When two matching pieces have ended up different colours
Short answer: Two matching items end up different when they are not washed the same number of times or dry differently. Sun and heat are the two biggest causes, and it can only be prevented, not fixed.
The number of washes
If one item is worn twice as much as the other, it is washed twice as often and fades accordingly. This usually affects the top of a set, which gets worn more than the bottoms. The difference is small each time, but after a season it is clear when the two lie side by side.
Sun
If one item dries in the sun and the other indoors, a difference appears, because sunlight bleaches colour. Dark and strong colours are most exposed. Dry clothes in the shade or indoors, turned inside out. Read more in drying in sun and shade and what it does to the colour.
Wash sets together
If top and bottoms are always washed together, they get the same treatment and fade evenly. You may wash the trousers a little more than needed, but the set stays uniform. For pieces you wear together, it is the simplest solution. See the range in sweatwear.
Can it be fixed
No. Faded colour does not come back, not even with home dye products, which rarely give an even result on bamboo viscose. The best you can do is stop the difference from growing by washing and drying the items the same way from now on.
Buying a match later
If you buy a new piece for an old set, it will look newer and darker. That cannot be avoided, because the old piece has been washed many times. If you want a fully matching set, buy both pieces at the same time and wear them together.
See the range
A tracksuit is a good example of pieces worn together that should be treated the same. Wash them in the same load, dry them in the same place, and wear them together. That keeps the colour matching as long as possible. See the sets in bamboo tracksuit for women.
Washing
Wash coloured clothes at a moderate temperature, inside out and with a colour detergent. Do not overfill the machine, and dry clothes hanging in the shade. The colour then fades more slowly. The rest of the rules are in the washing guide.
Bedding sets
The same issue appears with bedding, where the pillowcase is washed more often than the duvet cover and fades first. With two pillowcases for each duvet cover, the wear is spread out and the colour stays more even. See bamboo bedding.
Heat
High temperatures in washing and drying release colour faster. If one piece has been washed hotter or tumble dried, it will fade more. Stick to the temperature on the care label and dry things hanging. That way every piece gets the same treatment.
Pay attention from the start
Preventing a difference is easier than living with one. Put the pieces in the same laundry basket, wash them together and dry them in the same place. The set then ages at the same pace. It takes no extra time, only a fixed habit.
Frequently asked questions
Why have the two items become different?
Because they have been washed a different number of times or dried differently. Sun and heat are the two biggest reasons the colour fades more on one piece.
Can the colour be fixed?
No. Faded colour does not come back. The best you can do is wash and dry the items the same way from now on, so the difference does not grow.
How do I stop a set from ending up different colours?
Wash and dry the pieces together, avoid direct sun and high heat, and buy them at the same time. They will then fade at the same pace and stay matching.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
