How to Wash a Neon Tee: Keep the 108 Stiches Print Bright

By Hill City Howlers Official Store | Published: 2026-11-05

Category: Conseils et entretien

A step-by-step routine for the Hill City Howlers 108 Stiches neon tee that protects the black-and-neon print from fading, cracking, and dulling wash after wash.

Quick answer

Turn the 108 Stiches tee inside out, wash it cold on a gentle cycle with like colors, and skip the dryer—air-dry it flat or hung away from direct heat. That routine protects both the black fabric and the neon print from the two things that fade them fastest: heat and agitation.

Why neon and black need a gentler routine than a plain tee

Neon inks sit on the surface of the fabric, and black cotton shows every pill and abrasion. Hot water and a long, fast spin cycle work against both: heat can dull the neon, while friction against other garments roughens the black surface and can crack the print along fold lines. A short, cool, low-agitation wash keeps the contrast crisp without over-cleaning the shirt.

What to skip—and when a shortcut is actually fine

Avoid chlorine bleach, fabric softener, and dryer sheets. Softener and sheets leave a coating that can make the print look hazy and reduce the fabric's ability to wick, while bleach attacks both the black dye and the neon pigment. If the tee is only lightly worn, a cold rinse cycle is enough; save the full wash for visible soil or odor.

Step-by-step neon tee wash routine

Turn the tee inside out and close any zippers or hooks nearby: Flip the shirt so the printed side faces inward, then check the wash load for zippers, hooks, or rough items that can snag the neon ink. Common mistake: leaving the tee right-side out, which exposes the print to direct rubbing. A quick inside-out check takes seconds and prevents most print abrasion.
Wash cold on a gentle or delicate cycle: Select the coldest water setting and the shortest gentle cycle available. Use a mild liquid detergent and measure to the low end of the recommended dose. Common mistake: choosing a normal cycle with a long, fast spin, which increases friction and wear on the print edges. If your machine has a hand-wash or express cycle, use it for lightly worn shirts.
Skip fabric softener and chlorine bleach entirely: Add no softener, no dryer sheets, and no bleach to the load. If you need odor control, use a detergent formulated for activewear instead. Common mistake: adding softener out of habit, which can leave a film that makes the neon look cloudy. Check the detergent label—some all-in-one products already contain softener.
Air-dry flat or hang away from direct heat: Reshape the shirt while damp and lay it flat on a drying rack, or hang it on a plastic hanger in a shaded spot. Keep it off radiators, space heaters, and direct afternoon sun. Common mistake: tumble drying on high heat, which is the fastest way to fade neon and shrink youth cotton. If you must use a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting and remove the shirt while slightly damp.
Store folded, not on a wire hanger: Once fully dry, fold the tee and store it in a drawer or on a shelf. Avoid wire hangers that can stretch the shoulders and leave crease lines across the print. Common mistake: hanging a damp shirt on a wire hanger, which distorts the neckline and can press the print against the wire. For game days, fold the shirt loosely so the neon design stays visible without sharp creases.

Product facts

Hill City Howlers Youth 108 Stiches Black Neon Tee: Youth sizes S, M, L, and XL are available in the 108 Stiches black neon tee. A youth shirt that fits well moves less in the wash, so the print sees less friction.
Hill City Howlers Youth 108 Stiches Black Neon Tee