Caring for Your Custom Apparel & Headwear

At Alef By Cordoba, we bring branding to the masses—but keeping that branding vibrant is a team effort! Whether you’ve picked up a custom DTF T-shirt, an embroidered Polo, or a new fleet of caps, follow these guidelines to ensure they stay in "day one" condition.

🚨 The 24-Hour Rule (Crucial)

Wait at least 24 hours before the first wash. Our thermal adhesives need time to fully "crystallize" and sink into the fabric fibers. Washing too early is the #1 cause of peeling and cracking. Give the bond time to set!

1. Custom T-Shirts (DTF & HTV)

• Wash Cold & Inside-Out: This protects the print from the friction of the machine and prevents the high-heat fading of the fabric.

• Gentle Cycle: Use a delicate setting to minimize wear and tear on the print edges.

• Avoid the "Heat Trap": Never use high heat in the dryer. Air drying is the best way to prevent the print from becoming brittle. If you must use a dryer, use the Lowest Heat setting.

• Ironing: Never iron directly on the print. If you need to remove wrinkles, iron the shirt inside-out on a low setting.

2. Embroidered Polos

• Button Up: Always button the collar before washing. This helps the polo maintain its shape and prevents the buttons from snagging the embroidery of other garments.

• Cold Wash: To prevent the thread from shrinking at a different rate than the cotton/poly blend of the shirt, always use cold water.

• Collar Care: If the collar begins to "curl" (common in West Texas heat), steam it or iron it on a low setting while damp to reset the shape.

• Skip the Bleach: Bleach will discolor the embroidery thread and weaken the fibers. Use a mild detergent only.

3. Branded Caps & Headwear

• Spot Clean Only: Never put your caps in the dishwasher or washing machine. This can ruin the structural buckram (the stiff part behind the forehead) and misshape the brim.

• The Soap & Water Method: Use a soft toothbrush, cold water, and a drop of mild detergent to scrub the sweatband and any soiled areas.

• Rinse & Pat: Rinse with cold water and pat dry with a clean towel.

• Air Dry with a Form: To keep the shape, air dry the cap by placing it over a rounded object (like a balled-up towel or a mannequin head). Keep out of direct sunlight while drying to prevent fading.

General "Pro-Tips" for the Permian Basin:

• Hard Water Alert: If you have hard water in your area, consider using a water softener or a specialized detergent to prevent mineral buildup on your dark-colored shirts.

• Sun Protection: Don't leave your new caps or shirts on the dashboard of your truck. The Odessa sun can reach temperatures that will "cook" adhesives and fade fabric in a single afternoon.