Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

How to Easily Tie-Dye an Old White Shirt At Home

Tie Dye T-Shirt
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Now that we’re several weeks into staying at home, you’ve probably gone through most of your DIY house projects, like repotting plants, decluttering phone contacts, and rearranging your closet. But if you’re still looking for a creative way to kill time, we suggest tie-dying your old white t-shirts.

Why, you may ask? Yes, it’s been over half a century since Woodstock, when the kaleidoscopic pattern became synonymous with hippies, counterculture, and music festivals, but it’s recently come back into vogue, cropping up on menswear runways including Comme des Garçons, Louis Vuitton, and Off-White. And in our new quarantine lifestyle, tie-dying has become a low-cost stress-relieving activity and a go-to fit on Instagram (see: Justin and Hailey Bieber).

So if you’re looking for another crafty way to decompress while adding a pop of color to your wardrobe, ahead is an easy-to-follow guide to tie-dye your worn shirts.

How to Tie Dye

What You Need:

  • Tulip One-Step Tie-Dye Kit: This package includes rubber bands, protective gloves, 12-dye powder bottles, and a surface cover.
  • T-shirt (Preferably made of 100% cotton to make the most of dye colors)
  • Ziplock bag
  • Apron
  • Arm-length tube or PVC Pipe

Prepare:

  • If you haven’t used your shirt in awhile, wash it with hot water to remove any excess oil or grime that could interfere with the dyes.
  • Add water to your dye bottles and shake them for at least a minute until the dye is fully dissolved.
  • If you want your dye color to be lighter, mix it in a separate powder bottle with more water.
  • Wear an apron and gloves to to protect your skin from stains.
  • Your shirt should lay flat on a surface cover before starting.

Spiral Method:

Spiral Tie-Dye Shirt
Ragstock.com
  • With your thumb and forefinger, twist the center of your shirt (between the armpits) until it’s tightly wrapped into a dense shape.
  • Place about three rubber bands around the tightly-wound shirt to create six folds of equal sizes. Tighter folds will leave more white spaces for your final product.
  • Squirt the dyes bottles on each fold. We prefer using the same colors on opposing wedges.
  • Flip the shirt to color the opposite side as well.
  • Place your shirt in a ziplock bag for six to eight hours to let the dye set.

Crumple Method:

Crumple Tie-Dye Shirt
Zobello.com
  • Crumple the fabric with your fingers until it’s in a tight mound.
  • Hold it in place using about three rubber bands. Tighter folds creates more patterns.
  • Squeeze the dyes on your shirt, applying a generous amount until your shirt is almost soaked.
  • Flip the shirt over and repeat on the other side.

Shibori Method:

Shibori Tie-Dye Shirt
Overstock.com
  • Roll your t-shirt tightly around the tube.
  • Secure both ends with rubber bands.
  • Tightly scrunch both ends of the shirt toward the center.
  • Add four more rubber bands along the tube to further secure the shirt.
  • Apply the dyes on the shirt, rotating as needed.
  • Gently remove the pipe from the shirt.

Final Steps:

  • Place the shirt in a Ziplock bag and let it sit for about eight hours.
  • Pull your shirt out of the bag, remove the rubber bands and rinse your shirt under cold water to wash away excess dye.
  • Put your shirt in the washing machine (do not include other laundry) using the highest water temperature allowed for your chosen fabric.
  • Air dry your shirt.

Editors' Recommendations

Christian Gollayan
Former Digital Trends Contributor
As the former Associate Managing Editor, Christian Gollayan was in charge of the entire editorial team across The Manual. He…
Swatch, Tate partner for watch collection that literally puts art on your wrist
Swatch x Tate Gallery collaboration inspired by paintings
Swatch x Tate collaboration watches

Swatch, renowned for its quirky designs and commitment to self-expression, has joined forces with the prestigious Tate galleries to create an extraordinary collection of Swatch watches that blur the lines between art and utility. The Swatch x Tate Gallery Collection isn't simply a collaboration but a celebration of creativity, individuality, and the appeal of wearable art.

Each Swatch watch is dedicated to the artwork of its respective artist. From Turner's Scarlet Sunset to Bourgeois's Spirals, every watch tells a unique story. Whether you're drawn to the whimsical charm of Marc Chagall or the bold simplicity of Fernand Léger, there's a watch in this collection to suit every taste and personality. This partnership further cements Swatch's position as a brand that bridges the gap between art and simple timekeeping with bold designs and vibrant colors.
The Swatch x Tate Gallery Collection: Wearable art

Read more
78 pairs of Gucci sneakers just had their prices slashed
A man wearing the Ace tennis sneakers.

The spring and summer months are the perfect time to upgrade your sneaker collection. With fresh styles and lightweight materials, sneakers are the best shoes for the warmer months for everyday wear, traveling or simply hanging out at a bar. Sneakers are now more popular than ever with men wearing them in both casual and formal situations. Here is a definitive guide to wearing a suit with sneakers if you want to combine a luxury look with a fresh new pair of kicks.

Right now, you can shop more than 70 pairs of Gucci sneakers on sale at Gilt. You can get up to $275 dollars off casual and fashion sneakers from this coveted brand in a mix of colors, styles and materials. Click the button below to start browsing these designer sneakers before time runs out.

Read more
Citizen celebrates 100th anniversary with throwback limited edition pocket watch
Citizen debuts 100th anniversary pocket watch
Citizen 100th anniversary pocket watch

Citizen watches have a legacy that spans a century, with a name that evokes reverence, innovation, and enduring quality. Now, in a momentous celebration of its 100th anniversary, Citizen unveils a breathtaking homage to their inaugural masterpiece: the Special Limited Edition Pocket Watch. That's right, a pocket watch for men. Since the success of Peaky Blinders and peak Thomas Shelby fame, pocket watches have garnered a somewhat cult following and Citizen has jumped on that bandwagon with a celebratory timepiece of their own.
Citizen watches: A brief history

In 1868, Japan underwent a significant transformation as the Edo period concluded, marking the end of samurai dominance. The dawn of the Meiji era saw Japan embrace modernization and industrial growth until 1912. By the 1920s, the widespread adoption of imported pocket watches reflected Japan's burgeoning participation in global trade.

Read more