Washing and Caring for JL Sports gear

A dirty jersey can be a badge of honor after a great game, but it can also be a hassle during the car ride home. From grass stains after making an amazing tackle to clay from sliding into home base, your uniform goes through a lot with you. Whether washing jerseys with tough stains or delicately handling jackets and vests, understanding proper care instructions is crucial. These steps not only preserve the appearance and performance of your custom gear but also prolong its lifespan and ensure it's ready for the next game.  

Printed Apparel

We recommend washing your printed garments inside out, preferably on a cold-water cycle. The chemicals in fabric softeners break down the ink on screen-printed tees and cause it to fade or crack. They also eat away at the adhesive on heat-pressed vinyl, causing it to peel off. When cleaning, do not use bleach or fabric softeners. When drying the garments, set the dryer to tumble dry on low heat. This will prevent shrinkage and help keep your print from fading. When possible, allow the apparel to hang dry. You can also lay your shirt flat to dry to avoid possible shrinkage.

It is important not to iron the decorated areas. Turn the shirt inside out when ironing to preserve the print. Lastly, do not dry-clean printed apparel.

Embroidered Apparel

For our embroidered apparel, be sure to check the care instructions on your garment’s label.

Do not use chlorine bleach or detergents with chlorine, peroxide, or sodium carbonate, as they can cause thread discoloration. You should avoid the use of fabric softeners with this apparel. Embroidered apparel should be dried on low heat or allow it to hang dry. Please don't leave your embroidered garment soaking/wet. When ironing, use low heat, and do not use steam or any other agent that will cause the embroidery to become damp. You can dry clean your embroidered clothing, but avoid pre-spotting agents and use extreme care.

Notes on Fabric Softeners

Softer fabric prevents static cling and keeps your clothes soft, but you should avoid using fabric softeners with polyester or moisture-wicking materials. The chemicals from the softener will leave a residue behind, filling in the weave/mesh of the material and negating any of its wicking properties. 

Notes on Pilling

What is pilling? Pilling is the annoying fuzzballs that form on a piece of cloth. Many people think that pilling means that a garment is cheaply made or of a lower quality, but the truth is that all fabrics tend to pill. Pilling is caused by friction put on your garment. This happens from everyday wear, as your clothing rubs against your body while you move. It can also be caused when you put your clothes through the wash–the spin cycle will cause your garments to rub against one another. This rubbing can cause loose fibers to push their way from the surface of your shirt, forming little fuzz balls. This tends to be prevalent in cotton, polyester, and nylon garments. 

Many of the garments we offer at JL Sports are made from pill-resistant yarn. However, no garment is truly “pill-free.” It’s all about properly caring for your garment to prolong its appearance. Only you can prevent pilling!

So, what can you do? We recommend turning your garments inside out before washing them. This will reduce the contact the garment has with other items in the wash, keeping the outside of your JL apparel looking fresh and new for longer.

Taking care of your clothes can feel like a difficult task, but it's essential to maintain their comfort and vibrant colors. By following these steps, you can keep your custom gear safe, extend the lifespan of your favorite JL apparel, and ensure you look great, whether you're on the field or at the gym. Proper care of your JL clothing will keep you looking and feeling fresh all year long.