DIY Tie-Dye like it’s 2022

Although tie-dye is often associated with Woodstock hippies and psychedelia, it’s back in fashion in a big way. I personally love vintage trends come back around so expect to see me reppin’ tie dye all summer long. DIY tie-dye first rose to enormous popularity around the late 1960’s it seems. This was no doubt due in part to the heavy influence of the music industry. With iconic rock legends like Janice Joplin and the Grateful Dead rocking tie-dye, it’s easy to see how it became a trend to be reckoned with. Although tie-dye clothing has remained throughout the years, 2022 marks a nostalgic resurgence of DIY Tie-Dye trends. Forbes lists tie-dye products as being a current top choice among consumers inspiring a new wave of DIY fashion labels. This year especially, unique fashion items are perceived to hold greater value making DIY Tie-Dye perfect for any at home clothing business. Not only is it currently trending to tie-dye t-shirts, but also hoodies, leggings, crop tops, and even full sweatsuits. From pastel coloring to ombre and reverse tie dyeing techniques, all the top DIY Tie-Dye Trends of 2022 are easier than ever right at home. Below I’ve compiled a how to guide and everything you need to know for DIY tie-dyeing your favorite wholesale clothing.
Interested in combining tie-dye with graphic tees for an at home t-shirt business? Check out my other blog for starting your very own graphic t-shirt/apparel business from home! Start An Online T-Shirt Business From Home

Color Trends for DIY Tie-Dyeing

Instead of simply using the bright rainbow tie-dye you are used to seeing, try to use trendy colors for this season. This will help you style with current clothing items you already own and help you market to consumers if you plan to sell. A great place to start planning color schemes for this season is Pantone’s Spring-Summer 2022 Colors. Pantone Color Institute Color Experts say the Spring/Summer 2022 colors “bring together our competing desires for comforting familiarity and joyful adventure through a range of soothing and timeless colors, along with joyous hues that celebrate playfulness.” For most of us that’s a bit much for a color explanation lol …. Regardless, the palette is a combination of classic and fun colors in line with current seasonal trends.

If you are like me and enjoy bold, bright colors along with pastels, take a look at the Spring/Summer color recommendations from POPSUGAR. The article features colors like sky blue, rich green, soft lilac, and illuminating yellow, which are some of my favorites anyways. When choosing colors for DIY tie-dye it’s important to keep in mind the type of fabric as well as the pre-existing color of the fabric you will be dyeing. This will affect how the dye actually appears on the cloth. For example the same dye color will look different on a white shirt vs a light blue one. The same thing applies for 100% cotton vs. synthetic or a blend. Some fabrics take more easily to dye and produce a deeper or brighter color.

Choosing the right Dye

Now that we’ve looked at some DIY Tie-Dye color trends, the next step is choosing your dye products. You have probably seen one of the most well known and easy-use dye brands, Rit Dye. Not only do they offer a wide selection of colors for natural fibers, synthetics, and professional use, but their site has great info and tips on different dyeing methods/techniques. For any natural material, (cotton, linen, wool, silk, ramie, rayon) you can use the Rit All-Purpose Dye. Even if your garment is mostly natural, anything containing 35% or more synthetic material must be dyed with the Rit DyeMore Synthetic FiberDye instead. Believe me you are going to be dissatisfied with the results if you don’t abide by this rule. So it goes without saying that all synthetics (polyester, acrylic, acetate, nylon) will need the DyeMore Synthetic FiberDye. There’s quite a few more color options for natural fibers than synthetic, but you can easily mix colors together. Check out the Rit Color Formulas page for the how to combinations for hundreds of additional colors. It’s up to you whether to use the liquid or powder dye. Both equally good, but the liquid is more concentrated and equivalent to 2 boxes of powder dye. Some like the powder dye better for a mess-free application though.

For anyone wanting to dye an item containing spandex, the dye will adhere to the other part of that blend which may be nylon/lycra. Since the spandex fibers wont absorb the dye, plan on the color be slightly lighter than anticipated. Usually the percentage of spandex in an item is minimal so it won’t affect the color too much. Lastly, there is the Rit ProLine which is great for larger projects or those with a DIY clothing store. The ProLine can be used on both natural and synthetic fibers.

Get More Artsy with It:

Jacquard Dyes have quickly become one of my faves and for good reason. They make many different specialty/alternative dyes that produce amazingly vivid colors. From acid dyes to silk dyes to solarfast dyes, they really have it all. Although Jacquard Dyes seem to cater to artsy professionals, I promise anyone can use them with ease. I recommend trying their Procion MX dye (cold water dye) for stunning tie-dye results. Note that you should soak the garment in soda ash(sodium carbonate) before applying a fiber-reactive dye like Procion MX. This can be purchased off Amazon or from other craft stores. But just follow the instructions from the dye manufacturer and you will be fine.

