How to Care for an Essentials Hoodie (Avoid Shrinking & Fading)

Taking care of an Essentials hoodie is simple, but the small mistakes add up fast. Heat, harsh detergents, and overwashing are the main reasons hoodies lose their shape, fade, or feel rough over time. The good news: with a few smart habits—cold water, gentle cycles, air drying, and careful storage—you can keep your hoodie soft, clean, and looking new for longer. If you’re shopping for a fresh fit, browse our
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Avoid Dryers to Prevent Fabric Shrinkage

Dryer heat is one of the fastest ways to shrink cotton and damage blended fabrics. Skip hot air drying and let your hoodie dry naturally instead. Lay it flat on a drying rack or a clean towel so it keeps its original shape. If you need to hang it, use a wide, padded hanger to avoid shoulder bumps.

For indoor drying, make sure the room has airflow and flip the hoodie halfway through so it dries evenly. Avoid direct sunlight because it can fade color and weaken fabric over time.

Use Cold Water for Color Longevity

Cold water helps protect color and keeps fabric fibers from breaking down. Hot water can fade shades quickly, especially with darker tones. Before washing, separate lights and darks to prevent color bleeding. Use a small amount of mild detergent—too much soap can leave residue that makes fabric feel stiff and look dull.

A simple extra step: rinse once more if your hoodie feels soapy after washing. That second rinse often brings back softness.

Turn the Hoodie Inside-Out Before Washing

Washing your hoodie inside-out protects the outer surface from friction, which is what causes pilling and a worn-out look. It also helps protect prints, logos, and labels from rubbing against other clothes. If your machine is rough, you can use a laundry bag for extra protection.

This same rule helps during drying too: inside-out drying reduces fading and keeps the outer finish looking cleaner.

Use Mild Detergents Only on Hoodies

Strong detergents and bleach can strip color and ruin softness. Choose a gentle liquid detergent (or a “free & clear” option) and use less than you think you need. Never pour detergent directly onto the hoodie—mix it with water first or let the washer fill before adding the garment.

If you’re washing multiple hoodies, don’t overload the drum. Crowding increases friction and reduces how well the hoodie rinses.

Store Your Hoodie in Proper Shape

Don’t stuff a hoodie into a tight drawer. Once it’s fully dry, fold it neatly and store it in a cool, dry space. Hanging is okay sometimes, but frequent hanging can stretch fabric over time—especially around the shoulders and hood.

Avoid storing hoodies while damp. That leads to odor, fabric weakness, and sometimes even mildew. If your closet gets humid, a simple dehumidifier pack can help.

Ironing Should Be Done with Caution

Most hoodies don’t need ironing. If you do want to smooth wrinkles, use the lowest heat setting and iron inside-out. Never iron directly over prints, logos, or labels. If you must iron near a graphic, place a thin cotton cloth between the iron and the fabric.

Keep the iron moving—staying in one spot too long can create shiny patches or heat marks.

Remove Stains Gently Without Rubbing Hard

Treat stains quickly and gently. Rubbing too hard can damage the surface fibers and leave a rough patch. Instead, blot the stain with a clean cloth and a small amount of mild detergent mixed with water.

For oil stains, sprinkle baking soda on the spot, let it sit, then brush it off gently before washing. For food stains, a mix of water and a small splash of white vinegar can help—but test any solution on an inside seam first.

Rotate Between Multiple Hoodies to Maintain Quality

Wearing the same hoodie every day wears down high-friction areas fast (cuffs, pockets, elbows). If you can, rotate between two or three hoodies. Rotation reduces stress on the fabric, lowers how often you need to wash, and helps each hoodie keep its shape longer.

A good rule: wash after a few wears unless it’s sweaty or stained. Spot-clean small marks instead of washing the full hoodie every time.

Final Thoughts on Caring for an Essentials Hoodie

An Essentials hoodie lasts longer when you protect it from heat, harsh chemicals, and unnecessary washing. Stick to cold water, gentle detergent, inside-out washing, and air drying whenever possible. With these habits, your hoodie stays soft, keeps its color, and holds its fit—so it looks good every time you put it on.