Dyeing uniform pants

[EMSsquirrel]

Okay, I don't know if many folks have this problem, but my navy blue BDU pants (100% cotton) had slowly migrated to a not-so navy blue color. In fact, they looked like a dirty blue-gray. So, the ever intrepid EMT that I am (adapt, improvise, overcome) got out to Wal-Mart and picked up some dyes. I got a brand called Dylon, which came in powder, and I got Rit Dye, which came in liquid, both in "navy blue."

So I came home, and followed the instructions on the packages. Two packets of Dylon for one pair of pants, and one whole bottle of Rit for the other. Soaked them for about an hour in the dye, stirring regularly, rinsed in cold water, soaked in vinegar for about 20-30 minutes to try to lock in the color, and washing machine on cold rinse til they run clear.

The result: The Dylon produced more of a plain old blue. Not light, not dark, just blue. Almost like Dickies work pants blue, or an "Air Force Blue." The Rit dye produced a darker blue, which seems to better match my dark blue uniform items. Both are respectable. The Rit also produced a more even coloration, but I think it's because I had to squish the pants into the dyeing container (a big soup pot) with the Dylon, so they were folded up and didn't dye evenly. So, if you try it, make sure you use a container big enough to easily circulate and stir the items. The second time, I used a trash can, and it worked well, though it did stain the inside of the trash can.

At this point, I prefer the Rit dye for the color it produces, but your mileage may vary, depending on soaking time, dye concentration, fabric, etc. I'll keep ya'll up to date on how well they hold their color, and what happens after repeated washings. Maybe I'll even get a picture for ya'll to compare colors.

- Greg

[hageremtp]

Good work! I had once thought of doing the same for my black uniform pants..........but thats when I remembered that I have a uniform allowance.

[WELLAGEDEMT]

With either of the two dyes that you used, you needed to "set" the dye. This is done by putting a couple of table spoons of SALT, your normal table salt in the rinse cycle and using warm water setting. I would be willing to bet that your "fruit of the looms" will have a bluish tint after wearing your newly dyed trousers. :lol: I suppose that blue tint will cover the yellow and brown areas though!!!!!:lmao:

[EMSsquirrel]

Oh, oops, sorry. Forgot to mention that. Salt, too, per the instructions on the packaging.

And no, I'm not a tighty-whitey kinda guy, Wellaged. Boxers, all the way. In stylish plaid patterns! :D :D :D

- Greg

[SteelMaiden]

And no, I'm not a tighty-whitey kinda guy, Wellaged. Boxers, all the way. In stylish plaid patterns! :D :D :D

- Greg

Ah, sheesh, I DID NOT want to know that:wow:

My hint for dying things....sneak it into the laundromat to avoid accidents at home. shsh, don't tell, now;)

[EMSsquirrel]

Ah, sheesh, I DID NOT want to know that:wow:

My hint for dying things....sneak it into the laundromat to avoid accidents at home. shsh, don't tell, now;)

Want me to post pics of my boxers, too? :D :D :D :D

- Greg

[SteelMaiden]

Want me to post pics of my boxers, too? :D :D :D :D

- Greg

with or without the EMSsquirrel? Before or after the dye job? I don't know, best not, the choices make my head spin.

[hageremtp]

http://bestsmileys.com/crying/4.gif Please dont! I beg you....http://bestsmileys.com/beging/1.gif

[EMSsquirrel]

with or without the EMSsquirrel? Before or after the dye job? I don't know, best not, the choices make my head spin.

Certainly not with me. I don't have a wide-angle lens for the digital camera! :D

- Greg

[hageremtp]

Certainly not with me. I don't have a wide-angle lens for the digital camera! :D

- Greg



http://bestsmileys.com/lol/1.gif

[EMSsquirrel]

Here by popular demand... pictures!

First, the pants. On the left, the pants died with Rit dye. On the right, the pants died with Dylon dye. Across the top, a navy blue uniform polo shirt for comparison.

Second, a sampling of the wide variety of plaids found in my undies drawer! (Come on, you know you secretly wanted to see 'em!) :D :D :D

- Greg

[celestialdaisy]

Ah, sheesh, I DID NOT want to know that:wow:

;)


Hey, at least he didn't tell us that he goes commando. That would be disturbing... :wow:

[Garyb3985]

..........but thats when I remembered that I have a uniform allowance.



