Hoodies are more than just casual clothing; they are comfort staples, everyday essentials, and a go-to for a relaxed fit. Whether you put on your hoodies for soft weekends, extended travel days, or layer into your streetwear collection, a hoodie often becomes the most worn item in your closet after you experience a well-worn one. Even though we reach for these soft, comfy clothes, most of us do not take the time to care for our hoodies the way they should be cared for.
It is much easier and simpler than you expect to take care of a hoodie that can remain soft, clean, and have an extended life. Through a few basic care practices, you can help your hoodie last much longer. Many of the brands we know and love, like Star Inspired Jackets, are making quality hoodies that will look good and last longer, but keeping up with proper washing and storing really does matter in maximizing your purchase. This guide provides outlines to help you keep your most loved hoodie looking fresh, feeling soft, and lasting season after season.
Know Your Hoodie: Fabric Types & What They Need
The most basic step to care for a hoodie is understanding the material. Almost all hoodies are made from cotton, polyester, fleece, or a combination of these.
- Cotton: It is breathable and soft, but shrinks easily if washed incorrectly.
- Polyester: It is more durable and resists wrinkles, but it can trap odors if not cleaned thoroughly.
- Fleece: It offers warmth and softness but tends to pill over time.
If your hoodie is a blend of fleece and cotton, it’s designed to give you comfort and durability, but still benefits from gentle care. Before washing, always check the fabric tags placed inside the hoodie. It helps you know what you are working with.
Pre-Wash Prep: The Steps Most People Skip
Don’t just throw your hoodie in the machine and hit start. A little prep goes a long way. Here’s what to do before the wash:
- Turn it inside out: Turning a hoodie inside out protects the outer fabric and any printed designs.
- Check the pockets: Remove keys, tissues, or earbuds.
- Zip up or tie strings: Close all zippers and tie any drawstrings to prevent snags or stretching.
- Spot clean: Got a food stain or makeup smudge? Treat it with a mild detergent before it sets.
These quick checks prevent common hoodie damage like faded prints, torn strings, or mystery lint balls.
Step-by-Step: How to Wash Your Hoodie the Right Way
1. Load the Washer the Right Way
To begin, place your hoodie turned inside out in the washing machine to protect the outer fabric and any prints or designs. Do not overload the machine, as you need to provide enough space for your hoodie to move freely. Overloading can cause uneven cleaning and abrasion to the design.
2. Choose a Gentle Cycle and Cold Water
Always use a gentle or delicate wash cycle; this reduces the amount of stress that is put on your fabric. Cold water should be used to help prevent fading, especially with cotton or blends, and shrinking.
3. Use a Mild Detergent
Put a tiny amount of laundry detergent or color collection detergent because strong detergents, bleach, or fabric softener can ruin the fibers, logos, and embellishments. So simple and gentle!
4. Skip the Interruptions
Allow the wash cycle to follow its normal course without stopping or re-spinning mid-course. A consistent cycle will result in the hoodie being cleaned and rinsed properly. When the cycle is complete, take the hoodie out as soon as possible to avoid a musty smell or setting in wrinkles.
5. Protect Graphic or Designer Pieces
When you’re laundering hoodies with printed graphics or special fabrics like Sp5der hoodies, it is best to use extra care. Always wash the hoodie inside out, and if possible, in a mesh laundry bag. This allows the fabric to be protected from damage and also reduces the friction against the design.
Drying Do’s and Don’ts
How you choose to dry your hoodie is just like washing it. Air drying is the best way when trying to be safe and considerate to the fabric. When done washing, give the hoodie a shake to get rid of any wrinkles and lay it as flat as possible, preferably on a towel or drying rack. Hanging it could stretch out the shoulders or distort the shape (This is particularly true if the hoodie is heavy). If you are in a hurry and need to dry it in a dryer, avoid high heat options and at least go with the lowest heat or tumble dry option. It helps prevent shrinkage and preserves the shape of the hoodie.
Ironing and De-Wrinkling Tips
Most hoodies don’t need ironing, but if yours looks crumpled after drying, here’s what to do:
- Use a steamer: A quick steam smooths wrinkles without flattening prints.
- Iron inside out: If using an iron, turn your hoodie inside out and keep it on a low setting.
- Avoid printed areas: Heat can damage logos, graphics, or patches.
Hang your hoodie in the bathroom while you shower if you’re in a rush. The steam will relax the fabric naturally.
Storing Your Hoodie Like a Pro
If you properly store your hoodie, you can extend its life, too:
- Fold, don’t hang: Hanging can stretch out the shoulders, especially for heavy hoodies.
- Use drawer dividers: Pulling and refolding can damage the hoodie’s texture. Keep them organized.
- Avoid damp spaces: Moisture leads to mildew and odor; store in a cool, dry place.
For seasonal hoodies, like thicker fleece or holiday prints, store them in a breathable fabric bin or cotton bag. It keeps them fresh for next year.
Conclusion
Taking care of your ideal hoodie does not have to be difficult, but it just takes a little awareness. Following simple and easy steps from choosing the right wash settings to folding it properly will help you to extend the life of your favorite hoodie and keep it looking (and feeling) like it is a branded one. If you take care of your hoodies properly, your everyday hoodies will last for years. And even those limited-edition pieces of hoodies should be worn often, not stored in the back of your closet.