Gate · CARE 06Doc Ref · DL/CARE/2026● Updated 06 May
CareDeskmake it last.
A personalised tee should survive more than one weekender. Five rules below: wash inside-out, cold, gentle, hang-dry, no iron on print. Stick to those and your kit will outlast the photo album.
The Five RulesDL · CARE · DESK
Rule 01
30°C max
Cold or cool wash · gentle cycle · no warm or hot
Rule 02
Inside-out
Always · protects the print from agitation and direct detergent
Rule 03
Air dry
Hang or lay flat · no tumble dryer (the heat kills DTG print over time)
01GATE
Personalised tees
Brief · the headline kitDirect-to-garment (DTG) printed in the UK on cotton or cotton-blend tees. The print is properly bonded but it's still ink — treat it like fabric you care about, not a bin bag.
- Wash temp30°C max · cold or cool wash · gentle / delicate cycle if available
- Inside outTurn the garment inside out before washing every time
- DetergentLiquid detergent · avoid harsh powders, bleach, fabric softeners (softener clogs print over time)
- DryingHang dry or lay flat · no tumble dryer · direct sun is fine briefly but not full-day
- IroningIron inside out, low heat, never iron over the print
02GATE
Hoodies & sweatshirts
Brief · for the colder weekendersSame DTG print, heavier garment. The thicker fabric forgives a bit more abuse, but the print rules don't change. Avoid overloading the wash — fewer hoodies, more space, less rubbing.
- Wash temp30°C max · gentle cycle · don't pack the drum
- Inside outAlways · protect drawstrings and print
- DryingHang dry · reshape while damp · tumble drying ruins the loft of the fleece + the print
- StorageFold, don't hang on a hanger long-term (shoulder dimples on heavier garments)
03GATE
Fancy dress costumes
Brief · the variable ruleSmiffys costumes vary widely — some are washable polyester, some have non-washable trim (sequins, glued embellishments, foam pieces). Always check the sewn-in care label first. When in doubt: spot clean only.
- First checkSewn-in care label · this is authoritative · our care advice is general
- If machine washable30°C cold, gentle, mesh laundry bag · hang dry only
- If hand-wash onlyCold water · mild detergent · no wringing · drip dry · most period costumes (1920s, sequinned, satin) fall here
- If "spot clean only"Damp cloth · cold water · mild soap · don't soak · most foam / glued / heavily embellished costumes
04GATE
Wigs & accessories
Brief · accessory-specific careSynthetic wigs hate heat. Latex masks hate sun. Makeup expires. Each accessory category has a different rule — the short version below.
- Synthetic wigsCold-water hand-wash with wig shampoo · no heat styling · hang on a wig stand to dry · brush gently when dry only
- Latex masksWipe inside with rubbing alcohol or mild antibacterial spray · store flat or stuffed · keep out of direct sunlight (UV degrades latex)
- Makeup & face paintUse within 12 months of opening · close lids tight · keep cool and dry · check ingredient list if you have sensitive skin
- Hosiery, gloves, boasHand wash cold · lay flat to dry · hosiery especially benefits from a mesh bag if you must machine wash
05GATE
Stains, fade & repair
Brief · damage controlBooze, mud, makeup, sun-fade — weekenders are hard on garments. Below are the fastest fixes. If we've made the print and it's flaking inside the warranty window, contact us — we'll replace.
- Booze / makeup stainsCold water rinse first · then liquid detergent · gently work in · cold wash · never use hot water on protein stains, sets the stain
- MudLet it dry, brush off, then cold wash · don't rub when wet, drives it deeper
- Print flake / fadeIf within 60 days of receipt and you've followed the care guide above · email hello@dressloud.co.uk with photos · we'll replace
Desk 06 · Open Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Need to return
something?
If care advice can't fix it, the returns desk can. Personalised items are made-to-order so they're not change-of-mind returnable, but faulty / misprinted items get replaced free.
Open the returns desk →
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