MOST Minimal Effort DIY Tie-Dye:

If you really want to get down to business with the least amount of effort possible, I recommend a pre-made dye kit such as the Tulip 18-Color Tie-Dye Kit. The kit includes everything you need and yields really great results. So it really can’t get any lazier, I mean ugh.., easier than this…

Please remember to follow all given instructions on your dye packets/bottles/kits*

1) Mix your dye in plastic squirt bottles for easy, mess-free application and cover your flat surface with plastic(tarp, trash bags, etc). Start with your white wholesale t-shirt laying flat on the covered surface. Pinch the very center of the wholesale tee and turn the shirt clockwise. Continue twisting and turning until the t-shirt is in a round, tight spiral.

2) Next take 3 rubber bands and wrap them around so that the shirt is divided into 6 equal triangle like wedges. Using rubber/plastic gloves, squirt chosen color within each triangle and do both sides of the t-shirt. (Try to choose colors next to each other that wont blend into a muddy brown color. Examples are red+green, yellow+purple, and blue+orange).

3) Place bulk t-shirt in a zip-close plastic bag and let sit for about 6 hours. You can choose to let it sit overnight which can sometimes yield better results.

4) Rinse 2-3 times without removing the rubber bands until the water runs clear. Then repeat once with warm water and once with hot water. This helps remove excess dye that could bleed or even stain other clothing. *To be on the safe side, separate from any stain-able clothing the first time washing it in the washer machine.

1) Lay wholesale t-shirt flat on covered surface. Using both hands, scrunch fabric into a crumpled mound.

2) Apply desired amount of dye. Then flip crumpled mound over to apply dye to the other side.

3) Let sit for 6+ hours in plastic bag preferably a zip-close bag. Rinse 2-3 times in warm and hot water.

Again, these classic DIY tie-dye techniques are beyond easy and a fun way to spend your coronavirus self-quarantine time. If you still find this is too much work and aren’t willing to sacrifice any Netflix time, quit reading and just purchase an already tie-dyed shirt. Go ahead and tell your friends you did it yourself. At least you can pretend you did something other than watch endless episodes of Vikings Valhalla and Pam and Tommy…

Best Wholesale T-Shirts for DIY Tie-Dye

For testing out different methods of tie-dyeing or if you plan on selling your creations, it’s best to purchase t-shirts from a trusted wholesaler like BulkApparel or ShirtChamp. Here you can get quality wholesale t-shirts at a fraction of retail price with most in the range of $1.50-$4 per wholesale t-shirt. Buying wholesale t-shirts in bulk can also get you bulk order discounts as well as free shipping over a certain dollar amount. Check out these great picks for my fave soft and comfy bulk wholesale t-shirts!

DIY bleach tie-dye is great since you don’t have to buy dyes or dye kits and most likely already have a bottle of chlorine bleach around the house. You can use this technique on any colored shirt or garment that’s of a natural-fiber fabric(cotton,linen,rayon,etc.). If the fabric is synthetic or contains polyester for example, the color might not discharge and could degrade the material. Some of you are hard learners and will try bleaching polyester anyways…. If you absolutely must try and use a polyester/synthetic garment (rolling my eyes) you could give fabric color removers a shot instead of bleach. However, chances are its just going to lighten the color and not remove it. Now, moving on…

1) Choose a well-ventilated area and wear rubber gloves. Twist your colored shirt or garment into desired pattern(spiral, crumple, roll, etc.) and secure with rubber bands.

2) Its really up to you how you want to bleach it. Try some different things and get creative. Apply bleach mixture using a plastic squirt bottle, a plastic spray bottle, or even dip parts of your garment in the bleach mixture(1/2 chlorine bleach,1/2 water.) If you dip the bottom few inches in the bleach it will create an ombré effect. A heavier application of the bleach will lighten fabric more.

3) Let sit about 8-10 minutes then rinse in cold water. Remember not to leave the bleach mix on for too long or it could damage the material. Before wearing it make sure to put it through a wash cycle with mild detergent.

4) And there you have it! Lookin’ sexy in your bleach tie-dye!
Check out this great YouTube video from TheDanocracy for DIY Tie-Dye with bleach.

everse Bleach Tie-Dye Technique

2) Use spray or squirt bottle to apply bleach mixture of 1:1 bleach and water to your bulk t-shirt.

3) Let sit for 8-10 minutes and then rinse thoroughly.

4) Take your damp bulk shirt and lay flat on a covered surface. Use squirt bottle to apply your colored dye or dyes to the areas of the garment that have been bleached.

5) After letting the dye process for 6-8 hours you are ready to wash and wear your new tie-dye shirt!

