Christian Apparel Care Guide: How to Make Your Faith-Based Clothing Last

Your Christian apparel is more than just clothing—it's a testimony tool, a daily reminder of God's truth, and often a treasured piece connecting you to meaningful moments. Whether it's your favorite Bible verse t-shirt from a mission trip, a hoodie from a life-changing retreat, or simply everyday faith-based apparel you wear regularly, proper care ensures these garments last for years.

This comprehensive guide teaches you exactly how to wash, dry, store, and maintain Christian apparel so your favorite faith-based pieces stay vibrant, comfortable, and ministry-ready.

Why Proper Care Matters

Beyond Just Clean Clothes

Extends Lifespan Quality Christian apparel can last 5-10 years with proper care, but only 1-2 years with poor maintenance. That's the difference between 100+ wears and 500+ wears from the same shirt.

Preserves Graphics & Printing Scripture verses, crosses, and faith-based designs require special care to prevent fading, cracking, or peeling. Proper washing maintains crisp, readable graphics.

Maintains Comfort Christian apparel that fits well and feels soft gets worn more often—creating more opportunities to share your faith. Poor care leads to stretched necklines, rough fabric, and ill-fitting shirts you'll stop wearing.

Saves Money Replacing Christian apparel frequently gets expensive. A $25 shirt worn 500 times (proper care) costs $0.05 per wear. Replaced annually for 5 years? $125 total investment for the same testimony opportunities.

Environmental Stewardship Christians are called to be good stewards. Extending garment life reduces waste and honors God's creation.

Preserves Memories Many Christian shirts connect to special moments—youth group trips, baptisms, conferences. Proper care preserves these tangible memories.

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Understanding Christian Apparel Fabrics

Common Materials in Faith-Based Clothing

100% Cotton

• Breathable and comfortable
• Shrinks if not pre-shrunk
• Can fade with harsh detergents
• Soft but wrinkles easily

Best for: Everyday wear, warm weather, sensitive skin

Cotton/Polyester Blends (50/50 or 60/40)

• More durable than 100% cotton
• Resists shrinking and wrinkling
• Holds color better
• Slightly less breathable

Best for: Frequent washing, travel, athletic activities

Most Christian t-shirts from Cuyle's Customs use quality cotton or cotton-blend fabrics designed for durability and comfort.

Tri-Blend (Cotton/Polyester/Rayon)

• Ultra-soft, vintage feel
• Drapes beautifully on body
• More delicate—requires gentle care
• Can be pricey

Best for: Premium Christian apparel, special occasion shirts

Performance/Athletic Fabrics (Polyester/Spandex)

• Moisture-wicking
• Quick-drying
• Stretchy and form-fitting
• Requires different care than cotton

Best for: Christian athletic wear, gym apparel, outdoor ministries

Printing Methods & Care Implications

Screen Printing

• Most common for Christian apparel
• Durable when cared for properly
• Can crack if exposed to high heat repeatedly
• Care tip: Inside-out washing and low-heat drying

Direct-to-Garment (DTG)

• Soft, detailed graphics
• Feels like part of fabric
• Fades faster than screen print if washed improperly
• Care tip: Gentle cycle, cold water, air dry when possible

Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV)

• Raised, rubbery feel
• Very durable
• Can peel if dried on high heat
• Care tip: Turn inside out, medium heat max

Embroidery

• Longest-lasting decoration method
• Won't fade or crack
• Requires minimal special care
• Care tip: Wash normally, avoid snagging threads

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Washing Christian Apparel: Best Practices

Pre-Wash Preparation

1. Sort Properly

• By color: Whites, lights, darks (prevents color bleeding)
• By fabric: Wash similar materials together
• By soil level: Heavily soiled separate from lightly worn

2. Turn Inside Out This single step extends graphic life significantly. Turning your Bible verse shirts inside out:

• Protects prints from abrasion against other clothes
• Reduces fading from detergent exposure
• Minimizes pilling on exterior
• Preserves color vibrancy

