The Ultimate Care Guide: How to Wash Sublimated Shirts (And Keep Them New)

You have just received your new Gymkhana polo. The colors are vibrant, the design is sharp, and the fabric feels great. But now comes the scary part: laundry day.

A common fear with bright, graphic apparel is that the colors will bleed, fade, or crack after the first wash. We often get asked, “Will this design last?”

The answer is yes. But knowing how to wash sublimated shirts correctly ensures they stay looking brand new for years, not just months.

Here is your expert guide to caring for your Gymkhana gear.

Why Sublimated Shirts Are Different

Before we explain how to wash sublimated shirts, it helps to understand why they are special. Unlike traditional screen printing, where ink sits on top of the fabric (like a sticker), sublimation uses heat to turn ink into gas. This gas fuses permanently into the polyester fibers.

This means the design is not a layer; it is part of the fabric itself. Because of this, it is incredibly durable. However, you still need to treat the fabric right.

Step-by-Step: How to Wash Sublimated Shirts

Follow these 5 simple rules to get the maximum life out of your Lycra Mesh polos and tees.

1. Turn the Shirt Inside Out

This is the golden rule for all graphic apparel. Turning the garment inside out prevents zippers, buttons, or Velcro from other clothes rubbing against the surface of your shirt during the spin cycle. It protects the fabric from “pilling” (those tiny little bobbles).

2. Wash with Cold Water

When learning how to wash sublimated shirts, temperature matters. While the print is heat-set, high heat in a washing machine can break down the polyester fibers over time. Always choose a cold wash cycle (30°C or below). Cold water is gentler on the fabric and better for the environment.

3. Use Mild Detergent (No Bleach!)

Sublimation ink is tough, but bleach is tougher. Never use bleach or fabric softeners on your sportswear. Bleach can damage the chemical bond of the ink, and fabric softeners coat the “mesh” of the fabric, blocking its moisture-wicking ability. A standard, mild detergent is all you need.

4. Skip the Dryer (Air Dry is Best)

The best way to dry your shirt is to hang it up. Because our Lycra Mesh is moisture-wicking, it dries incredibly fast on its own. If you must use a dryer, use the lowest heat setting. High heat can shrink the polyester fibers.

5. Do You Need to Iron?

Usually, no. One of the best benefits of our fabric is that it is wrinkle-resistant. If you hang it to dry, it should be ready to wear. If you really want to iron it, keep the iron on a low synthetic setting and turn the shirt inside out.

Bonus: How to Wash DTF (Graphic) T-Shirts

While this guide focuses on how to wash sublimated shirts, many of you also own our 100% Cotton Graphic Tees (printed with DTF).

The rules are almost the same, but with one major difference: Never iron directly on a DTF print. The heat will melt the design. Always iron inside out!

Final Thoughts

You bought a premium product, and it deserves premium care. The great news is that learning how to wash sublimated shirts is actually easier than washing cotton. They dry faster, don’t wrinkle, and the colors will never bleed.

Treat your gear well, and it will keep you looking sharp for every match, workout, and outing.

[Shop our Durable Sublimated Collection Here]