Quick Answer
Wash your modal relaxed tee in cold water on a gentle cycle and tumble dry low or line dry to preserve the soft drape and printed pattern.
Why Modal Needs Special Care
Modal is a semi-synthetic fiber made from beech tree pulp. It's prized for its silky softness and breathability, but it can shrink or lose shape if exposed to high heat or harsh agitation. The relaxed fit of a modal tee depends on the fabric's natural drape, so treating it gently helps maintain that effortless look.
The digitally printed pattern on designs like the KITTENS & BOWS print also benefits from cool water and mild detergent. Hot water and strong chemicals can cause the colors to fade or bleed over time.
What Not to Do
Avoid bleach, fabric softeners, and high heat. Bleach weakens modal fibers, fabric softener can coat the fabric and reduce breathability, and hot water or a hot dryer can cause shrinkage. Also skip the dryer sheets if you use a dryer, as they can leave a residue that dulls the print.
Step-by-Step Washing Guide
- Check the Care Label: Look inside the tee for the manufacturer's care instructions. Most modal tees recommend machine washing cold and tumble drying low, but always confirm. Common mistake: Skipping the label can lead to accidental hot water or high heat damage.
- Turn the Tee Inside Out: This protects the printed pattern from rubbing against other clothes or the machine drum. It also reduces pilling on the outer surface. Checkpoint: If the tee has a bold print like the kittens and bows design, inside-out washing is essential to keep it vibrant.
- Use Cold Water and Gentle Cycle: Set your machine to cold water (below 86°F / 30°C) and choose the gentle or delicate cycle. Add a mild liquid detergent—avoid powders that can leave residue. Common mistake: Hot water can shrink modal by up to 5% and fade the print. Always stick with cold.
- Skip Fabric Softener: Modal is naturally soft, so fabric softener is unnecessary. It can coat the fibers and reduce moisture-wicking ability. If you want extra softness, add a half cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle instead. Checkpoint: Vinegar is a natural fabric softener that also helps set colors—but only use it occasionally.
- Dry on Low Heat or Air Dry: Tumble dry on the lowest heat setting, or better yet, lay the tee flat on a clean towel or hang it to air dry. Remove it from the dryer while still slightly damp to avoid over-drying. Common mistake: High heat in the dryer is the fastest way to shrink a modal tee. Air drying preserves the fit and print.
- Iron on Low if Needed: If the tee comes out wrinkled, iron it on the lowest setting (synthetic or silk) while it's still slightly damp. Avoid steam directly on the print, and always iron inside out. Checkpoint: Modal wrinkles less than cotton, so you may not need to iron at all—just smooth it flat when damp.
Product Spotlight
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MODAL RELAXED TEE: KITTENS & BOWS: This tee is made from soft, breathable modal fabric with a digitally printed retro-inspired kittens and bows pattern. The gentle wash routine helps the modal fabric keep its drape and prevents the print from fading or cracking.
MODAL RELAXED TEE: KITTENS & BOWS