3. Close Zippers & Fasteners For hoodies and jackets, zip up before washing to prevent snagging.

4. Treat Stains Pre-Wash

• Spot-treat stains immediately (don't let them set)
• Use gentle stain removers (avoid bleach)
• For stubborn stains: white vinegar or baking soda paste
• Test stain remover on inside seam first

Temperature Settings

Cold Water (Best for Most Christian Apparel) ✅ Preserves colors and graphics
✅ Prevents shrinkage
✅ Energy-efficient
✅ Gentle on fabrics

Use cold water for:

• All dark-colored Christian apparel
• Graphic tees with Bible verses
• Hoodies with printed designs
• Any tri-blend or delicate fabrics

Warm Water (Occasional Use)

• Only for heavily soiled white or light-colored items
• Kills bacteria better than cold
• Increases risk of shrinkage and fading

Hot Water (Avoid for Christian Apparel) ❌ Causes shrinkage
❌ Fades colors rapidly
❌ Damages elastic fibers
❌ Cracks printed graphics

Exception: White, 100% pre-shrunk cotton with no graphics can handle occasional hot water for deep cleaning.

Detergent Selection

Best Detergents for Christian Apparel:

• Mild, pH-neutral detergents (gentle on colors and fabrics)
• Free & clear formulas (no dyes or harsh chemicals)
• Cold water detergents (designed to work in lower temps)
• Plant-based options (natural, effective, better for environment)

Recommended brands:

• Tide Free & Gentle
• All Free Clear
• Seventh Generation Free & Clear
• Woolite Darks (excellent for preserving black Christian shirts)

Detergents to avoid: ❌ Bleach-containing formulas (fades graphics and colors)
❌ Heavy fragrance detergents (can irritate skin, damage prints)
❌ Powder detergents (don't always dissolve fully, leave residue)

How much detergent?

• Use less than recommended on bottle (typically 1/2 to 2/3 amount)
• Excess detergent leaves residue that dulls colors
• High-efficiency (HE) washers especially need less

Fabric softener: Skip it!

• Coats fibers, reducing absorbency
• Can cause graphics to peel or crack
• Leaves residue attracting dirt faster
• Alternative: Add 1/2 cup white vinegar to rinse cycle (softens naturally)

Wash Cycle Settings

Gentle/Delicate Cycle (Best for Christian Apparel)

• Slower agitation prevents fabric stress
• Shorter wash time reduces wear
• Gentler on printed graphics
• Lower spin speed prevents stretching

Use for:

• All graphic Christian tees
• Tri-blend fabrics
• Hoodies with large prints
• Vintage or distressed Christian apparel

Normal Cycle (Acceptable for Durable Items)

• Standard cotton Christian tees without large graphics
• Well-constructed hoodies
• Darker colors less prone to fading

Heavy Duty Cycle (Avoid)

• Too aggressive for Christian apparel with graphics
• Causes premature wear
• Reserve only for heavily soiled work clothes

Additional Washing Tips

Don't Overload Washer

• Clothes need room to move freely
• Overcrowding prevents proper cleaning
• Increases friction damage to graphics
• Aim for 3/4 full maximum

Wash Similar Items Together

• Christian tees with other tees
• Hoodies with sweatshirts
• Avoid washing with jeans, towels, or heavy items (excessive abrasion)

Frequency Matters

• Don't wash Christian apparel after every single wear (unless actually dirty/sweaty)
• Airing out between wears extends fabric life
• Spot clean minor issues rather than full wash
• Typical guideline: Wash after 2-3 wears for regular use

Hand Washing Option For particularly precious Christian apparel (mission trip commemorative shirts, gift items):

1. Fill basin with cold water
2. Add small amount mild detergent
3. Gently agitate for 3-5 minutes
4. Rinse thoroughly in cold water
5. Press (don't wring) to remove excess water
6. Air dry flat

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Drying Christian Apparel: Critical Step

Why Drying Method Matters Most

The dryer causes more damage to Christian apparel than any other factor. High heat:

• Shrinks fabrics (especially cotton)
• Cracks printed graphics
• Fades colors
• Weakens elastic fibers
• Causes pilling

The golden rule: When in doubt, air dry.

