How to Soften a Screen Printed Shirt: Tips and Tricks

Are you tired of wearing stiff and uncomfortable screen printed shirts? Do you want to know how to make them softer and more comfortable to wear? Look no further!

First and foremost, the type of fabric your shirt is made of plays a significant role in how soft it feels against your skin.

Opt for t-shirts made of soft materials like tri-blends or woven cotton to achieve a softer feel. These materials are known for their softness and breathability, making them a popular choice for screen printing.

Another way to soften your screen printed shirt is by using fabric softeners. You can use liquid fabric softeners or dryer sheets to achieve this.

However, be careful not to use too much fabric softener as it can cause the ink to fade over time.

If you want to avoid using fabric softeners, you can try soaking your shirts in a solution of water and white vinegar. 

Soak your shirt in the solution for a few hours before washing it as usual. This method is also great for removing any lingering odors from your shirt.

Other ways to soften your screen printed shirt include using a pumice stone to gently rub the fabric, using discharge inks that dye the fabric itself, or adding special additives to your ink to make it softer.

With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to enjoy your screen printed shirts without sacrificing comfort.

Why Do Screen Printed Shirts Feel Stiff?

If you’ve ever bought a screen printed shirt, you might have noticed that it feels stiff and rough to the touch. Here are some reasons why screen printed shirts feel stiff:

The Type of Cotton Used

The Amount of Ink Used

Using ink to create a design on a shirt involves laying down multiple layers, which results in a less flexible fabric due to the added thickness of the ink.

The Type of Ink Used

Some types of ink, like plastisol ink, are known for being stiff and thick. Water-based ink, on the other hand, is thinner and softer. If you’re looking for a softer shirt, consider choosing one that uses water-based ink.

The Printing Process

Finally, the printing process itself can also affect how stiff a screen printed shirt feels.

Using too much pressure when printing a shirt can cause the ink to sink deeply into the fabric, making it feel stiff and rigid. Alternatively, if the pressure is too low, the ink won’t hold well, leading to it cracking and peeling over time.

In conclusion, there are several factors that can affect how stiff a screen printed shirt feels.

Methods for Softening a Screen Printed Shirt

Here are some of the most effective methods:

Using Baking Soda and Vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar are two common household items that can work wonders on a rough screen printed shirt. Here’s how to use them:

1. Add 1 cup of baking soda to a large bucket or sink filled with warm water.
2. Soak the shirt in the mixture for 1-2 hours.
3. Remove the shirt from the mixture and rinse it thoroughly with warm water.
4. Add 1 cup of white vinegar to a large bucket or sink filled with warm water.
5. Soak the shirt in the mixture for 1-2 hours.
6. Remove the shirt from the mixture and rinse it thoroughly with warm water.

Using Fabric Softener and Salt

Fabric softener is another great option for softening a screen printed shirt. Here’s how to use it:

1. Fill a large bucket or sink with warm water.
2. Add 1 cup of fabric softener and 1/2 cup of salt to the water.
3. Stir the mixture until the salt is dissolved.
4. Soak the shirt in the mixture for 1-2 hours.
5. Remove the shirt from the mixture and rinse it thoroughly with warm water.

Using a Pumice Stone and Scouring Pad

Here’s how to use them:

1. Gently rub a pumice stone over the shirt, including around the sleeves, neckline, and hem.
2. Use a scouring pad to gently rub the shirt, focusing on any areas that feel particularly rough.
3. Rinse the shirt thoroughly with warm water.

The pumice stone and scouring pad will help to break down any stiffness or roughness in the shirt, leaving it feeling soft and comfortable.

Tumble Drying with Tennis Balls

If you’re short on time and need to soften your screen printed shirt quickly, try tumble drying it with tennis balls. Here’s how to do it:

1. Place the shirt in the dryer with 2-3 clean tennis balls.
2. Turn the dryer on to a low heat setting.
3. Let the dryer run for 15-20 minutes.

The tennis balls will help to break down any stiffness or roughness in the shirt, leaving it feeling soft and comfortable.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You now know how to soften a screen printed shirt. Remember to always check the care instructions on your shirt before trying any of these methods.

Here are some key takeaways:

• Use a ring spun cotton shirt for soft screen prints.
• Wash your shirt in warm water with a mild detergent.
• Line dry your shirt to about 60-70% dryness.
• Use a scouring pad or fine-grit sandpaper to soften the shirt.
• Soak the shirt in a solution of fabric softener and water overnight.
• Run the shirt through a normal wash cycle the next morning.

By following these steps, you can achieve a softer shirt that feels great against your skin. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different methods to find the one that works best for you.

Remember to take care of your shirts by washing them properly and avoiding harsh detergents and bleach.

So go ahead and try out these methods on your own shirts.