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If you're a fan of the vintage look, then you'll appreciate the charm that aged sweatshirts bring to the table. The faded fabric is not only comfortable, but it also exudes a relaxed and effortless vibe. However, buying a pre-faded sweatshirt can be expensive, and it may take you ages to find the color combination that suits you. Fortunately, you don't have to wait long or break the bank to achieve the same look. In this article, we'll show you how to make sweatshirts look faded using household items.

1. Preparing your Sweatshirt

Before we dive in on how to make your sweatshirt look faded, it's worth noting that some sweatshirt fabrics might not take dye as expected. Most natural fibers, such as cotton and wool, will absorb the dye beautifully, while synthetic materials like polyester may require more effort. It's therefore best to choose a natural fiber sweatshirt, especially if you're not too sure of what material the fabric is made of.

2. Choose your Dye

As you've probably guessed, to make your sweatshirt look faded, we'll need to dye it. For this project, we recommend using the tie-dye technique. It's an easy and fun way of upgrading your wardrobe, and it offers endless possibilities. You'll need to decide on the color(s) you want, keeping in mind the color of the initial sweatshirt. It's always best to go for lighter shades that complement the existing color. For instance, if your sweatshirt is light grey, go for something like pale pink or lavender.

3. Tie-Dye your Sweatshirt

Once you've gathered all the necessary supplies, it's time to tie-dye your sweatshirt. Start by laying your sweatshirt flat on a clean surface. You can choose to follow a specific tying pattern or freestyle by scrunching the fabric in any way you want. You can use string, rubber bands or even hair elastics to create the tight knots.

After tying the sweatshirt, prepare the dye according to the instructions on the package. You can either soak it for as long as possible or apply the dye directly onto your sweatshirt's fabric. However, for a faded look, we recommend soaking the tied sweatshirt in the dye for an hour or two or until your preferred shade is reached.

4. Rinse and Wash your Sweatshirt

Once your sweatshirt has soaked, it's time to rinse it thoroughly until the water runs clear. Then, untie the knots and wash your sweatshirt by itself in cold water, using a mild detergent. Avoid using bleach, as it can ruin the dye job and cause fading in unwanted areas.

5. Dry your Sweatshirt

After washing, hang your sweatshirt to dry naturally. Avoid using the dryer, as it can cause shrinkage and fading. Instead, hang your sweatshirt to dry in a shaded or low-lit area, away from direct sunlight.

Conclusion

Your sweatshirt is ready to wear! The tie-dye technique provides uniqueness, and it's a conversation starter wherever you go. You can follow these steps and remain confident that your sweatshirt will look effortlessly faded, giving you a vintage look you'll love. Remember, with a little bit of creativity and patience, you can DIY anything!