Hoodie & Sweatshirt Care
A little care keeps a sweat soft, warm and in shape for years. This hub sets out how to wash, dry and store hoodies and sweatshirts, so they last as well as they look. Browse men's hoodies and sweatshirts (/collections/mens-sweatshirts-jumpers-hoodies).
Washing
Wash Cool
Use a cold or 30-degree cycle.
How to do it
Wash sweats inside out at 30 degrees or cold to protect the colour, the print and the soft fleece inner from shrinking.
Why it matters
Cool washing preserves fit and colour. Browse men's hoodies and sweatshirts (/collections/mens-sweatshirts-jumpers-hoodies).
Turn Inside Out
Protect prints and the brushed inner.
How to do it
Turn a sweat inside out before washing so the outer face and any print rub less against the drum and other clothes.
Why it matters
It keeps prints and fleece looking new.
Gentle Detergent
Skip fabric softener on sweats.
How to do it
Use a mild detergent and skip fabric softener, which can coat the fibres and reduce the fabric's softness over time.
Why it matters
It keeps the fleece soft and absorbent.
Drying
Air Dry Flat
Dry sweats flat to hold their shape.
How to do it
Dry a sweat flat or on a rack rather than hanging it wet, so the weight of the water does not stretch the body and cuffs.
Why it matters
Flat drying stops sagging and stretch. Browse women's hoodies and sweatshirts (/collections/womens-sweatshirts-hoodies).
Avoid High Heat
Keep tumble drying low or skip it.
How to do it
Tumble dry on low or air dry, since high heat shrinks cotton sweats and can crack prints and harden the fleece.
Why it matters
Low heat protects fit and finish.
Reshape While Damp
Smooth cuffs and hem before drying.
How to do it
Gently reshape the cuffs, hem and collar while the sweat is damp so it dries in the right shape.
Why it matters
It keeps the ribbing neat and even.
Storage and repair
Fold, Don't Hang
Store sweats folded to avoid stretch.
How to do it
Fold sweats on a shelf or in a drawer rather than hanging them, which can stretch the shoulders and neck over time.
Why it matters
Folding preserves the shoulder line.
De-Pill Gently
Remove bobbles with a fabric comb.
How to do it
Use a fabric comb or de-pilling tool to lift bobbles from high-rub areas, working gently along the grain of the knit.
Why it matters
It keeps an older sweat looking fresh.
Frequently asked questions
How do I stop my hoodie shrinking?
Wash it inside out at 30 degrees or cold, use a gentle detergent, and either air dry it flat or tumble dry on low heat. Cotton sweats shrink most from hot washes and high dryer heat, so keeping both cool is the key. Reshaping the cuffs and hem while damp and drying flat also stops the body and shoulders stretching out of shape.
Should I wash a hoodie inside out?
Yes. Turning a sweat inside out protects the outer face and any print from rubbing against the drum and other garments, and shields the brushed fleece inner. Combined with a cool wash and gentle detergent, it keeps prints from cracking and the fabric soft. It is a simple habit that noticeably extends how new a sweat looks.
How should I store sweatshirts?
Fold them on a shelf or in a drawer rather than hanging them. Hanging a heavy sweat lets gravity stretch the shoulders and neck over time, while folding keeps the shape. Make sure they are fully dry before storing to avoid mustiness, and keep them out of direct sunlight, which can fade colours on the fold lines.