The colour has faded where the sun hits

Short answer: Sunlight breaks dye down. Dry dark clothes in shade, turn them inside out, and do not leave them lying in a windowsill.

What sunlight does to colour

Ultraviolet light breaks down the dye molecules. It happens slowly and evenly if the whole garment is exposed, and quickly and patchily if only part of it lies in the sun. That is why you often see a sharp line between faded and unfaded.

Drying in shade

Dark colours and especially black, navy and red lose the most visibly. Dry them in shade or indoors, or turn them inside out on the line. White tolerates sun well and actually gets brighter from it.

Storage counts too

A garment lying in a windowsill or hanging on a hook in direct sun fades even if it is never washed. Check wardrobes with glass doors and clothes hanging out in the open. See bamboo clothing for men.

Can faded colour be saved

Not really. Fabric dye can give an even result on a plain garment, but the original shade rarely returns. See bamboo t-shirts for men and bamboo clothing for women.

Frequently asked questions

Does bamboo viscose fade more than cotton

No, they are similar. The type of dye matters more than the fibre.

How long before you can see it

On a summer day in full sun, a couple of weeks of daily drying can be enough on dark fabric.

Does washing inside out help

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