Drying in sun and shade and what it does to the colour
Short answer: Direct sun fades coloured clothes, especially green, red and blue. Dry coloured clothes in the shade and white ones in the sun if you want the colours to last as long as possible.
Sun bleaches
Ultraviolet light breaks down the dyes in fabric. A few hours in strong sun can do more to the colour than many machine washes. The damage builds gradually, so you often only notice it when you compare with an item that stayed in the wardrobe. This applies to all materials, bamboo viscose included.
Inside out
If you hang clothes inside out, the sun hits the side nobody sees when you wear them. It is the easiest protection, and it costs nothing. Turn the clothes before they go in the machine, and they are ready for drying. It also protects the surface from wear during the wash itself.
White can take sun
Sun has a mild bleaching effect, and that is an advantage on white clothes. White t-shirts and white underwear can happily hang in the sun and often look fresher for it. Bring them in once they are dry. See how white clothes stay white.
Dark colours
Black and navy fade visibly in the sun, because the difference between the original and the bleached colour is large. Dry them in the shade or indoors. This applies especially to everyday items washed often. See for example bamboo t-shirts for men, where dark colours last longest when dried in the shade.
Strong colours
Green, red and bright blue are among the colours that lose the most in strong sun. Even a few summer afternoons can leave a dull tone, especially on the shoulders where the sun hits hardest. Hang them in the shade and inside out. The colour then lasts noticeably longer.
Wind does the work
It is air movement, not heat, that dries clothes fastest. A shady, airy spot is therefore ideal, even on a warm day. Clothes in a light breeze under a roof often dry just as quickly as clothes in full sun. You get dry clothes without paying for it with the colour.
Bring clothes in on time
Once clothes are dry, there is no reason to leave them in the sun. The longer they hang, the more light they get. Bring them in as soon as they are dry and fold them away. That also reduces the risk of them turning stiff in strong heat.
Hangers
Heavy, wet items get pulled out of shape on thin hangers, and bumps in the shoulders become permanent when the clothes dry that way. Lay heavy items flat or use wide hangers that spread the weight. T-shirts can also be hung over the line at the middle, so the shoulders carry no load.
Drying indoors
In winter or on rainy days, clothes dry indoors, and there the sun is not a problem. Air matters instead. Hang the clothes spread out and air the room, so they do not dry too slowly. A rack near a window without direct sun is a good option for coloured clothes.
General washing
Colour is also affected by the wash. For bamboo viscose that means 40 degrees, a mild colour detergent and no bleach. Wash dark colours inside out and on their own. The rest of the rules are collected in the washing guide if you want the full overview.
Frequently asked questions
Do clothes fade more from sun or from washing?
From sun, if they dry outdoors in strong light. A wash at 40 degrees with a mild colour detergent fades clothes very little by comparison.
Can white clothes dry in the sun?
Yes. The sun has a mild bleaching effect, which is an advantage on white clothes. Bring them in once they are dry, so they do not hang in strong heat longer than needed.
Does turning clothes inside out help?
Yes, it is the easiest protection. The sun then hits the side that is not seen, and the outside keeps its colour longer. You can turn them before washing.
See our range of bamboo dresses.
