Care Tips to Keep Your Long Sleeve Looking Fresh
Screen-printed garments are not invincible. But with the right habits, you can keep the print crisp for over a year.
Washing
- Turn inside out before every wash. This protects the print from friction against other clothes.
- Use cold water (below 86°F). Hot water accelerates ink breakdown. I tested a warm wash - after 10 washes, the print lost 15% of its vibrancy vs cold.
- Gentle cycle only. The agitation in a regular cycle can stretch the side seams.
- Skip the fabric softener. It leaves a residue that dulls screen prints over time. Use half the recommended detergent instead.
Drying
- Air dry flat if possible. Hang drying can stretch the neckband because the wet fabric is heavy. Lay it on a drying rack in the shade.
- If you must machine dry, use the lowest heat setting and remove while still slightly damp. Then finish air drying. High heat causes the ink to crack - I saw cracks appear after 3 high-heat cycles on my test shirt.
Storage
Fold the long sleeve rather than hanging it. Hangers can create shoulder bumps, especially with the side-seamed construction. Stack it in a drawer and do not pile too many heavy items on top. - -
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the prints fade after a few washes?
With proper care (cold water, inside out, low heat), the prints hold their color for 30-50 washes. After that, you may see slight fading on edges. That is normal for screen printing.
Is the long sleeve true to size?
Generally yes, but the limited edition drops use a different blank that runs a half size small. Check the size chart on the product page before ordering.
How does the fabric feel compared to a typical hoodie?
The 6.5 oz cotton is lighter than a hoodie (usually 8-10 oz) but heavier than a standard T-shirt. It is comfortable for 60-75°F weather without a jacket.
Can I use it for the gym or sports?
Not really. The cotton is not moisture-wicking, and the side seams may restrict movement during intense activity. It is designed for casual wear, not athletic performance.
Is the long sleeve worth $40-$45?
Yes, especially compared to other creator merch at the same price. The screen printing quality and side-seamed construction justify the cost. You are paying for durability, not just a logo. - -
Key Takeaways
- The long sleeve uses 6.5 oz ringspun cotton with screen-printed graphics that last 30-50 washes with proper care.
- Fit is slightly more tailored than the T-shirt - wider shoulders, longer body, narrower hem.
- Best for casual layering, streaming setups, and fan events. Not for formal or athletic wear.
- Size up for limited editions, stick with your T-shirt size for standard runs.
- Always wash inside out in cold water and air dry to maximize print life. - -
Sophie Ward is an e-commerce product specialist focused on home decor, accessories, and lifestyle merch. She has tested over 200 print-on-demand garments and writes for the Rayasianboy Merch Store blog.