Quality That Lasts. Care That Protects Your Brand
Garment Care Policy
At DesignTo Clothing, we believe great garments do not end at production. They last through wear, wash, and time.
Our garment care policy is designed to protect fabric quality, preserve fit, and maintain finish — from the moment garments leave our facility to the moment your customers wear them for the hundredth time.
Proper garment care reduces returns, improves customer satisfaction, and builds long-term brand trust. This page explains how we build durability into every order and the care practices that keep your garments performing at their best.
Our Commitment to Garment Longevity
Garment longevity is not an afterthought — it is built into every stage of our manufacturing process. From fabric selection through final finishing, every decision is made to extend the life of your product and protect your brand's reputation.
Quality-Tested Fabrics
We carefully select fabrics based on performance, durability, and intended use. Each fabric is evaluated for:
- Tensile strength and abrasion resistance
- Shrinkage control after repeated washing
- Color fastness under light, wash, and friction
- Comfort, breathability, and hand feel
Only fabrics that meet our quality benchmarks move into production. Learn more on our fabric and material processing page.
Professional Finishing Standards
Our finishing process is designed to improve wash-and-wear life and reduce early garment failure. This includes:
- Reinforced stitching at stress points (seams, armholes, hems)
- Clean seam finishing to prevent fraying and unraveling
- Controlled cutting and assembly for accurate fit retention
- Fabric pre-treatment for shrinkage and color stability
Standard across all categories — from t-shirts and hoodies to sportswear and denim.
Garment Care by Fabric Type
Different fabrics require different care. These are our recommended garment care instructions organized by material type — share them with your customers through care labels or product pages to reduce returns and extend garment life.
Cotton & Cotton Blends
Used in t-shirts and sweatshirts. Proper care prevents shrinkage and fading.
- Machine wash cold or warm — avoid hot water
- Tumble dry low or hang dry to reduce shrinkage
- Iron on medium heat if needed
- Wash dark and light colors separately
- Avoid bleach on dyed or printed garments
Polyester & Performance Fabrics
Common in activewear and leggings. Durable but needs care to maintain technical properties.
- Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle
- Avoid fabric softeners — they break down wicking finishes
- Hang dry or tumble dry on low heat
- Do not iron directly on prints or heat transfers
- Wash inside out to protect surface treatments
Denim
Denim garments benefit from less frequent washing to preserve color depth and raw texture.
- Wash inside out in cold water
- Avoid the dryer — hang dry to maintain shape
- Spot clean minor stains rather than full washing
- Wash separately for first few washes to prevent indigo transfer
- Iron on high heat if needed, inside out
Fleece, Hoodies & Sweatshirts
Hoodies and sweatshirts need gentle care to prevent pilling and maintain softness.
- Machine wash cold, inside out
- Use a gentle cycle to reduce friction and pilling
- Avoid fabric softeners — they mat fleece fibers
- Tumble dry on low or hang dry
- Do not iron fleece directly
Decorated Garments — Screen Print, Embroidery & Sublimation
Garments with screen printing, embroidery, or sublimation printing require care to protect decoration longevity.
- Wash inside out in cold water
- Avoid high heat drying — the primary cause of print cracking and peeling
- Do not iron directly over printed or embroidered areas
- Avoid bleach and harsh detergents
- Sublimated garments are more wash-durable but still benefit from cold water and low heat
Leather Goods
Leather products require specialized care to prevent cracking, discoloration, and moisture damage.
- Wipe clean with a damp cloth — avoid submerging in water
- Condition periodically with a leather-safe product
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Avoid contact with perfumes, oils, and solvents
- Stuff with tissue paper during storage to maintain shape
Care Labels and Compliance
Every garment we produce can include properly formatted care labels based on your target market's regulations. We support:
- FTC care labeling for garments sold in the United States
- ISO 3758 / GINETEX symbols for international markets
- Custom care instructions tailored to your specific fabric and finish combinations
If you are using our private label services, we can include your branded care labels as part of the production run. We can also advise on the correct care symbols and wash instructions based on the materials and finishes used in your garment.
Why Garment Care Matters for Your Brand
Garment care is a brand issue, not just a product issue. When your customers know how to properly care for your garments, the result is measurable:
We build durability into your garments through our fabric processing and quality standards. Communicating proper care to your end customer closes the loop and protects the investment on both sides.