Keeping your name on the back from fading?

[Lemberg]

Rather stupid question, probably mostly directed to epeeists since we're the ones that have our names printed directly on our jackets that are probably washed a bit more frequently that lamees. I'm just curious are there any laundry tips as to how to keep your name and country code that are dyed onto the jacket (as most of us have) from fading away quickly as a result of frequent washing? I guess not to wash the jacket is one, but anything less drastic?

[veeco]

Honestly, I don't know. I've found that on some jackets it fades quickly and on other ones it doesn't. I have had 2 jackets with my name printed on, from the same vendor (the guy who does it at NACs) and on the most recent one, it faded right after 2 washings. On the other one it's rather legible.

I guess you could wash it in cold water, but then you wouldn't have such a good washing.

[neevel]

Go to a fabric or crafts store and buy a fabric dye pen in the original printing. You'll be able to touch-up the lettering when the start to fade.

-Dave

[achilleus]

Originally posted by Lemberg
Rather stupid question, probably mostly directed to epeeists since we're the ones that have our names printed directly on our jackets that are probably washed a bit more frequently that lamees. I'm just curious are there any laundry tips as to how to keep your name and country code that are dyed onto the jacket (as most of us have) from fading away quickly as a result of frequent washing? I guess not to wash the jacket is one, but anything less drastic?

I got the country insignia on mine at an NAC, and a week later it faded. At the next NAC I mentioned it to Marx Enterprises when I saw them around, and they said come by the booth, we'll touch it up for you.

I was just giving them a hard time, and didn't take them up the offer. But they did offer.

[Inquartata]

1) Don't wash it too often.

2) Use a mild detergent, like Ivory Snow, and no bleach. Or something like OxyClean instead.

3) Turn the garment inside out to reduce abrasion wear from the agitators of the washing machine and rubbing against other clothes in the same load, if any.

[Tireur]

You're supposed to wash those things?

[Victor]

I had mine stitched on letter by letter at a sports clothing shop. Almost as cheap as heat-transfer. (And for the more pessimistic among us, it has the added benefit of being removable should you decide to sell or donate the used jacket some day.) I wash mine once a month or so; hasn't lost a thread yet, after nearly two years.

[sallearmourer]

We will be offer a new service at home of embroidery name panels that is then sew on to the jacket or the legs of the pants. Embroidery will not fade.


Tim Loomis

yeoldearmourer.com and Forte & Foible Custom Sewing

[Jarentz]

the advice I got from Marx was to let it sit for a week before washing it, don't wash it right after it's been stencilled. And they're nice enough to re-do it for you if you need it anyways.

[Lemberg]

Thanks a lot for your advice, everyone!

[Army Fencer]

Originally posted by Jarentz
the advice I got from Marx was to let it sit for a week before washing it, don't wash it right after it's been stencilled. And they're nice enough to re-do it for you if you need it anyways.

Hmmm... that really didn't work for me. I'll go back to Marx Enterprise.

[lfortier]

try to get embroidered with extra-durable thread- I've seen fencers running around with that on their jackets...wish i had that done-looks much nicer. Fortunatly I have a tolerance for grime.

[neevel]

Originally posted by Tireur
You're supposed to wash those things?

When you see George K. bring the microphone up to his face as you walk by the TC stand, and then on second glance realize it's a tube of smelling salts, you know it's time to wash your uniform.