Specifications for Fade-Out and Dye Processes

Fade-Out Process Overview

The fade-out process is a specialized technique designed to give items a vintage, aged appearance by reducing color intensity in specific areas. This external treatment creates a naturally worn aesthetic, where the inner layers of the item often retain slightly more color. However, this difference becomes less noticeable near the edges.

Due to the complexity of the fade-out process, several factors—including the interaction between dyeing, material finishing, and the chemical agents used—can lead to variations in the final product. These variations are expected and integral to the process.

Key Characteristics of the Process:

• Natural Variations: It is impossible to achieve exact consistency between samples and final production. Differences in tone, shade, and uniformity should be anticipated.
• Scratches and Inconsistencies: Long-sleeved items and areas near seams or pockets may develop visible scratches or inconsistencies. These are inherent to the process and do not constitute defects.
• Batch Variability: Intensity and tone can vary within the same production batch. This is a natural result of the fade-out technique.

Recommendation:

Before production, it is advisable to conduct sufficient sample testing in all intended colors, materials, and final designs. Creating a Shade Band for production approval is essential. Without this, variations in color, tone, or intensity will be considered acceptable.

Wash Specifications for Fade-Out Process:

• Utilizes a specific rock wash.
• Follows Oeko-Tex 100 guidelines, including pre-testing for fabric shrinkage.
• Despite adjustments, variations of up to 5% in measurements may occur between samples and final production due to fabric behavior during processing.

Important Notes:

• External applications such as prints or embellishments applied after the fade-out process are not covered under our responsibility.
• The expected defect rate for this process is approximately 15%.

Solidity Results:

The fade-out process yields wet solidity values ranging between 2–3 for dark colors and 3–4 for lighter tones. Lightfastness depends on the intensity of the color, with results varying similarly.

Reactive Dyeing and Garment Dyeing Overview:

Garment dyeing provides flexibility in achieving desired aesthetics, from clean and smooth finishes to vintage looks or multi-tone effects. This process allows for unique results that are unattainable through traditional roll dyeing methods.

Best Practices:

• Materials must be pre-treated to ensure consistent dye absorption, dimensional stability, and optimal sewing capabilities.
• All components (e.g., trims, seams, ribbing) should originate from the same material batch to avoid discrepancies in dye uptake.

Lab-Dip Guidelines:

• Color sampling must be conducted on the exact materials and preparations intended for production to achieve accurate results.
• All materials should be present during lab-dip creation to evaluate final outcomes.

Production Recommendations

• Preliminary samples and shade bands are required to align expectations and production outcomes.
• Metallic accessories (e.g., zippers, fasteners) must be prepared to withstand dyeing and drying conditions. Unprepared metals may degrade during processing.
• Items with loose ends, belts, or ribbons must be appropriately secured to prevent damage during production.

Special Handling:

• Prints or embellishments applied before dyeing require careful pre-approval to determine compatibility with the dyeing process.
• When dyeing items with pre-printed panels, all components should undergo the same preparation and thermosetting conditions to ensure uniformity.

Color Variations: 

Color differences of 5–10% may occur between samples and production due to the delicate nature of garment dyeing. These differences are expected and accepted as part of the process.

General Guidelines for Care:

• Wash items at 30°C, separately, and inside out.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to bright light or direct sunlight to maintain color quality.

The fade-out and garment dye processes are intricate and require close adherence to the outlined specifications to achieve optimal results.

For more information or inquiries about these processes, please contact:
support@athleisurebasics.com