How To Wash And Care For Hoodies For Long-Lasting Style

A hoodie can last for years when you care for it the right way. Too often, people toss one in the wash and end up with fabric that shrinks, fades, or twists out of shape. Small choices—like water temperature, cycle type, and drying method—make all the difference.

At Yungsters of America, we know that hoodies are more than basics. They’re everyday staples that deserve care to match their style. Protecting the fit and fabric means keeping your hoodie as sharp as the day you got it.

This guide shows you exactly how to wash and care for hoodies without ruining them. From fabric prep to stain treatment, drying methods, and storage tips. Keep reading and learn how to extend your hoodie’s life while keeping it soft, bold, and comfortable.

Understanding Hoodie Fabrics

Different hoodie fabrics need different care. Material affects how the hoodie feels, how it handles the wash, and how long it’ll stick around. Knowing the fabric type helps you avoid shrinking, fading, or random damage when you clean it.

Identifying Common Materials

Most hoodies are made from cotton, polyester, or a cotton-poly blend. Cotton hoodies feel soft and breathable, but can shrink in hot water. Polyester hoodies last longer, resist shrinking, and dry quickly. Blends give you comfort and strength, so they’re usually easier to take care of.

Some hoodies come with fleece linings for extra warmth. Fleece is usually polyester-based — lightweight and warm, but it can pill. Wool or bamboo hoodies are rare and need gentler care, honestly.

Just check the garment tag to figure out the fabric. You’ll see something like 80% cotton, 20% polyester—that info tells you how to wash and dry it.

How Fabric Type Affects Washing

Fabric type changes how you wash, what detergent you use, and how you dry it. Cotton hoodies do best in cold or warm water, which helps avoid shrinking and fading.

Mild detergent keeps them soft. If you blast them with high dryer heat, the fibers tighten up—so air drying or low heat is just safer. 

Polyester hoodies can handle machine washing and won’t shrink much. But they trap odors, so a detergent for synthetics might work better. Polyester dries fast, so you can air-dry it easily.

Blended fabrics balance durability with comfort. They’re usually okay with normal cycles, but still, cooler water and lower dryer settings are best. For fleece-lined hoodies, turn them inside out before washing to protect the lining.

Reading Care Labels

Every hoodie has a care label with washing, drying, and ironing instructions. These labels use words and symbols. For example:

Symbol	Meaning
🌀	Machine wash
🔥	Tumble dry
❌🔥	Do not tumble dry
❌🧴	Do not bleach

Follow the label, or you’ll risk shrinking or color bleeding. If it says machine wash cold, don’t use hot water. If it says lay flat to dry, hanging it may stretch the fabric.

Some labels say dry clean only. Most hoodies can go in the washer, but wool or specialty blends sometimes need professional cleaning.

Preparing Hoodies for Washing

Getting your hoodie ready before washing helps it stay soft, hold its shape, and keep colors bright. Pay attention to fabric, color, and any stains—it’s worth it.

Sorting by Color and Material

Hoodies come in cotton, polyester, or blends, and each reacts differently in the wash. Cotton shrinks in hot water; polyester doesn’t, but it can hold odors. Sorting by fabric helps avoid damage and keeps things simple.

Color separation matters too. Dark hoodies might bleed onto lighter clothes. Light hoodies can pick up weird tints. Group laundry into dark, light, and white loads to play it safe.

Wash heavier hoodies separately from delicate stuff. A thick hoodie can wear out lighter items if you mix them.

Turning Hoodies Inside Out

Flip your hoodie inside out before you wash it. That protects the outside from friction, so you get less pilling, fading, and wear on prints or embroidery. The inside collects sweat and oils, so washing it inside out actually cleans better without being too rough on the outside.

Tuck in or loosely tie drawstrings so they don’t tangle. Zip up zippers to avoid snagging other clothes. These little steps help prevent stretching and random damage in the wash.

Pre-Treating Stains

Treat stains before tossing the hoodie in the washer. Dab a bit of liquid detergent or stain remover right on the spot, then gently rub the fabric together or use a soft brush.

Different stains need different tricks. Grease stains usually come out with dish soap. Ink stains might need rubbing alcohol. Always test a hidden spot first.

Skip bleach unless the label says it’s okay. Harsh chemicals can wreck fibers and fade colors. The right pre-treat keeps stains from setting, so you don’t have to wash over and over.

Washing Hoodies Correctly

Washing your hoodie right comes down to detergent, water temperature, and the wash cycle. These choices matter for softness, fit, and color.

Choosing the Right Detergent

Go with a mild, liquid detergent for most hoodies. Strong detergents and bleach break down fibers and fade colors. If you’ve got dark or bright hoodies, a color-protecting detergent keeps them from looking washed out.

Powder detergents sometimes leave residue on thicker fabrics. Liquid detergent spreads out better and avoids buildup. If your skin’s sensitive, try a fragrance-free or hypoallergenic detergent. Use less detergent than the label says—too much can leave a sticky film.

