Colours that fade first

Short answer: Red, black and bright blue fade fastest. Sunlight and heat are the two biggest causes, and you can control both.

The ranking

Red dyes are the most sensitive to light and heat. Next comes black, which needs the most dye and therefore shows the loss earliest. Bright blues and greens sit in the middle, and muted earth tones last longest.

Sun is the biggest enemy

Ultraviolet light breaks down the dye directly. Dry dark clothes in shade and do not leave anything in a windowsill. One garment hanging in sun all summer can end up several shades lighter. See bamboo clothing for men.

Heat is the second biggest

Every hot wash and every hot tumble pulls colour out. Thirty degrees and drying without heat extend the colour's life markedly. See bamboo t-shirts for women and bamboo clothing for women.

Frequently asked questions

How quickly can a red garment fade

In strong sun, a couple of weeks of daily outdoor drying can show clearly.

Does washing inside out help

Yes, both in the machine and on the line. The outer face protects the side you see.

Is there detergent that preserves colour

Colour care detergent contains less bleach and helps a little. Temperature matters more.