Few things are more disappointing than pulling your favourite shirt out of the dryer and finding the print covered in tiny cracks. The good news is that cracking is almost always preventable. Here’s what causes it and what you, and we, can do to stop it.
The most common causes of cracking
1. Too much heat in the dryer
This is the number one culprit. High dryer heat breaks down the adhesive and dries out the print layer, which makes it brittle. Over time, it splits as the fabric flexes.
2. Hot water and harsh products
Hot washes, bleach and heavy-duty stain removers attack both the print and the bond underneath. Fabric softener and dryer sheets leave a coating that slowly weakens the adhesive.
3. Ironing over the print
Direct heat from an iron can melt and warp a heat-applied print in seconds. When it cools, the damaged area is more likely to crack.
4. Over-stretching the fabric
Prints can only stretch so far. Pulling a tight shirt over your head by the print, or stretching performance fabric well beyond its normal fit, can split the design.
5. Large solid areas of print
Big blocks of solid colour are stiffer than designs with open space. They’re more likely to crack where the garment bends the most, like across the stomach or chest.
6. Poor application
Not enough heat, pressure or time when pressing means the print never fully bonds with the fabric. Low-quality transfers or ink can also break down faster. That part is our job, which is why we test our press settings on the garments we carry and check every piece before it leaves.
How to keep prints from cracking
- Wait 24 hours before the first wash.
- Wash inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle.
- Skip the bleach, fabric softener and dryer sheets.
- Hang dry, or tumble dry on the lowest setting and remove while slightly damp.
- Never iron directly on the print. Iron inside out or use a cloth or parchment paper.
- Don’t stretch the print when putting the garment on or taking it off.
For the full care routine, read How to Wash Custom Printed Apparel So It Lasts.
Design choices that help
- Break up big solid blocks. Distressed textures, outlines or open space let the print flex with the fabric.
- Match the method to the fabric. DTF stays soft and flexible on most fabrics, and sublimation can’t crack at all because the ink becomes part of the polyester fibres. Learn more in HTV vs. DTF vs. Sublimation.
- Size it right. A print that’s too large for the garment bends more at the edges. See our print size and placement guide.
Is some wear normal?
Like any garment, a well-loved print will show some age after many washes, especially if it’s dried on high heat often. Fine cracking after years of regular wear is normal. Cracking or peeling after the first wash is not.
Seeing cracks early? Let us know
If your print cracks, lifts or peels after the first wash, contact us within 7 days of purchase with a photo and your order details. We’ll take a look and make it right.
Holeshot Outfitters Inc.: Lead the pack. Wear the difference.