Aftercare & Washing Guide
Proper care helps embroidered gaming clothing keep its shape, colour and detail for longer. This guide explains how to wash, dry, iron and look after Gambit Gaming garments, including what to expect from embroidery stabiliser and temporary hoop marks.
Most of our clothing is made from cotton and embroidered in-house to order. Embroidered garments need slightly different care from screen-printed or vinyl-printed clothing, but the process is simple once you know what to do.
Before You Wear Your Garment
We recommend washing your garment before wearing it for the first time. During embroidery, we may use a water-soluble topper or stabiliser to help the stitching sit cleanly on the fabric. Small traces can sometimes remain between stitches and normally disappear during the first wash.
Do not iron directly over the embroidered crest before the first wash. Always check the care label inside the garment, as its instructions take priority over general guidance.
How to Wash Embroidered Gaming Clothing
- Turn the garment inside out before washing.
- Wash at no more than 30°C.
- Use a gentle or standard cycle rather than an intensive wash.
- Use a mild detergent.
- Avoid bleach and harsh stain removers around the embroidery.
- Wash with similar colours.
- Close zips and fasten drawcords where possible to reduce snagging.
Turning the garment inside out reduces friction against the embroidered surface and helps protect the thread from catching on zips, buttons or rough fabrics in the wash.
How to Dry Your Garment
Air drying is the best option for most embroidered clothing. Reshape the garment while damp, then dry it on a clothes rack or washing line away from strong direct heat.
If you need to use a tumble dryer, select a low-temperature delicate cycle. High heat can cause cotton garments to shrink and may affect the shape of the embroidered area.
- Do not dry on a radiator or directly against a heater.
- Avoid high-temperature tumble-drying.
- Do not leave the garment tightly crumpled while damp.
How to Iron Embroidered Clothing
Use a low to medium heat suitable for cotton, following the garment care label. For the safest result, turn the garment inside out and press the back of the embroidered area through a clean, dry towel or pressing cloth.
- Place the garment embroidery-side down on a clean towel.
- Lay another dry towel or pressing cloth over the back of the embroidery.
- Press for approximately four to six seconds at a time.
- Lift the iron rather than sliding it across the stitching.
- Allow the fabric to cool before checking the result.
- Repeat gently if needed.
Do not use excessive heat, and take care not to catch or pull any embroidery thread. Keep hot appliances away from children and follow the appliance manufacturer's instructions.
Why Embroidery Can Look Crinkled After Washing
It is normal for the fabric around embroidery to look slightly wrinkled or bunched after washing. The embroidery thread and garment fabric can react differently to moisture and heat, especially while the garment is still damp.
First, reshape the garment and allow it to dry fully. If the area still looks uneven, use the pressing method above from the reverse side. Gentle pressure usually restores a smooth finish.
Common Embroidery Questions
Why is there a ring mark around the crest?
During embroidery, the garment is held firmly in a hoop so the design can be stitched accurately. This can leave a temporary impression around the embroidered area. We steam garments before dispatch where possible, but a faint hoop mark can occasionally remain. It should normally disappear after washing or gentle steaming.
Why does the crest feel stiff?
Embroidery requires stabiliser behind the fabric to support the stitches and help the design hold its shape. A new embroidered crest can therefore feel firmer than the surrounding material. It usually softens slightly through normal washing and wear.
What is the white or clear material between the stitches?
This is usually a small trace of water-soluble embroidery topper or stabiliser. It helps us achieve a cleaner finish during production and should dissolve during the first wash. Do not iron the embroidered area while visible stabiliser remains.
Will the embroidery crack or peel?
Embroidery does not form a surface layer in the same way as many printed transfers, so it does not crack or peel in the same manner. However, threads can still snag if rubbed against rough surfaces or caught on sharp objects, so sensible care is important.
Will cotton clothing shrink?
Cotton can shrink when exposed to high wash or drying temperatures. Washing at 30°C and air drying helps reduce this risk. Always follow the specific care label supplied with your garment.
Made In-House to Order
Gambit Gaming garments are embroidered in-house by our small team and made to order. This allows us to focus on clean stitching and a durable finish rather than mass-producing printed clothing in advance.
Because each garment is individually prepared, minor variations can occasionally occur. These should not affect the overall appearance or durability of the design. If you believe there is a fault with your order, please contact us and include your order number so we can help.
Explore More Gaming Clothing Guides
- Why We Choose Embroidery
- Hoodie, Sweatshirt or T-Shirt?
- Gaming Clothing Size Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Return to Gaming Clothing Guides
Explore Embroidered Gaming Clothing
This guide provides general care suggestions. Always follow the care label supplied with your garment and the safety instructions for any appliance you use.