How To Care For Embroidered Clothing

When you purchase embroidered clothing - whether it's a custom hoodie, a personalised gift, or a sentimental piece - it deserves extra care. Embroidery adds charm and character, but to keep the stitches sharp and colours fresh, you’ll need to follow a few simple steps.

Here’s your complete guide on how to wash and care for embroidered clothes the right way.

1. Turn Embroidered Clothes Inside Out Before Washing

Before tossing your hoodie or embroidered tee into the washing machine, turn it inside out. This protects the threads from rubbing against other fabrics and prevents snags during the wash.

If your item has a zip, zip it up to reduce friction.

2. Use Cold Water and a Gentle Cycle

To wash embroidered clothing, always choose cold water and the delicate cycle. Hot water can shrink fabrics and fade thread colours over time.

Use a mild detergent - avoid bleach or harsh chemicals, which can weaken the embroidery stitches.

3. Air Dry Your Embroidered Clothing

Heat is embroidery’s enemy. Instead of using a tumble dryer, lay your item flat to dry or hang it somewhere out of direct sunlight.

If you must use a dryer, go for a low heat setting and remove the garment while it's still slightly damp to air dry the rest of the way.

4. Iron Carefully (or Not at All)

Never iron directly over embroidered designs. If you need to remove wrinkles:

• Turn the garment inside out, or

• Place a thin cloth over the embroidery, and

• Use a low heat setting without steam.

This helps preserve the detail and texture of your stitches.

Bonus: How to Spot Clean Embroidery

If a stain lands directly on the embroidery, dab gently with a soft cloth, cold water, and a tiny bit of mild detergent. Avoid scrubbing or wringing the fabric.

Looking for a Personalised Gift?

Explore our collection of custom embroidered hoodies and sweatshirts - stitched from your own photos and made to last.