How to Wash a Hoodie So It Doesn't Shrink, Fade or Pill

To wash a hoodie without shrinking, fading or pilling, turn it inside out, wash cold on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent, skip the fabric softener, and air dry or tumble dry on low. Heat is the main enemy: hot water and high-heat drying are what shrink cotton and fade prints. Follow the steps below and a good heavyweight hoodie will keep its shape and colour for years.

In this article

• How to wash a hoodie, step by step
• How do you stop a hoodie from shrinking?
• How do you protect prints and graphics?
• How do you stop pilling?
• Should you tumble dry or air dry?
• FAQ

How to wash a hoodie, step by step

Here is the short version you can follow every time:

• Turn the hoodie inside out to protect the print and reduce surface pilling.
• Fasten any zips and undo the drawstrings so they do not tangle.
• Wash cold, around 30 degrees, on a gentle or normal cycle.
• Use a mild detergent and skip fabric softener, which coats fibres and dulls fleece.
• Wash with similar colours, and wash new or mineral wash pieces separately for the first couple of washes.
• Reshape while damp and air dry, or tumble dry on low if you must.

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How do you stop a hoodie from shrinking?

Cotton shrinks when it is exposed to heat and agitation, so control both. Wash cold, use a gentle cycle, and never tumble dry on high. Most shrinkage happens in the dryer, not the wash, so air drying is the single biggest thing you can do to keep the fit. If you do use a dryer, choose low heat and pull the hoodie out slightly damp.

How do you protect prints and graphics?

Always wash printed hoodies inside out and cold. Heat and friction are what crack and fade a print over time, so keeping the graphic on the inside of the tumble and away from hot water protects it. Never iron directly over a print, and avoid bleach entirely.

How do you stop pilling?

Pilling is caused by friction, so turn the hoodie inside out and avoid washing it with rough fabrics like towels, denim or anything with zips and hooks. A gentle cycle and a full but not overloaded machine both reduces rubbing. If pills appear, a fabric shaver removes them cleanly.

Should you tumble dry or air dry?

Air drying wins for longevity. It avoids the heat that shrinks cotton and fades colour, and it keeps fleece fluffy. Lay heavier hoodies flat so they do not stretch on the line, and reshape the cuffs and hem while damp. If you need the dryer, low heat only, and remove while slightly damp to finish on a hanger.

Frequently asked questions

What temperature should you wash a hoodie?

Cold, around 30 degrees. Cold water cleans well, protects colour and prints, and prevents the shrinkage that hot water causes in cotton.

Can you put a hoodie in the dryer?

You can, but use low heat and remove it while slightly damp. High heat is the main cause of shrinking and fading, so air drying is safer if you want the fit to last.

How often should you wash a hoodie?

Only when it needs it, usually every few wears unless it is sweaty or stained. Over-washing accelerates fading and pilling, so airing it out between wears extends its life.

Why is my hoodie pilling?

Pilling comes from friction during washing, often from washing with rough items or on a harsh cycle. Turn it inside out, use a gentle cycle, and keep it away from towels and denim.

Caring for a mineral wash tee is slightly different. See our guide to what a mineral wash tee is and how to care for it, and our heavyweight hoodie buyer's guide for choosing a hoodie built to last.