A football shirt lasts much longer with the right care. Whether it is part of a collection or a favourite you wear often, these simple steps will help protect the print, badges and colours.
Air dry your shirt rather than using a tumble dryer. Heat can crack printed numbers and lettering and may affect the fit over time.
Store shirts somewhere cool, dry and out of direct sunlight, which can fade colours. Folding or hanging both work well; for valued shirts, a breathable garment bag helps keep dust off.
Yes. Turn it inside-out and use a cold, gentle cycle, then air dry to protect the print.
Wash cold, avoid direct sunlight when drying, and store shirts away from prolonged light exposure.
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Always wash cold, inside out, using a gentle cycle. Skip fabric softener, it clogs moisture-wicking fibres and reduces breathability over time. Use a mild detergent and avoid bleach entirely.
Air dry away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Tumble drying and direct sun both cause fading and can crack printed names, numbers, and badges.
If ironing is needed, use low heat and place a cloth barrier over any printed areas. Never iron directly over badges or names, the heat can melt or crack the print.
For grass or mud stains, treat promptly with cold water and a stain remover before washing. Avoid scrubbing hard, which can damage the fabric weave.
Fold shirts flat rather than hanging them for extended periods, hanging can stretch the fabric over time. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Older shirts need extra gentle care, hand washing is often safer than machine washing for delicate vintage fabric. Read our retro jersey guide for more.
Well-made kits last longer with proper care. Browse our national team and club collections.
Following these simple steps can add years to your shirt’s life, keeping the colours vibrant and the fabric in top condition long after purchase.
Never machine dry, never use bleach, and avoid ironing directly over any printed area. These three mistakes cause the most damage to football shirts, cutting years off their lifespan unnecessarily.
Treat every shirt with the same care you’d give any valuable piece of clothing, and it will reward you with years of great wear.
Even with perfect care, fabric eventually wears thin, colours fade, and stretched-out collars won’t recover. When a shirt no longer fits well or looks tired despite good care, it may be time for a fresh replacement rather than continued repair.
Follow these habits consistently and your favourite shirts will stay match-ready for seasons to come.
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