Message: I purchased a shirt that is 100% polyester (that is washable in cold water and can be dried in the dryer) but is also hydromatic (says this garment is designed using specially engineered moisture management yarns for more comfort regardless of climate or activity level.  The fabric has properties that extract moisture from the skin and expedite the evaporation process).  I have never dyed anything before but I not even sure if I want to dye it, the shirt is pink, I'd like to actually REMOVE the dye (the pink) to make it white.  Can this be done?  

Sorry, but no. You can't bleach the dye from a polyester shirt, even in the absence of any specially engineered surface finishes. That pink is there to stay.

I don't know whether or not the special finishes will make it impossible to dye the shirt, but dyeing polyester is no project for a novice dyer, anyway. It requires a special kind of dye, a large dedicated non-aluminum dyeing pot (not to be used for food afterwards), and an hour of boiling with a toxic carrier chemical. See "Dyeing Polyester with Disperse Dye", at http://www.pburch.net/dyeing/dispersedye.shtml.

You can probably use fabric paints, instead of dye, on your shirt if you feel you must alter its appearance, but the results will not be the same as dyeing and will not produce a smooth solid color.

I strongly recommend that you use 100% natural fibers, such as cotton or silk, for your dyeing projects. Rayon and uncoated nylon can be dyed pretty easily, as well, but all other synthetic fibers should be avoided, for dyeing at home.

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