Air Drying (Best Method)

Benefits: ✅ Zero shrinkage
✅ Preserves graphics perfectly
✅ Extends fabric life significantly
✅ Saves energy
✅ Gentlest method possible

How to air dry Christian apparel:

1. Remove Excess Water

• Gently press (don't wring) shirt to remove water
• Or, lay flat on clean towel, roll up towel, and press
• Never twist or wring (stretches fabric)

2. Reshape While Damp

• Lay shirt flat or hang immediately
• Smooth out wrinkles with hands
• Straighten seams and neckline
• This prevents odd drying shapes

3. Choose Drying Location

Indoor drying:

• Hang on padded hangers (prevents shoulder bumps) OR lay flat on drying rack
• Good air circulation area
• Away from direct heat sources

Outdoor drying:

• Hang in shade (direct sunlight fades colors)
• Clothesline works great
• Use clothespins on side seams (not shoulders)

4. Drying Position

For t-shirts:

• Lay flat on drying rack (best—prevents stretching)
• OR hang on hanger (smooth neckline to prevent stretching)

For hoodies:

• Hang on sturdy hanger (hoodies are heavy when wet)
• Button or zip partially (maintains shape)

For graphics:

• Face graphic side up if laying flat
• This allows graphics to "breathe" and dry evenly

Drying time:

• Indoor: 12-24 hours depending on humidity
• Outdoor (shade): 3-6 hours
• Thicker items (hoodies): 24-48 hours

Machine Drying (Acceptable with Precautions)

If you must use the dryer:

1. Lowest Heat Setting

• Use "low," "delicate," or "air fluff" setting
• Some dryers have "tumble dry low" specifically for delicates

2. Remove Early

• Don't over-dry (leads to shrinkage)
• Remove while still slightly damp
• Finish air drying on hanger

3. Turn Inside Out

• Protects graphics from drum friction
• Reduces exposure to heat

4. Use Dryer Balls

• Wool dryer balls reduce drying time
• Create space between garments
• Natural alternative to dryer sheets

5. Skip Dryer Sheets

• Leave residue on fabrics
• Can damage printed graphics
• Reduce absorbency

Items that can handle low-heat drying:

• Basic cotton tees (no large graphics)
• Cotton-blend Christian apparel
• Solid colors (less fading concern)

Items to always air dry:

• Tri-blend Christian apparel
• Large graphic prints
• Hoodies with intricate designs
• Anything with heat transfer vinyl
• Black or dark colors (prevent fading)

What to Do If Shrinkage Occurs

Minor shrinkage (1/2 to 1 inch):

1. Soak shrunken item in lukewarm water + 1 tbsp hair conditioner
2. Let sit 15 minutes
3. Gently stretch fabric while wet
4. Lay flat to dry, stretching to original size
5. Pin edges if needed to hold stretch

Severe shrinkage: Unfortunately, significant shrinkage is often permanent. This is why prevention (cold wash, low/no heat dry) is critical.

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Stain Removal for Christian Apparel

Common Stains & Solutions

Food & Drink Stains

Coffee/Tea:

• Rinse with cold water immediately
• Apply liquid detergent directly to stain
• Let sit 5 minutes, then wash normally

Grease/Oil:

• Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on stain (absorbs oil)
• Let sit 30 minutes
• Brush off powder
• Apply dish soap (Dawn works well), gently rub
• Wash in warmest water fabric allows

Ketchup/Tomato Sauce:

• Scrape off excess
• Rinse from back of fabric with cold water (pushes stain out)
• Pre-treat with stain remover
• Wash normally

Wine/Juice:

• Blot (don't rub) immediately
• Cover stain with salt (absorbs liquid)
• After 10 minutes, rinse with cold water
• Pre-treat and wash

Sweat & Body Stains

Yellowing (especially white Christian tees):

• Make paste: baking soda + hydrogen peroxide + water
• Apply to stained area
• Let sit 30 minutes
• Wash with oxygen bleach (OxiClean)

Deodorant buildup:

