What to Expect and How to Care For Naturally Dyed Garments

While we use the same recipe for all garments dyed the color of the month, we can not guarantee an exact shade match to images used to advertise this service. All fibers accept dyes differently, and even two pieces of cotton from different mills may exhibit slightly different shades. We value the organic nature of working with plant dyes and we hope you do to.

Natural dye only bonds to natural fibers (cotton, hemp, linen, wool, silk, etc), and not synthetic fibers (polyester, acetate, etc). Note that if your garment is constructed with a synthetic thread in the seams, the thread may not change color with the fabric. The dye has potential to change the finish of any hardware on your garment, including buttons, zippers, etc.

Please be aware that over dyeing garments that have been wore previously may exhibit previously unseen stains after dyeing. An example is a tee shirt we found at a Goodwill, after being mordanted and dyed, had darker markings under the armpits, where aluminum based deodorant permeated the fiber. If any previously unseen stains present themselves, a member of our team will reach out and discuss dyeing a pattern over the solid dye to cover the stain (bundle dye, shibori, tie dye, etc) Also note that plant based dye does not create a perfectly even color, and tonal variations my be present in the fiber.

Depending on how your item was cared for prior to dyeing, it is possible it could shrink slightly in the dye process. If your items have been previous washed warm or were sold as ‘pre-shrunk’ then you likely don’t have to worry!

Natural dyes should be cared for mindfully. Your naturally dyed item will keep color longest with the following:

• Wash cold on delicate (alone on the first wash)

• Use a gentle detergent (avoid Tide Original, oxiclean or bleach)

• Store out of light

• avoid acids