Fading New T-Shirts: Techniques For A Vintage Look

how to fade a new t shirt

Faded clothing is a fashion trend that has gained popularity in recent years. The vintage look of a faded T-shirt can be achieved through various methods, ranging from natural processes to chemical treatments. While some people prefer the natural fading that occurs over time with wear and tear, others opt for accelerated techniques to attain the desired look. In this article, we will explore different ways to fade a new T-shirt effectively.

Characteristics Values
Soaking solution Bleach, Lemon juice, Vinegar, Salt, Sodium bicarbonate, Hot water, Tea, Coffee
Soaking time 3 hours - 72 hours
Soaking container Bucket, Plastic container
Additional tools Sandpaper, Pumice stone, Bristle brush, Rubber gloves
Washing machine Top-loading machine, highest temperature setting, gentle spin cycle
Drying method Line dryer, Dryer (high heat setting)

shunvogue

Bleach Soak

Bleach is a chemical that can effectively fade the sharpness of the print on a t-shirt and dim the fabric's base colour. However, it is corrosive and can permanently damage the fabric if not diluted properly. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a bleach soak to fade a new t-shirt:

  • Boil 6 cups of water with half a cup of salt until the salt fully dissolves.
  • Cool the solution to room temperature and pour it into a plastic container.
  • Measure 2 cups of colour-safe bleach and mix it into the salt and water mixture.
  • Put your t-shirt into the solution and let it soak overnight.
  • Wear rubber gloves and rub the shirt with medium strokes. Then, rinse the shirt with warm water.
  • Let the shirt dry and check if the desired level of fade has been achieved. If not, repeat the process.

It is important to note that bleach can damage certain types of fabric, such as spandex, wool, silk, acetate, leather, or mohair. Always test the bleach solution on a small area of the fabric first to ensure it does not cause discolouration or damage. Additionally, wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area when handling bleach to avoid skin and respiratory irritation.

shunvogue

Lemon and Vinegar Soak

Lemon and vinegar are natural colour faders that can be used to tone down the hues of a brightly coloured t-shirt to make it look vintage. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Wash and dry your t-shirt

Wash and dry your chosen t-shirt a minimum of three times. This step is optional but recommended.

Step 2: Make a lemon juice solution

Create a solution of one part lemon juice to three parts water. Put this in a bucket or a large container and soak the t-shirt in the mixture for anywhere between three to 12 hours. Line dry the shirt completely.

Step 3: Use sandpaper

Before you move to the vinegar solution, use the rough edge of a sandpaper square to rough up any graphics or fray the edges of the collars. A tough-bristled brush can also be used as an abrasive tool to soften up and wear down fabrics.

Step 4: Make a vinegar solution

Mix vinegar and water in a one-to-three ratio. The vinegar helps to "set" the lightening agent (in this case, the lemon solution soak). Soak the t-shirt for four to 12 hours and then wash it with detergent to remove the smell of vinegar.

Step 5: Dry and touch up

Line dry the t-shirt once more, and you can also run the sandpaper through one last time if you would like more fade.

shunvogue

Hot Wash Technique

The "Hot Wash Technique" is a popular method for achieving a vintage look on a t-shirt. This technique involves using hot water to fade the colours of the fabric. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Firstly, if you have a softer-coloured t-shirt and want to reduce the shine, add half a cup of salt to 6 cups of water and soak your shirt in steaming hot water for a few hours. Then, give it a detergent wash and rinse it to dry.

For darker-coloured shirts, especially black shirts, you will need to use one of the other methods mentioned (such as bleach, lemon and vinegar soak, or salt soak) before putting the t-shirt in steaming hot water to speed up the fading process and achieve the vintage look.

If you want to fade a black shirt, it is recommended to use the lemon and vinegar soak method first. For this, you will need to wash and dry your chosen shirt a minimum of three times. Then, create a solution of one part lemon juice to three parts water and soak the shirt in this mixture for 3 to 12 hours. Line dry the shirt completely and, if needed, use soft sandpaper to rub the edges of the printed outline and neckline where you need a lighter effect. Next, wash the shirt with warm water and let it dry to see the effect. If you want to further fade the colour, repeat the process with a vinegar and water solution (1:3 ratio) and rub off the colour using sandpaper. Finally, wash the shirt with detergent to remove the vinegar smell and let it dry.

After using any of these methods, you can then use the hot wash technique to speed up the fading process. Soak your t-shirt for a few hours in one of the solutions mentioned above (salt, vinegar, or lemon). Then, throw the t-shirt in the washing machine with powdered detergent (not liquid) and set the machine to its highest temperature and tumble cycles. Run this cycle a few times, a maximum of three, to quickly fade the fabric. Finally, dry the t-shirt on a high-heat setting to relax and soften the fibres, resulting in a significant toning down of colours.

shunvogue

Salt Soak

A salt soak is a great way to fade your t-shirt and give it a vintage look. It requires a significant time commitment but is worth the effort.

Firstly, you will need to mix your solution. For this technique, mix one-fourth of a cup of sodium bicarbonate washing soda with two cups of iodized salt in a base of a quart of water. It is important to use iodized salt for the best results.

Next, let your t-shirt soak in this solution for 48 to 72 hours. The longer you leave it, the better the results will be. Be sure to stir the mixture periodically so that the solution doesn't settle.

After the allotted time has passed, place the t-shirt in the washing machine and set it on a normal cycle. While the salt will fade your shirt, the sodium bicarbonate works to rid the fabric of any manufacturing chemicals in the dye. This method is particularly effective on new shirts.

If you are looking for a more natural way to fade your t-shirt, you can also try leaving it out in the sun for extended periods. The sun's UV rays will gradually fade the colour.

How Tailors Can Transform Your T-Shirts

You may want to see also

shunvogue

Sun Fading

  • Wash and dry your chosen t-shirts a minimum of three times.
  • Find a nice sunny spot outside. If necessary, you can also use a spot behind a sunny window inside, but the direction of the sunlight will shift during the day, making this a less ideal option.
  • Spread out a clean white towel or bedsheet and place the t-shirt(s) on top.
  • Leave the t-shirt(s) for several hours. You will want to check on them every couple of hours to ensure they remain in direct sunlight, and adjust them so that all parts get similar sun exposure.
  • If you want an even fade on the front and back, you will have to repeat the process for the other side of the t-shirt(s).
  • For the quickest fading process, wash your t-shirts in your washing machine on a hot water setting as a first step. If you want to protect your t-shirts, skip this step and just take the dry t-shirt(s) outside.
  • For black t-shirts, the sun fading method will work, but it will take a long time. You should do this during the summer with long, bright days to get the best results.
  • Natural fabrics will fade much more quickly than synthetic fabrics, so check the label inside your garment to find out what type of material you are dealing with.
  • To speed up the sun fading process, you can also use very fine sandpaper to gently dull screen-printed designs.

Frequently asked questions

You can use a combination of hot water, strong detergent, and vinegar. Soak the t-shirt in hot water with detergent and vinegar, then wash it in the machine on the highest temperature setting. Repeat the cycle a few times.

Mix a gallon of water with half a cup of bleach. Wear rubber gloves and place your t-shirt in the mixture, agitating it for about five minutes. Keep an eye on the colour and remove the t-shirt when you're happy with the shade. Then, put the t-shirt in a hot wash to remove any excess bleach.

You can use sun fading by leaving the t-shirt out in the sun for an extended period. Alternatively, you can soak the t-shirt in cold bleach water.

Use vinegar to soften and distress the print to give it a vintage look.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment