Dark clothes stay beautiful for longer if you follow the care label, wash inside out where that is recommended and avoid unnecessary heat and strong sun. Only wash when necessary and let clothes air in between. Friction, heat, some detergents and UV light can affect colour and surface. Less strain helps colour and fabric stay beautiful for longer. Below you can read step by step how.
Why dark clothes fade
When washing and wearing, dyes and fibres can gradually wear down. In those places the light reflects differently, so the fabric looks greyish or dull. In summer, sunlight adds to this: UV light breaks down dyes, especially on pieces that hang outside for a long time or are worn in the sun.
| Cause | What happens | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Hot washing | Dye comes out faster | Wash cold or at 30 degrees |
| Friction | Fibres wear down and become dull | Inside out, half-full drum, laundry bag |
| Detergent with bleach | Attacks colour | Detergent for dark or coloured wash |
| Dryer | Heat and friction together | Dry on the line or flat |
| Sunlight | UV breaks down dye | Dry in the shade |
Step 1: wash less often
Washing less often helps to keep dark colours beautiful for longer. Not every garment has to be washed straight away after one wear. After wearing, hang a trouser or knit top on a hanger by an open window. After a good airing, washing can sometimes be postponed. You can treat small marks locally with a damp cloth. Trousers, skirts and knitwear really do not need to go in the wash after every wear.
Step 2: inside out and sorted
Always turn dark clothes inside out. That way the friction takes place on the inside, and the outside stays beautiful. Wash dark pieces together, separately from light wash and from towels or jeans that shed a lot of fluff or colour. Fill the drum according to the instructions of your washing machine and the chosen programme.
Step 3: cold and mild
Wash on a cold programme or at a maximum of 30 degrees, unless the label says otherwise. Use a liquid detergent for dark or coloured wash, without bleach or optical brighteners. Do not use too much: detergent residue can leave a dull haze on dark fabric. Do not use more detergent than needed and follow the dosage on the packaging.
Step 4: drying without heat and sun
Heat and friction in the dryer can make dark clothes dull more quickly. Hang dark pieces on the line or on a hanger, preferably indoors or in the shade. Lay knitted pieces flat on a towel. Never leave black and navy clothes hanging for hours in the bright summer sun.
Step 5: ironing and storing
- Iron on the inside or use a pressing cloth, to prevent shiny patches.
- Preferably use a steamer for trousers and blouses.
- Store dark clothes out of direct sunlight. A wardrobe by a window can discolour along the shoulders.
Per garment
Trousers. A navy trouser such as the Arabelli or a black trouser such as the Vincent you wash inside out and hang up by the waistband straight after washing. After wearing, let a trouser air first and then judge whether washing is needed.
Skirts. A black skirt such as the Rosa you wash inside out with the zip closed, so it does not catch on other fabric.
Knitwear. A fine-knit polo such as the Josephine in black or the Alistair in navy you wash according to the care label; if flat drying is advised, you shape the garment and lay it flat. Viscose with polyamide keeps its shape well, but colour stays most beautiful without heat.
Cotton polos. A black cotton polo such as the Atticus you care for according to the care label and the instructions for cotton.
Extra attention in summer
In summer you wash more often, because you sweat more and want clothes fresh sooner. That is exactly when dark pieces quickly fade. So alternate: do not wear a black polo every day, but let it rest on a hanger for a day. Also follow the care label in summer and choose the mildest suitable programme. And dry everything indoors or in the shade, never on a balcony in the full afternoon sun.
Deodorant and sweat on dark fabric
White deodorant marks are extra visible on black and navy. Let deodorant dry completely before you get dressed, and choose a type that leaves no white residue. You can often remove marks with a dry nylon stocking or a damp cloth, without the whole piece having to go in the wash.
If dark clothes already look dull
If a garment is dull from lint or detergent residue, first remove the lint and check that you are not using too much detergent. Do not experiment with extra products if the care label or material is not suitable for them.
Navy or black: a difference in care?
On black, lint, dust and detergent residue often show up faster than on navy. A clothes roller or soft brush can help black look polished.
On our care instructions page you will find the instructions per material. Looking for dark basics? Take a look at the trousers for women or the polos for men.
Shop the look
Arabelli: high-waist trouser with pleats, navy
Rosa: elegant knee-length skirt, black
Josephine: fine-knit polo with V-neck, black
Alistair: knitted piqué polo with stripe detail, navy
Vincent: slim-fit mid-rise trouser, black
Atticus: striped cotton polo with buttons, black
Frequently asked questions
At what temperature do you wash black clothes?
Always follow the care label. Do not choose a higher temperature than necessary for the garment.
Can black clothes go in the dryer?
Follow the care label. If the dryer is advised against, let the garment air dry or dry flat as indicated.
Why are my black clothes turning grey?
Friction, heat, sunlight and detergent residue can all play a part. Follow the care label and dose detergent carefully.
