Let’s talk fabric care.

What kind of dyes do you use?

We use Procion MX Cold Water Reactive dyes. Combined with soda ash, a color fixative, the dyes hold fast to your colors and become permanent.

These are the best types of dyes for tie dye. They're vibrant, consistent, and do not run. They can be found at any craft store, as they are the standard for tie dye.

How do I wash my StuyDYED pieces? Can I wash them with other clothes?

Yes you can! It's totally safe. All StuyDYED products are washed TWICE before being sent off. No need to wash alone first. They are ready to wear and should be washed with darks or colors. All clothing is best washed on warm or cold, or according to the care instructions on the label. Hot water slowly fades dyes on all clothes including tie dye.

To make sure that colors do not run, do not bleach tie dye. 

*Please note!* Care instructions may be difficult to read after getting tie dyed, as the labels can change color during the process.

I have something of my own I would like dyed. Do you do custom pieces?

Yes indeed! Please reach out about custom dye commissions via email here.

What kind of clothes can be tie dyed?

Clothing must be between 50% and 100% natural fibers. That means a majority of cotton, silk, linen, wool, rayon or hemp. 100% natural fibers is best. A combination is usually OK. 100% Synthetic fabrics will not take to the dyes we use. Period. That means NO acrylic, polyester, spandex, nylon, or any material you cannot identify. 

For example, a shirt made of 100% cotton is great for tie dye. Absolutely perfect. A shirt made of 50% cotton and 50% polyester is good for tie dye. A shirt made of 60%acrylic, 23% rabbit wool and 10% spandex and 7% other is not great for tie dye - and honestly, probably not super comfortable.

At this time, we are only taking custom synthetic dye commissions on a case by case basis.

White or off-white clothes are best. Light colored clothing and denim are great. Bright colors and dark denim will hold dye, but the colors will not be true to form (ie. Bright yellow dye on hot pink fabric will not look bright yellow. It will look muted.) Black and brown will NOT dye UNLESS bleached first to a lighter shade. 

Do you have anything dyed with natural dyes?

At this time, no. Please reach out directly if you have a special request via out Contact page. Natural dyes are wonderful but from the perspective of this NYC dyer, the most sustainable natural dyer is one who can forage their dyes and it’s quite difficult to forage dye materials in NYC.

We DO occasionally dabble in natural eucalyptus dye. It’s easier to source than sumac or walnut shells and it smells amazing. Happy to do a custom eucalyptus dye when requested.