Glossary · Print & Construction
Pigment Dyeing
Pigment dyeing fixes color pigments to the fiber surface with a binder — without the pigment chemically reacting with the fiber.
Why it matters
Because the pigments sit “on” rather than “in” the fiber, the fabric develops a characteristic vintage look with every wash: slightly uneven fading, softer hand, broken color. Popular for heritage and vintage looks.
Color depth and edge sharpness are typically lower than with reactive dyeing; pigment dyeing is a deliberate stylistic choice, not a replacement for color stability.
Wash inside out, cold or lukewarm — that keeps the fading effect controllable.
Common misconception: “faded color = poor quality.” With pigment dyeing that’s precisely part of the concept.
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