Key tips:

• Use liquid detergent for even cleaning

• Avoid bleach unless it’s a plain white hoodie

• Pick color-safe formulas for dark fabrics

• Measure detergent carefully to avoid residue

Selecting Water Temperature

Water temperature affects durability and fit. Hot water shrinks cotton and messes with elastic fibers. Cold water keeps colors bright and prevents shrinking. It’s pretty much the safest bet for most hoodies.

Warm water works if your hoodie’s filthy, but skip it for delicate fabrics or anything with prints. Heat can make screen prints crack or peel. If you’re unsure, cold water balances cleaning and fabric care. Plus, it saves energy.

General guide:

• Cold water → best for colors, avoids shrinking

• Warm water → for tough stains, not for delicate prints

• Hot water → almost never recommended, can ruin fabric

Why Cold Water Protects Fabric and Color

A University of Leeds study compared washing clothes in hot vs. cold water. It found cold-water washing preserved fabric strength, prevented dye bleeding, and extended clothing life without reducing cleanliness. For hoodies, this means longer-lasting fibers and colors.

Optimal Wash Cycles

Use a gentle or delicate cycle for hoodies. These settings reduce agitation, so you get less pilling and stretching. Slower spin speeds help keep the shape right.

Turn the hoodie inside out to protect the outside and any designs. Wash with similar fabrics—t-shirts or sweats are fine, but skip jeans or jackets. Don’t overload the washer. Hoodies soak up water and need room to move for a real clean.

Cycle checklist:

• Pick gentle/delicate setting

• Turn the hoodie inside out

• Wash with similar fabrics

• Leave space in the drum for movement

Drying Hoodies Safely

How you dry a hoodie changes its shape, softness, and how long it lasts. The right method can stop shrinking, fading, or stretching, and keep things comfy.

Air Drying Techniques

Air drying keeps hoodies soft and reduces wear from heat. After washing, gently reshape it to its original form and lay it flat. A drying rack or flat surface is best. Hanging by the shoulders makes the fabric sag and lose shape.

For quicker drying, put the hoodie in a breezy spot. Open a window or use a fan for extra airflow. Too much sun can fade colors, so don’t leave them baking outside for hours.

Cotton blends might feel stiff after air drying. Toss the hoodie in the dryer on air-fluff or no-heat for a few minutes to soften it up.

Machine Drying Guidelines

Machine drying is fast, but you’ve got to be careful. High heat is the main culprit for shrinking and damage, so stick to low heat or tumble dry low.

Flip the hoodie inside out before drying to help with fading and pilling. Throw in dryer balls or a clean tennis ball to prevent clumping and keep it soft. Don’t dry hoodies with heavy stuff like jeans or towels. That stretches seams and slows down drying.

Lighter loads are better for the fabric. Pull the hoodie out while it’s still a little damp, then let it finish drying in the air—this helps keep its shape and avoids over-drying, which weakens fibers.

Avoiding Shrinkage

Shrinkage happens when fabric fibers tighten under heat and agitation. Cotton and cotton-blend hoodies face the biggest risk. Washing with cold water and using low dryer settings helps lower the chances of shrinking. Air drying is honestly the safest bet if you want to avoid shrinkage.

If you must use a machine dryer, picking a delicate cycle makes a difference. Always check the care label—hoodies made from wool or polyester blends react differently to heat.

Following the label keeps the hoodie fitting like it should. When it’s time to store, folding hoodies neatly instead of hanging them keeps the shoulders from stretching and the fabric in decent shape.

Maintaining Hoodie Quality

Caring for a hoodie isn’t just about tossing it in the wash. How you clean, store, and handle it really affects how long it stays soft and holds its color.

Preventing Fading and Pilling

Hoodies lose color or start pilling when washed the wrong way. To slow fading, wash them inside out in cold water—cold water slows dye loss and protects fibers. Stick with a mild detergent without bleach. Harsh chemicals strip dyes, especially in darker hoodies.

To limit pilling, choose a gentle cycle. High friction in the washer makes loose fibers clump up into pills. Wash hoodies with similar fabrics, not rough stuff like jeans or towels. Air-drying on a flat surface keeps fibers happy compared to blasting them with heat.

If you can’t avoid the dryer, use a low setting to keep things smooth and cut down on friction.

Proper Storage Methods

How you store a hoodie changes its fit and softness. Hanging it for ages stretches out the shoulders and neckline, especially heavier ones. Folding works better for holding the shape. Smooth out wrinkles before folding, if you can.

Keep hoodies in a clean, dry drawer or on a shelf to block dust and moisture. If you’ve got the space, stack them loosely so they don’t get those annoying compression lines.

Don’t cram them into drawers—overstuffing leaves deep creases that are tough to get out. For long-term storage, breathable cotton bags beat plastic bins since they let moisture escape and help avoid mildew or weird smells.

Handling Zippers and Drawstrings

Zippers and drawstrings can mess things up if you’re not careful. Zip everything up before washing to prevent snags, and tie drawstrings loosely so they don’t get tangled or yanked out.

When drying, reshape the hood and gently straighten the drawstrings. This keeps them from twisting or shrinking in odd ways.

If a drawstring slips out, threading it back with a safety pin usually works. For zippers that stick, rub a little wax or bar soap along the teeth to help them slide again.

