Which colours last longest in the wash

Short answer: Mid dark and muted colours last longest. Black, bright red and deep navy lose visibly first, while white can be restored.

Why some colours lose first

The more dye a colour needs, the more it has to lose before it shows. Black and bright colours are therefore the most exposed. Muted tones contain less dye and change more slowly.

White is a special case

White cannot fade, but it turns grey or yellow from soil and skin oils. On the other hand white can be restored with oxygen bleach, which coloured clothes cannot. See bamboo underwear for men.

How to extend the colour's life

Wash at thirty degrees inside out, dose for your water hardness, skip the softener and dry in shade. Those four habits matter more than the colour itself. See bamboo clothing for women and bamboo clothing for men.

Frequently asked questions

How many washes does a colour last

Washed cool and dried in shade, most colours last a few hundred washes without clear loss.

Does bamboo viscose fade more than cotton

No. Dye type and washing habits matter more than the fibre.

Can a faded garment be redyed

Yes, with fabric dye for cellulose fibres. The result is best on plain fabric.