How to Bleach Tie-Dye a Sundress

If you’re interested in learning how to bleach tie dye, you’ll love this tutorial! Don’t be intimidated by the bleach tie-dye technique— it’s super easy when you have the Tulip Reverse 4-Color Tie-Dye Kit! Pick up a kit and follow along to make your own bold summer sundress.

Tulip Reverse Tie-Dye Kit

Tulip Wilderness 5-Color Tie-Dye Kit

Dark-colored sundress

Wire rack (optional)

Before you get started on this bleach tie-dye dress, prewash (and dry, if desired) the dress that you’ll be tie dyeing. You’ll want to use 100% cotton or cotton blend fabric for best results. Fold and bind your dress in your desired tie-dye technique—for this project, we’re doing the classic spiral. 

Now it’s time to learn how to bleach tie dye! Follow the package instructions to mix your color changer and dye solutions. Place dress onto a wire rack or protected work surface, then apply your bleach solution, rotating the fabric as needed. Use your gloved hands to help work the color changer into the fabric. When you’re satisfied with the amount of color removal on the dress, remove the rubber bands, rinse, then wash with cold water and detergent.

Once your dress has been laundered, fold and bind it with rubber bands once more or lay it flat on your protected work surface. Now it’s time to add color back to your bleach tie-dye dress! Apply dye solutions to the light-colored sections of the dress, using gloved hands to work the dye into fabric. Cover with plastic and let set for 6-8 hours or overnight.

Once the dyes have set, rinse and launder according to package instructions. Your colorful bleach tie-dye dress is now ready for all of your summer adventures! Now that you’ve learned how to bleach tie dye, get ready to try this fun technique on everything!