Special Care for Different Hoodie Types

Different hoodie fabrics and designs need their own care routines. Paying attention to water temperature, detergent, and drying methods helps each type last without losing comfort or style.

Caring for Graphic and Printed Hoodies

Graphic and printed hoodies usually have screen prints, heat transfers, or digital prints that can fade or crack if washed wrong. Turn the hoodie inside out before washing to cut down on friction and protect the design.

Use cold water and a gentle cycle to prevent peeling. Harsh detergents or bleach can wreck the ink, so a mild detergent is your best friend.

Air drying is safer than using a machine. If you need the dryer, go with low heat to avoid cracking the print or shrinking the fabric. Folding instead of hanging stops stretching around the shoulders.

Washing Embroidered or Embellished Hoodies

Embroidered or embellished hoodies have stitching, beads, or patches that need extra attention. Put the hoodie in a mesh laundry bag before washing to protect those details.

Hand washing in cold water with a little mild detergent is safest. If you must use the machine, pick a delicate cycle and don’t overload it.

Lay the hoodie flat on a clean towel to dry so the embroidery doesn’t stretch. Skip high heat—it can weaken threads or adhesives. Spot cleaning small stains keeps delicate decorations looking good longer.

Eco-Friendly and Organic Hoodie Care

Organic cotton and eco-friendly hoodies feel softer but can be more sensitive to harsh stuff. Stick with plant-based or fragrance-free detergents to protect the fibers and keep the fabric breathable.

Wash these hoodies in cold water to avoid shrinking and keep natural dyes bright. Don’t use fabric softeners—they can coat fibers and make them less absorbent.

Line drying outdoors is great, just keep the hoodie out of direct sunlight to prevent fading. If you use a dryer, pick air-dry or low heat settings. Store them in a cool, dry place to keep mildew and discoloration away.

Troubleshooting Common Hoodie Issues

Hoodies sometimes get trapped odors, stiffness, or lose their shape. Each problem has a fix that helps your hoodie last longer and stay comfy.

Removing Lingering Odors

Persistent smells can come from sweat, smoke, or mildew. Regular detergent doesn’t always do the trick, especially if the odor’s set in.

Try soaking the hoodie in a mix of one part white vinegar to four parts cold water for about 30 minutes before washing. Vinegar neutralizes odors without hurting the fabric.

If the smell sticks around, toss in ½ cup of baking soda during the wash. Baking soda naturally deodorizes and works well with mild detergents. Don’t overdo fabric softener—it can actually trap odors. Air-drying the hoodie outside, if you can, also helps freshen things up.

Restoring Softness

Hoodies can get rough or stiff after too many washes, hard water, or detergent buildup. Restoring softness isn’t that hard, though. Switch to a gentle detergent and add an extra rinse cycle to clear out leftover soap. Use fabric conditioner sparingly—too much leaves residue.

For a natural fix, pour ½ cup of white vinegar into the rinse cycle to break down detergent buildup and soften fibers. Air-drying flat helps keep things soft, while over-drying in a machine makes fabric stiff. If you have to use a dryer, go for low heat with dryer balls to keep the hoodie fluffy.

Fixing Misshapen Hoodies

Hoodies lose shape when you stretch them, dry them wrong, or store them carelessly. Stretched cuffs, sagging hoods, and twisted bodies are pretty common.

To fix it, wash the hoodie in cold water and lay it flat on a towel to dry. Reshape the garment while it’s damp so it can bounce back. For stretched cuffs or hems, gently steam and press the fabric back into place. Don’t pull or wring—it just makes things worse.

Storing hoodies folded instead of hanging keeps the shape and protects the shoulders and neckline.

Keep Your Hoodie Fresh for Years

With the right care, your hoodie stays soft, bold, and ready for daily wear. From water temperature to drying methods, every choice shapes its lifespan. Protecting prints, fibers, and fit is easier than most people think—it just takes a little extra attention. 

At Yungsters of America, we believe caring for your hoodie is another way of styling it with pride.

Get a new hoodie to care for today. Keep it sharp, keep it soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Proper hoodie care depends on water temperature, how you dry it, the detergent you use, and how you handle it during washing. Small tweaks here and there can really reduce shrinking, fading, and fabric wear.

What Temperature Should I Wash Hoodies In?

Most hoodies do best in cold water, which prevents shrinking and fading. Warm water works for blends, but hot water can damage fibers.

Can I Put Hoodies in the Dryer?

Yes, but use low heat to avoid shrinkage and damage. Air drying is the safest option to keep hoodies soft and well-shaped.

How Do I Stop Hoodies from Fading?

Turn them inside out before washing, use cold water, and choose color-safe detergent. Wash dark and light hoodies separately.

Should I Wash Hoodies by Hand or in a Machine?

Machine washing on a gentle cycle with cold water works for most hoodies, but hand washing is gentler and extends longevity.

How Do I Keep My Hoodie Soft?

Use mild detergent, avoid harsh chemicals, and air dry. Adding vinegar in the rinse cycle helps restore softness naturally.