"What Makes a Tie-Dyed Shirt Worth Every Penny?

White zip hoodie marked for folding.

Be You Always began with a simple phrase that became my personal mantra: "Be you. Always. You are the only you this world has—and that makes you a hot commodity."

That message is now woven into every piece I make.

Folded.

We get asked all the time why artisan tie-dye shirts cost more—especially when someone can grab a so-called "tie-dye" shirt online for $7.50.

Here’s the honest truth: Handcrafted items cost more because they’re made with real hands, real intention, and real heart.

Most artisan tie-dye shops, including mine, are a one-person operation. Every shirt is folded, tied, dyed, and processed by me in my Arizona home studio. No two are ever alike. It’s slow fashion, on purpose.

Whenever possible, I use blanks made from sustainably sourced cotton—about 90% of the time. It costs a little more, but it’s softer on your skin and gentler on the planet I cherish.

Procion Dyes

I also use Procion professional fiber-reactive dyes—the gold standard in the tie-dye world. These aren't your typical store-bought RIT or Tulip kits. They require a detailed mixing process and a whole chemistry setup to activate properly. The result? Colors that bond to the fabric itself and rarely fade.

I mix my own dye water with ingredients like urea nitrogen for brilliance, soda ash for adhesion, Synthrapol soap for pre- and post-wash integrity, vinegar, non-iodized salt, and hypoallergenic fabric softener. Each component has a role in achieving vibrant, long-lasting, wearable art.

Meanwhile, the cheaper shirts you find online are often mass-produced polyester tees printed with a digital tie-dye design. They may look similar at a glance—but they’re not dyed. They’re printed. Anyone can buy the same one. And let’s be real: they tend to fall apart in the wash after a few wears.

A Be You Always shirt is:

• Made from real cotton (not synthetic blends)

• Hand-folded and tied with intention

• Dyed using time-tested chemistry

• Batched and cured for lasting color

• One-of-a-kind—just like you

And it’s not just about the process—it’s about the purpose.

This is clothing with soul. These are pieces made for people who want to feel something when they get dressed. Who want to be seen, celebrated, and reminded that they are already enough.

When you buy one, you’re supporting:

• A small, woman-owned business

• Sustainable, ethical fashion

• A message that says: You matter. Your color matters.

So yes—my shirts are $50 and my Hoodies are $65. And honestly? For a handmade, heart-filled, one-of-a-kind work of art made to last?

That’s still a damn good deal.

Thanks for being here. Thanks for supporting real. And thanks for celebrating your own color.

Be bold. Be real. Be you. Always.

— Susi