Printed pyjamas can look wonderful when they're new, but what happens after years of regular wear and washing? Do the colours fade? Does the cotton lose its softness?
At Woodstock Laundry, we wanted to see how our own garments had held up. So we took printed sleepwear that had been worn and washed for years and compared it with brand-new pieces.
The results are worth seeing.
Watch our video below.
What Causes Printed Cotton to Fade?
Yes, printed cotton can fade over time. How much depends on the printing process, the quality of the dyes, washing conditions and everyday wear.
However, fading isn't inevitable after just a few washes. Well-made printed cotton can retain much of its original colour through years of regular use.
Our video shows two examples from Woodstock Laundry's own collection. One is a shirt worn regularly for two years. The other is a pair of children's lounge pants that have been through three years of everyday use.
Both are compared with new garments. The colours have held up well, particularly considering how frequently children's clothing needs washing.
Since we manufacture in small batches, there can also be slight colour differences between production runs. This means that not every difference between an older and a newer garment is necessarily the result of fading.
Why Cotton Poplin Feels Softer With Age?
There is another interesting change that happens to cotton poplin over time.
Cotton poplin starts with a smooth, slightly crisp feel. Over time, repeated washing and wearing soften the fabric, making it increasingly comfortable.
This is particularly noticeable in the children's lounge pants featured in our video. Their cotton has become noticeably softer after years of use.
With proper care, cotton poplin can develop a softer, more relaxed feel while remaining comfortable for everyday wear.
How to Prevent Printed Pyjamas From Fading?
How you wash your pyjamas affects how long their colours last. A few simple habits can make a difference.
- Wash at 40°C or below. This helps protect the fabric and printed colours.
- Turn garments inside out. This limits friction against the printed surface.
- Use a mild detergent. Avoid bleach and aggressive washing products.
- Do not tumble dry. Air dry your pyjamas to help preserve the fabric.
- Avoid prolonged direct sunlight. UV exposure can gradually affect printed colours.
Always follow the care label for your particular garment.
Sleepwear Made for Years of Use
Woodstock Laundry has been making sleepwear in Cape Town since 1979. We manufacture in our own small factory, working with carefully selected fabrics and producing in limited batches.
Our aim is straightforward: to make comfortable, well-made garments that people want to keep wearing.
The garments in our video have been part of everyday family life for years. They're a useful reminder that the quality of sleepwear becomes much clearer after it's been worn and washed repeatedly.
That's the kind of longevity we work towards with every collection.
