Yes, wash a football shirt upside down This is highly recommended, and it's not just an old wives' tale. This habit directly protects flocking, embroidery, and prints from machine friction, which is the primary cause of premature wear and tear. By turning your jersey inside out before each wash, you double or triple the lifespan of the printed or sewn details on the fabric.
This article explains precisely why this precaution works, in which cases it is even more important, and how to combine it with other good settings to never damage a jersey in the wash.
Why does turning a football shirt inside out protect the flocking?
THE flocking of a football shirt It is heat-bonded to the fabric: a layer of vinyl or flex material is applied under heat and pressure to the outer surface of the fabric. It is precisely this surface that experiences the most friction during a washing machine cycle, in contact with other garments and the drum walls. Turning the jersey inside out places this delicate area on the inside, where the mechanical agitation is much less aggressive.
What friction actually does to flocking
With each wash cycle, the drum rotates and the clothes rub against each other. On exposed flocking, this repeated friction eventually causes the edges to lift, creating micro-cracks and dulling the colors. This phenomenon is invisible after one or two washes but becomes evident afterward. 10 to 15 cycles. Poorly protected flocking begins to fray around the edges well before its theoretical lifespan.
Embroidery is even more delicate than flocking.
THE embroidery, The embroidery found on premium and special edition jerseys is particularly vulnerable. Threads that protrude slightly from the surface can snag on other garments in the drum, pulling on the stitches and distorting the design. Turning the jersey inside out protects the embroidery from this type of snagging. This precaution is even more important than for simple vinyl flocking.
Washing inside out also protects the colors of the jersey
Machine friction doesn't just damage the flocking. It also directly attacks the surface polyester fibers, causing a phenomenon known as pillaging (pilling) and a gradual fading of colors. A red or black football shirt Washed the right way for months, it gradually loses its shine without us immediately understanding why.
The effect on brightly colored jerseys
The colors most susceptible to fading from friction are red, black, dark green, and white. White yellows slightly due to the combined effect of friction and detergent residue. Black and red lose their intensity and take on a slightly grayish appearance. These effects are cumulative and irreversible once established. Turning the jersey inside out does not eliminate them completely but slows them down significantly.
What concrete difference is there after 30 washes?
A simple test: compare two identical jerseys, one systematically washed inside out, the other right side out, for 30 cycles Under the same conditions, a jersey washed right-side out will have duller colors, slightly lifted edges of the flocking, and a slightly pilled surface. One washed inside out will retain an appearance almost identical to its original state. The difference is visible to the naked eye.
In what cases is this precaution even more important?
Turning your jersey inside out is useful for all the football jerseys, However, certain situations make it absolutely essential. The more decorative elements the jersey has on the surface, the more critical the protection on the inside becomes. A jersey with only a number and name printed on it is less exposed than a jersey with complex embroidery, sublimated printed designs, and a gold crown on the back.
Personalized jerseys with name and number printing
A custom jersey Having your first name and number on the back concentrates all the most fragile elements in one place. Custom flocking often covers a larger area than a simple official player number and is applied to measure, sometimes on technical fabrics that are less tolerant of repeated abrasion. Washing inside out is non-negotiable if you want to keep the marking intact over time. If you have just received a personalized Senegal jersey, Always turn it inside out before each wash: it's the simplest way to protect your jersey.
Jerseys with gold or silver embroidery
The metallic threads used in gold or silver embroidery are particularly susceptible to abrasion. Their reflective surface quickly dulls with repeated contact with other garments in the washing machine drum. Jerseys with embroidery depicting achievements or cultural motifs must always be washed inside out, preferably alone or with lightweight garments without zippers or buttons.
The first wash after receiving
The first wash of a personalized jersey is the most critical. The flocking needs 24 to 48 hours After application, allow the product to fully set on the fabric. Washing a swimsuit too soon after receiving it, even inside out, increases the risk of the edges peeling off prematurely. Always wait this minimum time and turn the swimsuit inside out for its first wash.
How to properly wash a football shirt inside out: complete procedure
Turning your jersey inside out is the basic step, but it's part of a more comprehensive care protocol to ensure each wash is risk-free. Each step is important, and none compensates for the absence of another. A jersey turned inside out but washed at 60°C Even in a cotton program, a damaged jersey remains.
The steps in order
- Turn the jersey completely inside out before putting it in the washing machine
- Set the temperature to 30°C maximum
- Choose the delicate or synthetic program
- Limit the spin cycle to 600 revolutions per minute
- Never use the tumble dryer
- Air dry flat or on a wide hanger, in the shade
Can you wash several jerseys together?
Yes, provided you turn them all inside out and don't mix them with clothes that have zippers, buttons, or abrasive materials. Zippers are particularly damaging to flocking: even when closed, they create areas of concentrated abrasion that the heat-sealed vinyl doesn't withstand for long. Wash your jerseys together or with only smooth fabrics.
Do I need to use a special laundry detergent?
A liquid laundry detergent for delicates A special detergent for technical clothing is sufficient. Avoid powdered detergents with bleaching agents, bleach, and fabric softener. Fabric softener clogs the pores of technical fabrics and reduces their breathability.Use half the standard dose: polyester does not retain much greasy soiling and does not need a large amount of detergent to be clean.
FAQ
Should football shirts always be washed inside out?
Yes, absolutely. Turning the jersey inside out before each wash protects the flocking, embroidery, and prints from friction in the washing machine. It's a simple step that takes two seconds and doubles or triples the lifespan of the markings. There's no reason not to do it.
Does washing inside out damage the inner fabric?
No. The inner fabric of a polyester football shirt withstands machine washing very well: it has no fragile markings and its structure is identical to the outer surface. Washing it inside out does not damage the inner fabric while effectively protecting the outer.
Is washing inside out enough to protect the flocking?
This is the most important step, but it must be combined with the correct settings: 30°C maximum, delicate cycle, 600 rpm spin, never tumble dry. A jersey turned inside out but washed at 60°C on a cotton cycle will remain damaged. Washing inside out is necessary but not sufficient on its own.
How long does flocking last if you wash it inside out?
A high-quality flocking, when applied correctly, can withstand 50 to 80 washes without visible degradation if the jersey is always turned inside out, washed at 30°C, and air-dried. Without this precaution, the first signs of peeling may appear as early as the 10th or 15th wash, depending on the quality of the flocking and the washing conditions.
Do you also need to turn a jersey inside out to dry it?
No, for drying it's the opposite. Turn the jersey right side out to air dry: this prevents creases in the fabric from creating permanent marks as it dries. Dry it flat or on a wide hanger, in the shade, never in direct sunlight which will fade bright colors.
A well-maintained jersey starts with a simple gesture
Turning your jersey inside out before washing it is probably the most effective care tip in terms of time saved: two seconds per wash for years of difference in the condition of the print. Combined with the correct temperature and cycle settings, this simple step is enough to keep your jersey in near-new condition for dozens of cycles.
