We need to find you something to do. Because, let’s face it, you’re not actually going to shave your head and everyone is sick of seeing loaves of bread on your Instagram. Instead, let’s be a little more productive with our time and relive childhood memories with some tie-dye. Especially since what your wore as a whippersnapper is now all over the runway.
Many brands have utilised tie-dye's colourful, trippy aesthetic over the years, either with stand out pieces or subtle hints of colour through t-shirts or accessories. Recently, we have seen it used in the S/S'20 menswear collections by brands like Etudes, Off White and Versace, who are mixing Woodstock prints with modern streetwear cuts. Pick a single element of your outfit to avoid any hippy comparisons: socks, t-shirts or even a hat is a great way to start incorporating tie-dye into your wardrobe.
But you don't have to go with the off-the-rack stuff. Home tie-dyeing is a simple way to breathe life back into old clothes – or give new buys a bespoke makeover. Items that are light in colour, ideally white or grey, will work best. If you’re buying new garms, make sure you wash them first as some chemicals from the production process may inhibit the dye from bonding with the fabric.
White Tie-Dye Clothing
How psychedelic you chose to go depends on how brave you are, but if in doubt, start with one colour and work up. Beyond that, just have fun. When you can't go outdoors, you can at least bring the sunshine inside.
Tie Dye Kits
- Prepare your workstation. The dye can stain (obviously) so use tarpaulin, newspaper sheets or an old table
- Prepare your dye. Instructions will vary, but most will add a powdered dye to hot water, then you add your fixative, stir and pour into squeeze bottles.
- Choose your pattern technique (for example, crumpled, shibori, or shrivel). The tighter you make it the more patterns you will get. We found the dye absorbed far better when you dampened the items beforehand.
- Apply the dye using the squeeze bottles – don’t hold back as you want the dye to soak all areas. But be aware of over saturating areas where colours meet as they can turn muddy.
- Flip the shirt over and do the other side.
- Place item in plastic bag (seal if possible) and let the dye set for 6-8 hours (instructions may vary).
- Mix your fixative with warm water and soak for minimum of 1 hour (the time will vary depending on your fixative. A natural fixative method can be found here).
- Rinse in cold water, using small amount of light detergent if you want. Always wash items on cold water settings and alone to prevent die bleeding.
- Air dry and then you’re ready to go.
