Twist

Wringing or twisting your cotton garment can stretch the fibers and cause it to lose its shape. Instead, gently squeeze or press out the excess water before hanging it to dry.

How to Iron Your Cotton Garment

While cotton can wrinkle easily, ironing it properly can make your garment look fresh and well-kept. Follow these tips when ironing your cotton garment:

Adjust the Temperature

Set the iron to low or medium heat, depending on the care label of your garment. At MONOIC, we recommend ironing on low heat and turning the garment inside out. Cotton is heat-resistant, but too high a temperature can burn or damage the fibers.

Use a Steam Iron

Steam can help smooth out wrinkles and make your garment look softer. If your iron has a steam function, use it while ironing for better results and less chance of damage.

Do Not Iron Over Prints

Ironing directly over a print is a major mistake, as the heat can separate the colors from the print and the cotton fibers, damaging it. Again, it’s best to iron the garment inside out to avoid problems.

In conclusion, properly caring for your cotton garment is key to making it last longer and keeping it in good condition. By washing it correctly, drying it well, ironing it with care, and storing it in a cool, dry place, you can enjoy your favorite garment for much longer.

We hope this guide was helpful, and thanks for reading!