Why Your Starry Night Tee Fades and How to Prevent It
By BioLite | Published: 2026-10-21
Category: Tips & Care
Learn why your BioLite Starry Night Tee loses color and get simple wash tips to keep the custom print looking fresh longer.
Quick answer
The custom print on your Starry Night Tee fades mainly from heat, harsh detergents, and friction. Washing in cold water, turning the shirt inside out, and air drying can preserve the design for many more wears.
Why the print fades faster than the fabric
The Starry Night Tee uses a custom printed design created by the BioLite Team. Unlike a woven pattern, the ink sits on the surface of the poly-cotton blend. Heat from dryers or hot water softens the ink, while agitation from washing machines can scrape it off. The pre-laundered finish reduces shrinkage but doesn't protect the print from everyday wear.
Trade-off: softness vs. longevity
The poly-cotton blend is soft to the touch, which makes the tee comfortable right out of the bag. That same softness means the fabric absorbs more water and detergent, which can lift the print if you use a heavy-duty cycle or bleach alternative. You don't need to sacrifice comfort—just adjust your wash routine.
Diagnosis: fading and what to do
- Symptom: The custom print looks lighter, cracked, or patchy after several washes, especially on the front design or near seams.
- Likely cause: Heat from a dryer or hot water, harsh detergents with bleach or enzymes, and friction from washing with zippers or rough fabrics.
- Corrective action: Turn the tee inside out, wash in cold water on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent, and air dry flat or on a low-heat setting. Avoid fabric softener—it coats the print and can attract dirt. If the print has already started peeling, stop using a dryer entirely and switch to air drying only.
- When to stop or choose another option: If the print is already severely cracked or peeling, washing won't restore it. At that point, consider wearing the tee as a layering piece or repurposing it as a sleep shirt. The fabric itself remains soft and comfortable.
Product details
- Starry Night Tee: Pre-laundered to reduce shrinkage You can wash in cold water without worrying about the tee shrinking, so you can focus on protecting the print instead.
Starry Night Tee
