Quick answer: Turn it inside out, wash it on a cold, gentle cycle with a mild detergent, then dry it flat or on a rack in the shade. Heat is the main cause of cotton shrinkage and fading, so keep hot water and the tumble dryer out of the routine.
Why do cotton hoodies shrink?
Cotton fibres get stretched and held under tension while they're spun into yarn and knitted into fabric. Heat, water and tumbling let those fibres relax and pull back in, and the garment tightens up with them, usually most noticeably in length.
Pre-shrunk fabric has been put through that relaxing process before it's cut and sewn, so it moves far less after you buy it. It can still shrink a little with a hot wash or a hot dryer, though, so the routine below still matters.
How do you wash a hoodie properly?
- Check the care label first. It always wins.
- Empty the pockets and tuck in or knot the drawcord ends so they don't tangle.
- Turn the hoodie inside out to protect the outer surface and any print.
- Use cold water, 30 degrees or below.
- Choose a gentle or delicate cycle.
- Use a mild detergent, and less than you think you need. No bleach.
- Wash with similar colours and fabrics, and don't overload the machine.
How should you dry a hoodie?
Air drying is the move. Lay it flat or drape it across a drying rack so the weight is spread out. Hanging a soaking wet hoodie by its shoulders on a hanger lets gravity stretch the shoulders and length out of shape.
Dry it in the shade rather than full sun. If you do need the dryer, use the lowest heat setting and pull the hoodie out while it's still slightly damp.
Nerd corner: Australia has some of the highest UV levels in the world, and UV breaks down dye. A black hoodie drying in the afternoon sun on the clothesline is quietly fading while you're not looking. Shade dry your darks.
How do you stop a black hoodie from fading?
Fading comes from friction, heat, harsh detergent and sunlight. Wash it inside out in cold water, use a detergent made for darks if you have one, keep it out of the dryer and dry it in the shade. Washing less often helps more than people expect.
How often should you wash a hoodie?
If you wear it over a tee, every four to six wears is usually plenty, or sooner if it actually needs it. Airing it out overnight between wears does a lot of the work. If it's straight against your skin or you've trained in it, wash it more often. Every wash causes a little wear, so fewer washes means a longer life.
What about printed or embroidered hoodies?
Printed hoodies need the same care with a couple of extras. Keep them inside out, keep the water cold and never iron directly over the print. Heat is what makes prints crack and peel. For embroidery, wash gently, don't wring the garment out, and lay it flat to dry so the stitching keeps its shape.
FAQs
Can you put a hoodie in the dryer?
You can, but it's the fastest way to shrink, fade and pill it. If you must, use the lowest heat and take it out while it's slightly damp.
Does cold water shrink cotton?
Cold water on a gentle cycle causes very little shrinkage. Hot water and high dryer heat cause most of it.
Can you unshrink a hoodie?
Sometimes, a little. Soaking it in lukewarm water with a small amount of hair conditioner, gently stretching it back into shape and drying it flat can recover some length. Results vary.
Should you wash a new hoodie before wearing it?
It's optional. If you do, wash it cold and on its own the first time in case any excess dye comes out.
Treat it like it matters and it'll keep looking like you meant it.