Quick answer

Turn your OKC Comets tee inside out, wash it in cold water on a gentle cycle with mild detergent, and skip the dryer—hang it to dry instead. This routine protects the printed graphics and keeps the fabric from shrinking or fading.

Why the fabric blend matters for washing

The OKC Comets Gray Astro Backer Tee is a 50% polyester, 25% cotton, 25% rayon blend. Polyester and rayon are more prone to heat damage than 100% cotton, so using cold water and low heat when drying is especially important for this tee. The OKC Comets Women's Light Blue Baseball Heart Tee and Women's Road SS Tee are both 100% cotton, which can handle slightly warmer water but still benefit from cold washing to preserve the graphic print and prevent shrinking.

Pre-wash preparation: turn inside out and sort

Always turn your tee inside out before washing. This simple step puts the fabric between the printed graphic and the agitator, reducing friction that can crack or peel the design. Also, sort by color: wash light blue and gray tees separately from darker items to avoid dye transfer. If you have multiple tees, wash them together to minimize abrasion.

Choose the right detergent and cycle

Use a mild, liquid detergent without bleach or fabric softener. Bleach fades colors, and fabric softener can leave a residue that dulls the print. Select a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water. If your machine has a low-spin option, use it—high spin speeds can stretch the fabric and stress the graphic.

Drying: air dry for best results

The safest way to dry any graphic tee is to hang it up or lay it flat to air dry. If you must use a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting and remove the tee while it's still slightly damp. High heat is the number one cause of cracking graphics and shrinking cotton. For the poly/cotton/rayon blend, even low heat can cause gradual damage over time, so air drying is strongly recommended.

Step-by-step: washing your OKC Comets tee

  1. Turn the tee inside out: Before washing, turn the shirt inside out to protect the printed graphic from friction. Checkpoint: Make sure the design is fully on the inside.
  2. Sort by color and fabric: Wash light blue and gray tees separately from dark colors. If you have both cotton and blends, wash them together on a gentle cycle. Common mistake: Mixing colors can cause dye transfer.
  3. Use cold water and mild detergent: Select a cold water setting and add a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Avoid bleach and fabric softener. Checkpoint: Detergent should be free of bleaches and softeners.
  4. Choose a gentle cycle: Set your machine to a delicate or gentle cycle with low spin speed. Common mistake: Regular cycle can be too rough on graphics.
  5. Air dry the tee: Hang or lay flat to dry. If using a dryer, use the lowest heat setting and remove while slightly damp. Checkpoint: Air drying prevents fading and shrinking.

OKC Comets tees and their care needs

  • OKC Comets Women's Light Blue Baseball Heart Tee: 100% cotton construction with a baseball heart design. Cotton is durable but can shrink with high heat; cold washing and air drying help maintain the fit and graphic.
  • OKC Comets Women's Road SS Tee: 100% cotton, women's-specific sizing for a tailored look. The tailored cut may fit closer to the body, so turning inside out prevents the print from rubbing against other clothes.
  • OKC Comets Gray Astro Backer Tee: 50% polyester, 25% cotton, 25% rayon blend for a relaxed feel. Synthetic fibers are sensitive to heat; cold water and air drying are essential to avoid fading and shrinkage.