• Rub stain with white vinegar
• Let sit 15 minutes
• Wash normally

Collar/neckline stains:

• Apply liquid dish soap to stain
• Use soft toothbrush to gently scrub
• Wash normally

Outdoor & Activity Stains

Grass:

• Pre-treat with rubbing alcohol or white vinegar
• Let sit 10 minutes
• Wash in cold water

Mud:

• Let dry completely first (easier to remove when dry)
• Brush off dried mud
• Pre-treat any remaining stain
• Wash normally

Blood (mission trips, accidents):

• Rinse IMMEDIATELY with cold water (hot sets blood stains)
• Soak in cold salt water (1/4 cup salt per quart water)
• Apply hydrogen peroxide to remaining stain
• Wash in cold water

Stain Removal DON'Ts

❌ Never use chlorine bleach on Christian apparel (fades colors, weakens fabric, ruins graphics)
❌ Don't put stained item in dryer (heat sets stains permanently)
❌ Avoid scrubbing graphics directly (damages prints)
❌ Don't use hot water on protein stains (blood, sweat—sets stain)

When to Use Oxygen Bleach

Oxygen bleach (OxiClean, Clorox 2) is safe for:

• Colored Christian apparel
• White shirts with graphics
• Stubborn stains

How to use:

• Add to wash cycle with detergent
• OR soak stained item 1-6 hours before washing
• Won't damage colors or graphics like chlorine bleach

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Storing Christian Apparel

Proper Storage Extends Life

Folding vs. Hanging

Fold:

• T-shirts (prevents neckline stretching)
• Lightweight Christian apparel
• Items worn frequently

Hang:

• Hoodies (maintains shape)
• Long-sleeve Christian shirts
• Button-up faith-based clothing

Folding technique to prevent creases:

1. Lay shirt face down
2. Fold sleeves in toward center
3. Fold in sides to create rectangle
4. Fold bottom up to neckline
5. Flip over (graphic faces out for easy identification)

Storage Location

Ideal conditions:

• Cool, dry place
• Away from direct sunlight (fades colors)
• Good air circulation
• Cedar or lavender sachets (natural moth deterrent, fresh scent)

Avoid:

• Damp basements (mildew risk)
• Hot attics (heat damages fabric)
• Direct sunlight (significant fading)
• Plastic bags (traps moisture)

Organizing Your Christian Apparel

By frequency:

• Everyday wear: front/top
• Seasonal: back/bottom
• Special occasion: separate area

By category:

• Bible verse shirts together
• Christian hoodies together
• Ministry event shirts grouped

By color:

• Easier to coordinate outfits
• Prevents darker items rubbing against lighter (color transfer risk)

Long-Term Storage (Seasonal or Special Items)

For Christian apparel you're not wearing regularly:

1. Clean first

• Never store dirty clothing (attracts pests, stains set)
• Wash and completely dry

2. Use breathable storage

• Cotton storage bags
• Acid-free tissue paper between folds
• Cardboard boxes (not plastic bins for long-term)

3. Climate control

• Cool, consistent temperature
• Low humidity (prevents mildew)

4. Protect from pests

• Cedar blocks or lavender sachets
• Check storage area periodically

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Maintaining Graphics & Prints

Keeping Scripture & Designs Crisp

Do: ✅ Turn inside out before washing
✅ Use cold water
✅ Gentle cycle
✅ Air dry or low heat
✅ Iron inside out if needed (low heat, no steam on graphic)

Don't: ❌ Wash right-side out
❌ Use hot water
❌ Over-dry in dryer
❌ Iron directly on graphic
❌ Use fabric softener (damages prints)

When Graphics Start Fading or Cracking

Minor cracking:

• Still wearable—adds vintage character
• Continue gentle care to prevent worsening
• Consider it part of the shirt's story

Significant damage:

• Graphics unreadable or mostly peeled
• Time to retire or repurpose

Repairing Minor Issues

Small cracks in screen print:

• Can't truly "repair," but can slow damage
• Always wash inside out
• Air dry exclusively
• Iron inside out with low heat (can sometimes "reactivate" ink slightly)

