Why Do New Clothes Discolor? And How To Handle It Wisely?
Fading new clothes is not only annoying but can ruin your favorite items. Knowing how to handle it properly will help you keep the shape and color like new.
Fabric Color Is Not Permanent: Why Do New Clothes Fade?
1. Improper Dyeing – Error From The Root
Most mass-produced fashion products use a quick dyeing process, cutting down on the color treatment to save costs. This prevents the color from “penetrating” deeply into the fabric fibers, and the surface color layer will fade after just the first wash. This is a common reason why new clothes lose color , especially strong tones such as wine red, cobalt blue or jet black.
With Root Rotation designs, the entire dyeing process is either hand-made or uses natural dyes – so each item is carefully treated for color before leaving the factory. However, home care still plays a big role.
2. First Wash – The Immutable Rule for New Clothes
Do you have a habit of wearing newly bought clothes? This is a basic mistake. Washing newly bought clothes for the first time not only helps to remove residual chemicals but also “locks in the color” of the clothes. Skipping the first washing step makes the fabric easy to bleed onto other items or fade unevenly after many washes.
A new cotton T-shirt, when not washed for the first time, if exposed to hot water or strong detergent can lose up to 40% of its color in just 10 minutes. Don’t let your “taste” deteriorate just because of a few minutes of haste.
No Save: What To Do When New Clothes Discolor?
1. How to deal with color stains on clothes?
If you’ve accidentally washed a favorite white shirt and notice a stain, treat it while the fabric is still damp. Soak the stain in a mixture of vinegar and baking soda or a mild bleach solution, then rinse with cold water. This is a good first aid tip for the first 30 minutes – after that, the color will set and be difficult to remove.
This is also the reason why Root Rotation always recommends customers to wash each newly purchased item separately – especially hand-printed shirts or tie-dyed pants.
2. Tips to Keep Clothes Color from the First Wash
One of the simplest yet effective tips for preserving the color of clothes is to pre-soak them in diluted salt water or white vinegar for 15 minutes. This method helps the color to stick deeper, reducing the possibility of fading. Salt water to preserve the color of clothes is not only effective for cotton but also safe for viscose, rayon and bamboo – materials associated with sustainable fashion today.
Also, turn your clothes inside out, wash them in cold water, choose a color-safe detergent, and avoid high-heat dryers. These little things make a big difference if you want your clothes to look like new.
Smart Wash Smart Wear: Fashion Behavior From Home to Street
1. How to Soak Clothes Without Fading – Recipe From a Designer
“Beautiful clothes need to be ‘taught’ how to survive – and that starts with the first soak,” says Root Rotation’s in-house designer. The best way to soak clothes without fading is to use cold water, salt/vinegar, or a low concentration of specialized detergent. Soak for a maximum of 15–20 minutes – never overnight, as this will cause the color to bleed back or cause mold.
Especially useful for Root Rotation designs with ombre, tie-dye or color-blocked textiles – which are sensitive to heat and bleach.
2. Wash New Clothes Separately – Small Habit, Big Benefits
No one wants a basic white T-shirt to turn pastel pink after just one wash. So washing new clothes separately is a habit you should maintain for life – especially if you invest in high-end clothes.
Even if the clothes are newly red , if you wash them separately from the beginning, you will avoid 90% of the risk of spreading to other items. And when red is the main color of "high-mood" outfits, keeping the same color also means keeping the style you pursue.
Conclude
Fashion is a language – and color is a tone. Fading new clothes is no longer a disaster if you understand the principles of fabric, dyeing and washing properly. That is smart, responsible consumer behavior – and also the core philosophy that Root Rotation always aims for.
Start by sorting, soaking properly, washing separately – and you will see the magic: not only will your clothes last longer, but you will also feel more confident every time you step out. Because you know – you look good, and you stay good.
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