Why Proper Care Matters for Your Severance Gear
Your Severance merch is more than just clothing - it's a conversation starter and a badge of fandom. Whether you're wearing the iconic Lumon Industries hoodie or a t-shirt featuring the show's eerie macrodata refinement imagery, keeping that merch in top condition matters. In my ten years working with print-on-demand apparel, I've seen too many fan-favorite pieces ruined by basic laundry mistakes. This severance merch care guide will teach you exactly how to wash, dry, and store your apparel so it stays looking fresh for years.
Poor care can lead to fading, cracking prints, and fabric pilling. With the right routine, you can avoid these issues. Let's get into the specifics before you toss that hoodie in the wash.
Washing Your Severance Hoodie and T-Shirt
Step 1: Turn Your Garment Inside Out
The most effective thing you can do is turn your hoodie or t-shirt inside out before washing. This protects the printed design from direct friction against other clothes or the machine drum. For dark-colored Severance apparel (like the classic black hoodie with white text), inside-out washing significantly reduces fading of the white letters.
Step 2: Use Cold Water and Gentle Cycle
Hot water is the enemy of printed merch. Always use cold water (60°F or below) and select a gentle or delicate cycle. This prevents the adhesive in the print from weakening and keeps fabric fibers from breaking down. I recommend using a mild detergent - avoid anything with bleach or fabric softener, as these can degrade the print over time.
Step 3: Separate by Color
Even within the Severance collection, colors vary. Wash dark pieces (black hoodies, dark gray t-shirts) together and lighter shades (white or light gray options) separately. This prevents any color bleeding that could ruin the stark contrast of the show's aesthetic. For the Lumon Industries hoodie, washing with other darks is crucial.
Step 4: Skip the Fabric Softener
Fabric softener leaves a residue that can make prints peel faster. Instead, if you need to reduce static, add a half cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. The vinegar is gentle and actually helps set colors. The smell dissipates once dry.
Drying and Ironing Tips
Step 1: Air Dry When Possible
Heat is the number one cause of print cracking. I always recommend air drying your Severance merch. Lay the garment flat on a drying rack, away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can fade prints over time, especially on darker backgrounds. If you must use a dryer, select the lowest heat setting and remove while still slightly damp.
Step 2: Ironing - Never Direct Heat on Print
If your hoodie or t-shirt wrinkles, iron it inside out and use a pressing cloth (like a thin towel) between the iron and the fabric. Set the iron to a low temperature (cotton setting is too hot). Never iron directly over the print - the heat can melt the design or cause it to crack. For the white letters on the black hoodie, this is especially important to maintain contrast.
Storing Your Severance Collectibles
Keep your merch in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. For long-term storage of items you wear less often, fold them rather than hanging. Hanging can stretch knits, especially hoodies. Use a dark closet or drawer to prevent UV fading. If you store seasonal apparel, use an acid-free storage box to avoid yellowing.
I keep my Lumon Industries hoodie folded on a shelf, not hanger, to maintain its shape for years.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Print Cracking: This happens from heat or over-drying. If you notice fine cracking, reduce dryer time and always wash inside out. For already-cracked prints, you can apply a thin layer of clear fabric glue underneath the peeling edges and press flat - but prevention is better.
- Color Fading: Fading often comes from sun exposure. Store away from windows, and wash in cold water only. Turning garments inside out also helps.
- Pilling: Pills (small fabric balls) appear from friction. Use a fabric shaver to remove them gently. Avoid washing with rough items like towels or denim.
How to Make Your Merch Last for Years
Beyond washing, rotate your Severance pieces with other clothing to reduce wear frequency. When you do laundry, zip all zippers and button buttons to prevent snagging. For travel, carry your hoodie in a cotton bag instead of cramming it in a suitcase.
Invest in a quality laundry bag for printed items. I've found that using a mesh lingerie bag for t-shirts extends print life by protecting against friction. Follow these steps, and your Severance apparel will look as good as the day you got it.