Peeling heat transfer vinyl:

• Don't pull peeling parts (makes worse)
• Iron inside out with medium heat (may re-adhere vinyl)
• Place parchment paper between iron and fabric

Loose threads:

• Trim carefully with sharp scissors
• Don't pull (causes runs)

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Dealing with Odors

Keeping Christian Apparel Fresh

Prevention:

• Air out between wears (don't immediately put in hamper)
• Wear undershirts under Christian apparel (absorbs sweat)
• Wash regularly (don't let odors set)

Removing odors:

Mild odor:

• Hang outside in fresh air for few hours
• Spritz with 50/50 water and white vinegar, then air dry

Strong odor (sweat, smoke):

• Soak in cold water + 1 cup white vinegar for 30 minutes
• Wash normally with oxygen bleach added
• Air dry in sunlight (natural deodorizer)

Stubborn odor:

• Soak overnight in cold water + 1 cup baking soda
• Wash with vinegar in rinse cycle
• May require multiple washes

Prevent musty smell:

• Never leave wet Christian apparel sitting (wash promptly or air dry)
• Ensure fully dry before storing
• Store in well-ventilated area

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Ironing & De-Wrinkling

When Necessary

Best practices for Christian apparel:

1. Check fabric care label

• Some fabrics shouldn't be ironed
• Heat settings vary by material

2. Iron inside out

• Protects graphics from direct heat
• Prevents shiny marks on dark fabrics

3. Use correct temperature

• Cotton: Medium-high heat
• Polyester blends: Low heat
• Tri-blends: Low heat, no steam

4. Never iron directly on graphics

• Will melt or damage prints
• Use pressing cloth if ironing right side

5. Steam option

• Hang Christian apparel in bathroom during hot shower
• Steam releases wrinkles without direct heat
• Great for delicate graphics

6. Wrinkle-release spray

• Commercial sprays work well
• DIY: 1 cup water + 1 tbsp fabric softener in spray bottle
• Spritz, smooth with hands, air dry

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Special Care for Specific Items

Christian Hoodies

Washing:

• Zip up completely before washing
• Wash inside out
• Use gentle cycle
• Cold water only

Drying:

• Air dry on padded hanger (best)
• If machine drying, remove while damp and finish air drying
• Smooth hood and cuffs while damp

Storage:

• Hang (folding can crease hood awkwardly)
• Use sturdy hangers (hoodies are heavy)

Check out Christian hoodies care tags for specific instructions.

Performance/Athletic Christian Apparel

Special considerations:

• Wash after every wear (sweat and bacteria)
• Turn inside out (prevents pilling)
• Cold water always
• Skip fabric softener (reduces moisture-wicking ability)
• Air dry (heat damages elastic fibers)

See our Christian Apparel for Athletes guide for athletic-specific care.

White Christian Apparel

Keeping whites bright:

• Wash separately from colors
• Use oxygen bleach periodically
• Dry in sunlight (natural whitening)
• Treat yellowing with baking soda + hydrogen peroxide paste

Avoiding dingy whites:

• Don't over-use detergent (buildup causes dinginess)
• Add 1/2 cup white vinegar to rinse cycle
• Avoid chlorine bleach (yellows whites over time)

Dark/Black Christian Apparel

Preventing fading:

• Wash inside out always
• Cold water only
• Use detergent for dark clothes (Woolite Darks)
• Skip dryer—air dry
• Wash only when necessary (spot clean between)

Restoring faded black:

• Black fabric dye (Rit DyeMore for synthetics)
• Follow package instructions carefully
• Only for plain shirts (will dye graphics too)

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem: Stretched Necklines

Prevention:

• Fold, don't hang t-shirts
• Remove shirt by pulling from hem, not neck
• Avoid hanging to dry (use flat drying rack)

Fix:

• Soak neckline in hot water 5 minutes
• While wet, pin to original shape
• Let air dry completely

Problem: Pilling (Fabric Balls)

Prevention:

• Wash inside out
• Use gentle cycle
• Don't overload washer
• Air dry

Fix:

