Washing inside out

Short answer: Turn clothes inside out before washing. It protects the outer face from friction and is the easiest way to keep the colour.

Why it works

Wear happens where the fabric rubs against the drum and against other laundry. Turn the garment and that rubbing happens on the inside where nobody sees it. The outer face is spared.

What it does to the colour

Colour fades from friction as much as from water and light. Inside out, the inside fades first and the garment looks newer for longer. See bamboo t-shirts for men.

Where it matters most

In dark colours, in prints and in anything with a smooth surface that shows wear. Socks and underwear benefit too. See bamboo clothing for women and bamboo socks for men.

Frequently asked questions

Do the clothes get as clean

Yes. The dirt mostly sits on the inside anyway, and that now faces outward.

Should you dry inside out too

Yes, if you dry in the sun. It protects the colour from bleaching.

Does it apply to white clothes as well

Less so, but it still protects against bobbling on the outer face.