Steps to Fix Common Wear Problems in Retro Everton Shirts

A retro Everton shirt holds far more than stitched names and old sponsors. It brings back memories of match days, chants from the terraces, and the feeling of seeing your favourite players run onto the pitch. But just like those treasured memories, the shirts themselves age with time. Fabric can fade, logos start to peel, and collars stretch out of shape.

That doesn’t mean we need to stop wearing them. With a few small steps, we can keep these pieces looking and feeling right so they stay a part of our everyday lives.

Faded Colours and How to Soften the Look

Most of the time, colour fading happens just from age and repeated washes. Old cotton blends don’t hold dyes the way modern fabrics do, and every cycle through a washer can pull a little more life from the blue.

To help keep colours looking good, or at least soften the effect of fading, we use a few simple habits:

• Wash on a cool setting using a gentle detergent. Stronger soaps or hot water strip colour fast.

• Always turn the shirt inside out. This protects the exterior during the wash.

• Never tumble dry. Hang drying out of direct sunlight keeps the colours from bleaching further.

We also don’t worry too much about a little fading. Sometimes, wearing it under a lighter jacket or layering with neutral tones helps draw less attention to worn areas, keeping the overall look sharp without needing to pretend the shirt is new.

Handling Peeling Badges and Sponsor Logos

Some older shirts used heat-pressed logos and vinyl badges that don’t age as well as the fabric underneath. After years of wear or being folded in storage, those areas might start to lift around the edges or crack in the middle.

The way we store the shirt makes a difference. We try folding it with acid-free tissue paper between the logo and surrounding fabric to prevent prints from sticking to themselves. If displaying on a hanger, we avoid hanging by the logo-heavy sections, which could pull loose details.

That said, if the badge is slightly cracked or the sponsor has faded a little, it doesn’t always take away from the shirt. Some fans take it as part of the shirt’s own journey, a record of where it’s been. Not every piece has to look flawless to mean something.

Fixing Loose Threads and Small Holes

Wear tends to show first at the seams, around the underarms, sleeves, and lower hem. You may spot loose threads or even tiny holes forming in these areas.

If we find a loose thread, we resist the urge to pull it. Instead, we clip it close to the surface with small scissors, which helps stop it from getting worse. For holes, it’s trickier. Stitching over them can make them stand out more, especially if the area is already aged or thin.

If the hole is widening each time it’s worn, we often leave it alone. A well-placed layer like an undershirt can take attention off it, and trying to patch it sometimes does more harm than good. Being gentle is our best bet.

Dealing With Stretched Necks and Misshapen Fits

Older football kits, especially from the 90s, often came in boxier cuts than today’s versions. After wearing and washing, the collar can lose its shape or stretch out, making the whole shirt sit awkwardly.

To help with this, we care for how we store the shirts and how often they get worn:

• Avoid hanging them by the shoulders. Hangers can pull collars down over time.

• Fold the shirt flat, with the collar laying naturally, not tucked or bent.

• When washing, we keep the shirt flat as it dries so it settles with its original shape.

Collectors who rotate their wear often swap shirts seasonally so that no one gets too much use. That also gives collars a bit of rest, which keeps their shape longer.

Odour and Fabric Feel After Years in Storage

When a retro Everton shirt’s been tucked away long enough, it might come out smelling musty or feeling stiff. That often comes from the environment it’s been stored in more than anything else.

We start by airing it out naturally for a day or two. Hanging it in a dry, shaded room with windows open works fine. For shirts with more set-in storage smells, we place a small cup of baking soda nearby or fold it inside a breathable cotton pillowcase for a few days, letting time and airflow help.

Going forward, we keep shirts in well-ventilated drawers or storage boxes in rooms with consistent temperature. Plastic bags trap moisture, which makes smells stick around longer. Wherever possible, we store them clean to avoid fabric oils or dirt breaking down the material in storage.

Because Every Stitch Tells a Story

Not every mark of wear needs fixing. A retro Everton shirt with a fraying cuff or faded badge still carries all the meaning of the day it was first worn. These details can remind us of the matches it saw, the years we followed the club through ups and downs, and even who we were when we first got it. On the site, we stock pieces like the Everton 1985 E.C.W. Cup Final home retro football shirt in the £42.99 to £47.99 range, and product pages recommend ordering a size up from your usual fit, with some jerseys taking between 7 and 21 business days to be shipped once dispatched.

By cleaning gently, storing with care, and staying patient with small repairs, retro shirts don’t need to stay tucked out of sight. They become part of daily life again. They might not look the same as they once did, but often, that’s the best part about them.

Expand your collection with MyRetroJersey. Our range features everything from iconic 90s kits to timeless fan favourites, offering nostalgia and style for every supporter. Whether your current shirt is showing a bit of wear or you’re after a fresh look, you’ll find your next favourite retro Everton shirt in our selection. If you’re searching for something specific, just let us know and our team will be happy to assist.