• Use fabric shaver or sweater stone
• Carefully trim pills with scissors
• Note: Excessive pilling means fabric wearing out

Problem: Fabric Stiffness

Causes:

• Over-drying
• Detergent buildup
• Hard water

Fix:

• Add 1 cup white vinegar to rinse cycle
• Use less detergent
• Air dry (prevents over-drying stiffness)

Problem: Color Bleeding

Prevention:

• Wash new items separately first time
• Sort by color always
• Use cold water
• Add color-catcher sheets if mixing colors

Fix:

• Soak affected item in oxygen bleach solution
• May not fully restore if bleeding severe

Problem: Shrinkage

Prevention:

• Cold water wash
• Low heat or air dry
• Buy pre-shrunk Christian apparel

Fix:

• See shrinkage reversal technique in drying section
• Prevention is key—can't always reverse

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When to Replace Christian Apparel

Signs It's Time for a New Shirt

Replace when:

• Graphics are unreadable or mostly missing
• Fabric has holes or tears (beyond repair)
• Severe permanent staining
• Fit is significantly off (stretched or shrunken beyond wearable)
• Fabric is thin/worn through

Don't replace just because:

• Minor fading (adds character)
• Small cracks in graphics (still readable and wearable)
• Slight shrinkage (still fits comfortably)

Repurposing Old Christian Apparel

Instead of trashing worn favorites:

Memory quilts:

• Cut out graphic portions
• Sew into quilt or blanket
• Preserves memories from mission trips, events

Pillows:

• Frame graphic in pillow cover
• Great for dorm rooms, bedrooms

Tote bags:

• Sew shirts into reusable bags
• Carries your testimony in new form

Donation:

• If still wearable but you've outgrown
• Churches, missions, homeless shelters appreciate faith-based clothing

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Sustainable Christian Apparel Practices

Stewardship & Creation Care

Biblical foundation: Genesis 2:15 instructs us to "work and take care of" creation. Extending garment life honors this calling.

Sustainable practices:

• Buy quality over quantity (lasts longer)
• Repair minor issues rather than replacing
• Wash only when truly needed (air out between wears)
• Use eco-friendly detergents
• Air dry (saves energy)
• Repurpose at end of life

Conscious purchasing: When buying new Christian apparel from Cuyle's Customs, choose:

• Quality construction
• Pre-shrunk fabrics
• Durable printing methods
• Timeless designs you'll wear for years

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Quick Reference Care Guide

Daily Christian Apparel

Step	Best Practice
Washing	Cold water, gentle cycle, inside out
Detergent	Mild, free & clear, 1/2 recommended amount
Softener	Skip it (use 1/2 cup vinegar in rinse)
Drying	Air dry flat or low heat, remove while damp
Storage	Fold t-shirts, hang hoodies, cool dry place
Frequency	Every 2-3 wears unless visibly dirty/sweaty

Christian Hoodies

Step	Best Practice
Washing	Zip up, inside out, cold water, gentle cycle
Drying	Air dry on padded hanger preferred
Storage	Hang on sturdy hanger

Performance/Athletic

Step	Best Practice
Washing	After every wear, cold water, no fabric softener
Drying	Air dry always (heat damages elastic)

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Conclusion: Care That Extends Your Testimony

Proper care of your Christian apparel isn't vanity—it's stewardship. When your Bible verse t-shirts, Christian hoodies, and faith-based clothing last longer, you:

• Maximize testimony opportunities (more wears = more gospel exposures)
• Save money (quality items last 5-10 years)
• Honor God's creation through sustainable practices
• Preserve meaningful memories from ministry events

The few extra minutes spent washing inside out, air drying, and storing properly pay exponential dividends in extended garment life and continued ministry effectiveness.

Your Christian apparel is a walking billboard for your faith. Keep it looking good, and keep sharing the gospel.

Ready to add quality, long-lasting Christian apparel to your wardrobe?

• Shop Christian T-Shirts
• Explore Bible Verse Apparel
• Browse Christian Hoodies
• Check out Women's Christian Shirts

Wear your faith. Care for your garments. Extend your testimony.