Dyeing Dress Shirts?

Re: Dyeing Dress Shirts?

• manateehugger member

  

  July 2013

  Chris&StephH said:

  Has anyone ever tried (and successfully) dyed a mens dress shirt? We're doing a more casual attire, and using slim fit, button-up, short-sleeved collared shirts for the men (not silk or anything satiny of course). I am having a couple men on my side most likely, so I was thinking of using regular white shirts for my fiance's side, but in our wedding color (tiffany blue or aqua) for my side to match the bridesmaid dresses. I have looked for this color online (and I'd like the white shirts to be the same style/brand as the colored shirts), but have not found anything so far. Is it possible to dye these shirts and will it look good? If not I might just have them all match or just switch up the tie colors for each side. But I'd prefer to do it this way if it will look good!

  Not going to lie, this sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. Dying clothes evenly and nicely is not easy. I've tried a couple times with just basic cotton and I get never get it right.

  Where online have you looked? Have you asked a tux rental place? Matching colored ties and white shirts would probably be way easier to find (and look a little sharper - but that's just my personal opinion). Here's a couple links I found:
  
  http://www.kohls.com/catalog/mens-dress-shirts-tops-clothing.jsp?CN=4294723349+4294721601+4294719805+4294719810

  http://www.express.com/catalog/product_detail.jsp?productId=0303885&categoryId=cat700004

  

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• itzMS member

  

  July 2013

  Also make sure the men on your side would be comfortable wearing a shirt in that bold of a color. I know my DH wouldn't.  It can start to look like a Prom if you get too matchy-matchy with the colors.

   

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• SBmini member

  

  July 2013

  Dying is pretty straight forward. Don't use a washing machine, but instead fill up a big plastic storage bin with water. That way, you'll have better control over the final color. I would definitely test with strips of fabric before dunking the shirts in.

  
  

  They dye stuff all the time on HGTV, try doing some searches to find tutorials. What I would do is start with some dye, test and let dry, then add more dye as necessary until you get to the right tone. Remember to test with the same fabric of the shirt to ensure it will end up the same. I would also be wary of blends, different fabric may hold onto the dye in different ways.

  
  

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• QueerFemme member

  

  July 2013

  I agree that the dyed shirts may just be "too much". I would suggest white shirts with a tie that is either solid color of the BM dresses, or maybe striped with that color.

  

  Websites/blogs where our wedding has been featured:

  http://www.dapperq.com/2013/11/a-very-dapper-wedding/
  

  http://www.onabicyclebuiltfortwo.com/2013/10/wedding-christina-g.html
  

  http://4realequalityweddings.com/2014/05/16/g-christina/
  

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• [Deleted User] member

  

  July 2013 edited July 2013

  My niece did with her bridesmaids dresses. They all got white dresses that fit them & a style that they liked, and they dyed them. They turned out good. They varied in shades due to the different fabrics. They pulled them together with the same yellow ribbon around their waists. I'm sure you could do the same with the mens shirts. But keep in mind, you have no control of what shade of blue the shirts will turn out. It may be easier to just have them wear a white shirt & get them ties that go with the girls dresses.

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• Dincognito member

  

  July 2013

  This seems like a risky proposition. If you must, I think it would be wise to use 100% cotton shirts and ensure that they have not been treated with non-iron chemicals.
  
  My suggestion, because I've personally had great luck with them, is a made to measure company called Proper Cloth. They sell swatches for $1 apiece, and credit you for them when the time comes to make a purchase. The added bonus, unless all members of your party have the exact same physique, is that the shirts will fit properly.
  

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• Barbiiieee member

  

  July 2013 edited July 2013

  I dye fabric very frequently, and I can tell you that even being experienced, I sometimes will ruin a batch of fabric, or have it not turn our the way I hoped. That's just how it goes. I think you will be better off if you keep looking or finding a tie instead.
  
  Can you share with us a picture of the shirt you are looking for? A short sleeve button up? Maybe we could help you find a style in that color.
  
  Maybe try a long sleeve like this (comes in both white and aqua):
  http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-813734/arrow-fitted-solid-poplin-spread-collar-dress-shirt.jsp
  You could always have the guys roll up the sleeves. I like that look better than short sleeve. Like this?:
  

  

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