:D :D

[SteelMaiden]

thats when I remembered that I have a uniform allowance.

yeah, me too. i am Allowed to buy all of my own clothes that i want

[Garyb3985]

yeah, me too. i am Allowed to buy all of my own clothes that i want

That sucks we get $350.00 a year

[SteelMaiden]

Well, we are volunteer, so you really don't expect much. We each have the "current" squad T and a polo. About every other year, a bunch of us go together and get one of the Tees that are promoted by some of the companies where you buy 10 and get a really good price. We usually wear a squad T and whatever pants we want on call. Some have regular EMS pants, as long as it is presentable, and not offensive we are good to go. All I want is a belt loop or a pocket to keep my car keys and I am set. Everything else is on the truck or in the trauma bag.

[Nate]

Wal-Mart, Dickies are $15-20...worth the cash IMHO.

[EMSsquirrel]

Wal-Mart, Dickies are $15-20...worth the cash IMHO.

They fade, too. Plus, I like my BDU pockets, and the, uh, more... uh... relaxed... cut. And the #1 thing I dislike about Dickies is that darn hook and eye closure, or whatever they call it, that can just back out and open up and looks terribly unprofessional when it does so. Course, I guess my Martha Stewart self could just make a button go there instead....

- Greg

[Nate]

They fade, too. Plus, I like my BDU pockets, and the, uh, more... uh... relaxed... cut. And the #1 thing I dislike about Dickies is that darn hook and eye closure, or whatever they call it, that can just back out and open up and looks terribly unprofessional when it does so. Course, I guess my Martha Stewart self could just make a button go there instead....

- Greg

All pants are going to fade, I usually tear, rip, or some how destroy them before they fade to bad. I get the relaxed fit dicikies with the "cell phone" pocket. I use that pocket for extra gloves, but other then that I don't carry anything with me. (Ears are in the clipboard, around my neck, or in my jump bag, sheers are in jump bag, etc.)

I've never had my pants come undone, I also wear a belt too, and I make sure to get the right size. But the regular dickies are very, very, very, very, very uncomfortable.

[EMSsquirrel]

All pants are going to fade, I usually tear, rip, or some how destroy them before they fade to bad. I get the relaxed fit dicikies with the "cell phone" pocket. I use that pocket for extra gloves, but other then that I don't carry anything with me. (Ears are in the clipboard, around my neck, or in my jump bag, sheers are in jump bag, etc.)

I've never had my pants come undone, I also wear a belt too, and I make sure to get the right size. But the regular dickies are very, very, very, very, very uncomfortable.

Strangely, the "relaxed fit" doesn't come in "fat man" size. And the regular accentuates parts of me that need not be accentuated. I can post some pictures if you'd like... :D :D :D :D :D :D

I'd be lost without my BDU pockets. Usually, I carry gloves in them. Sometimes a radio. The other day I had a can of soup in there.

- Greg

[celestialdaisy]

Please, NO MORE PICUTRES!!!!! :D :D :D At least for a while. At one service I work for you don't get a uniform allowance if your part time untill you've been here for a year or put in so many hours + pager calls. The other one buys you one complete uniform a year (including boots and belt), minus your coat, if your part time. Darn being part time both places!!!!!! :flame:

[SteelMaiden]

Strangely, the "relaxed fit" doesn't come in "fat man" size. And the regular accentuates parts of me that need not be accentuated. I can post some pictures if you'd like... :D :D :D :D :D :D

I'd be lost without my BDU pockets. Usually, I carry gloves in them. Sometimes a radio. The other day I had a can of soup in there.

- Greg

no more pictures please :rotflmao:

a can of soup? Greg, you are definitely one of a kind. I've heard of some kinky stuff before.....oh wait, never mind I'll shut up now.

[ohiovolffemtp]

I've bought several pairs of used Workrite nomex pants on eBay for about $16 including shipping. They hold up really well and keep their color. Only thing I've noticed is a bit of fading on the crease lines. They're very comfortable too.