"Since we are all at home bored out of our minds, saturating everything from socks and sweaters to hoodies and jackets with streaks and splotches seems to be the fastest way to cure our boredom."
Tie-dye styles have definitely been popular for a bit since the hippie era. The brave souls of the 60s and 70s paved the way and the bloggers have been following suit for the past few seasons. However, it seems, the resist-dyeing technique that produces the psychedelic kaleidoscope of colors is, well, hard to resist lately. Since we are all at home bored out of our minds, saturating everything from socks and sweaters to hoodies and jackets with streaks and splotches seems to be the fastest way to cure our boredom. Thus, bringing this trend back to the forefront of fashion.
So, let’s learn how to tie-dye in just 5 easy steps:
"Make sure all your clothes are damp for the dye to soak in properly."
Step 1: Pick your Clothing
I am using all adidas clothing since they are comfortable and easy to wear. Their basic white tees are my favorite. I am also using adidas cotton bodysuit which is my favorite and of course the most stylish bucket hat on the market. Make sure all your clothes are damp for the dye to soak in properly. The best way to do this is to pre-wash them by throwing them in the washer. This also assures that any residue left on the clothing is washed away.
"Once this is all well mixed together, we simply split them into bottles like the one pictured below to make our tie-dying process easier, less messy and faster. "
Step 2: Mix your dye with heated water
I am using Rit-dye in 3 different colors. You can use one color or 10, if your heart desires. Just make sure to separate the pieces enough- you don't want the dyes mixing together. The water has to be hot/heated. Get a big enough jar to mix all the items together. You simply shake your tie-dye vigorously. Then pour it into the jar, with the heated water and a little bit of dish soap. Once this is all well mixed together, we simply split them into bottles like the one pictured below to make our tie-dying process easier, less messy and faster. Now, let’s start crunching and crumpling.
"If you are creating a more design on your item or working on a larger item like a comforter, then use zip-ties."
Step 3: Create a tie-dye pattern of your choice with rubber bands
We want to use rubber bands to keep them in place, so the clothing can stay scrunched and tight. If you are creating a more design on your item or working on a larger item like a comforter, then use zip-ties. Remember, it’s the crunchiness that creates the pattern and tighter the rubber band, the better the patterns.
"Now, we simply start pouring the tie-dye in a zigzag motion until there is a very little white spot left."
Step 4: Put on gloves. Add your mixed tie-dye to your clothes
Please do wear gloves before you start this. The first time I did this, I got dye all over my hand and it took a week to get off. Lay garbage bags on the floor or simply do it outside on the grass. Just somewhere you can easily clean up the mess. Now, we simply start pouring the tie-dye in a zigzag motion until there is a very little white spot left. I averaged about one bottle per clothing item. You don’t have to use a lot of dye, as long as you can see it’s sinking into the fabric. TIP: to dye a piece of clothing that is a color other than white, you can do the same process with bleach.
Step 5: Let it sit
Once all the pattern is how you like them. You simply put them in a garbage bag, tie the garbage up, and set them to the side. Let them sit for about 8-12hours. Remove the rubber band, rinse the items thoroughly, let them air dry and voila, you are all set. ONE IMPORTANT NOTE: wash your tie-dyes clothing by themselves, the first time you wash them to avoid them bleeding into other clothing of yours.
"Oddly enough, this was not only fun but very therapeutic to be in the zone."
Tie-dyes are so perfect for lounging around or running errands. Pick up some basic pieces from adidas.com and let’s tie-dye! Oddly enough, this was not only fun but very therapeutic to be in the zone. I challenge you to this fun quarantine project. Show me your final results on Instagram @specsandblazers. See you next time everyone.