DIY Pastel Tie-Dye and Ombré Tie-Dye

Watercolor or pastel tie-dye reminds me of clouds and unicorns and spring/summer perfection. So yeah pastel tie-dye might be more popular with the ladies, but don’t be afraid guys to get on the pastel train. After all, real men wear pink! With high-end designers like Prada and Stella McCartney showcasing pastel tie-dyes on the runway, this top 2022 tie-dye trend is only gaining traction. The hot trendy items for DIY pastel tie-dye are going to be wholesale crop tops and anything wholesale athletic-wear like sports bras, hoodies, and sweat pants. There’s a few different ways to achieve pastel coloring in your tie-dye endeavors. While some dye brands already offer pastel dyes, most colors are going to be brighter or darker. You can easily lighten the dye application by simply diluting the dye mixture with more water and leave it on for less time. Another method that works great to achieve pastel colors is the ice-dyeing technique. Not only does it create a super unique pattern, but the ice itself helps dilute the dye. However, I recommend diluting your dye mixture with extra water anyways if you aren’t starting out with a paler color.

Blogger brit_harvey posted a super cute example of a pastel tie-dye sweatshirt.

1) Find a grate or rack and place a baking sheet or bucket, etc. underneath.

2) Wet your white or light-colored garment completely.

3) Pull, squish, crumple, etc. your wholesale clothing item into whatever shape you choose and place on top of rack.

4) Now cover the item entirely with ice (very generous amount of ice).

5) Apply your diluted or pre-made pastel dye and then wait until all the ice has melted.

6) Rinse garment completely until water runs clear.

7) Lastly, dry in the sun or dryer. (This is important to set the dye). And that’s it!
For all you visual learners, youtuber Angelynn did a great video on making pastel watercolor shirts.

How to Ombré Dip-Dye:

1) Prepare your work space with plastic covering. Wet your garment completely before dyeing.

2) Heat a large amount of water to almost boiling and make sure its enough to fill a medium/large bucket or tub. Then add your dye to the container of hot water. The amount of dye will depend on your desired level of color as well as the specific brand instructions. (Optional: Add salt to the water to help natural fibers absorb dye better).

3) Hold the part of the item that will be lightest at the top. The bottom will be darkest and thus in the dye the longest. Start off by submerging entirely in the dye water for a few seconds. Do not dip all the way in if you plan to add a second color later.

4) Dip most of the fabric in and out in small motions. The idea is to continue slowly moving down the shirt inch by inch until the bottom of the shirt is finally pulled out of the dye.

5) Rinse with warm water and then again with cold water until water runs clear. Hang dry in sun or use dryer.
*If you are going to apply a second color, you would rinse out the first color and then repeat this same process on the other side that has not been dyed yet. Overlap the first color slightly to create the perfect blend. Rinse again and heat dry in sun or dryer.

If you have read this far you deserve what’s coming next…. I’ve saved the best for last folks! Without further adieu I give you the DIY Tie-Dye Painting Technique! Not only can you accomplish pastel or ombré tie-dye with the paint-method tie-dye technique, but your options are limitless. Paint designs or images freehand, use stamps or sponges dipped in dye, or even stencils and outlines. What better way to create absolutely unique DIY Tie-Dye items than with the paint-on method. Especially if your intention is to market your clothing brand and sell your creations, uniqueness is key! For the sake of this how to article though let’s just keep it simple for all my non-artistic people. Since all you ladies seem to want a pastel/watercolor tie-dye hoodie with sweatpants lets start with that.

How to Pastel Watercolor Tie-Dye with Paint Method:

1) Make sure your wholesale hoodie and wholesale sweatpants are wet before dyeing. Lay garments flat on covered surface. Mix+Dilute your dyes to desired shade. For pastels, your dyes should look very translucent.

2) Take your paintbrush and apply your pastel watercolor dyes all over as desired. Go crazy with it, tie-dye is meant to have your own unique flare to it! To avoid any murky brown coloring try to avoid overlapping certain colors such as yellow+purple, red+green, and blue+orange.

3) Don’t forget to flip over and paint the back.

4) Rinse until water runs clear and then dry in sun or dryer.
Check out this fun and informative video from The DIY Designer.

How to make the Rihanna Watercolor Tracksuit

Now you may be wondering where to purchase very affordable hoodies, sweatpants, and other blank apparel for all the DIY Tie-Dye techniques you want to try. Both BulkApparel and ShirtChamp sell high-quality wholesale hoodies, wholesale sweatpants, and a large variety of other wholesale blank apparel for a fraction of the retail cost. I highly recommend taking advantage of the bulk discounts for larger orders! I’ve linked my top picks of wholesale apparel for re-creating the tie-dye athleticwear trend!

DIY Tie-Dye like it’s 2022

Color Trends for DIY Tie-Dyeing