The names, numbers and sponsor prints on a jersey are heat-pressed onto synthetic fabric, which means they are sensitive to heat, abrasion and strong chemicals. Wash the shirt correctly and it will look sharp for years; throw it in a hot load with towels and the print can peel or crack surprisingly quickly. These steps apply to every shirt in the club and national team collections.
Before the first wear
Rinse or wash a new shirt once on its own in cold water before wearing. This removes manufacturing residues and reduces the chance of colours transferring onto other clothing later.
The correct washing routine
- Turn it inside out. This protects the printed name and number from rubbing against the drum and other clothes — the single most important step.
- Close zips and fastenings and put the shirt in a laundry bag if you have one.
- Use cold water (30 °C or below) on a gentle/delicate cycle. Heat softens the print adhesive.
- Use a small amount of mild detergent. Avoid fabric softener and bleach — softener coats the performance fibres and reduces their ability to wick sweat, while bleach can dull colours.
- Wash with similar colours and avoid heavy items like jeans and towels that abrade the print.
Drying the right way
Air dry only. Hang or lay the shirt flat away from direct sunlight and radiators. Never use a tumble dryer — the heat is the fastest way to make numbers curl, peel or melt slightly. Do not iron the printed side; if you must remove a crease, iron inside-out on the coolest setting with a cloth between the iron and the shirt, avoiding the prints and badges.
Treating stains
Deal with mud and grass by letting it dry and brushing it off first, then pre-treat with a little mild detergent. For sweat or deodorant marks around the collar, soak briefly in cold water with detergent rather than scrubbing the print. The sooner a stain is treated, the easier it lifts — avoid hot water, which can set it.
Storage and match-day habits
Fold or hang the shirt loosely rather than stretching it over a narrow hanger for long periods, and keep it out of prolonged sunlight to protect colours. If you have just played, do not leave the damp kit balled up in a bag — rinse and dry it to stop odours setting into the fibres.
| Do | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Wash inside out in cold water | Hot washes and tumble drying |
| Gentle cycle, mild detergent | Fabric softener and bleach |
| Air dry in shade | Radiators, direct sun, ironing prints |
| Wash with similar colours | Washing with towels and jeans |
Frequently asked questions
Can I put my jersey in the tumble dryer?
No — heat is the main cause of peeling and curling numbers. Air drying keeps the print intact.
Will fabric softener ruin it?
It coats the performance fibres, reducing breathability, and offers no benefit — skip it.
How often should I wash it?
After each wear when you have exercised; for occasional casual wear, wash when needed on the same cold, gentle routine.
The print is starting to lift — can I fix it?
Avoid ironing directly; place a protective cloth over it and use the briefest, coolest press, or have it re-pressed professionally to avoid melting.
Ready to buy?
Every order ships free worldwide with tracking, is covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 1-year warranty. Standard delivery takes 10–15 business days and express 5–8 business days. Shop new jerseys, or read the shipping policy and return policy before you order.