A good heavyweight hoodie can last for years — or lose its shape after a few washes. The difference is almost always in how it's washed and dried. Follow these simple rules to keep your hoodie soft, the right size and free of pilling.
Why hoodies shrink and pill
- Heat is the main cause of shrinking. Hot water and high-heat tumble drying make cotton fibres contract.
- Friction causes pilling. When fleece rubs against rough fabrics like denim or zips, the fibres break and form small balls.
- Harsh detergents and bleach weaken fibres and fade colour faster.
Step-by-step: how to wash a hoodie
- Turn it inside out. This protects the outer surface and any print or embroidery from friction.
- Zip it up and empty the pockets. Open zips and loose items scratch the fabric.
- Wash cold (30°C or below) on a gentle or delicate cycle.
- Use a mild liquid detergent and skip bleach. Powder can leave residue in thick fleece.
- Wash with similar fabrics and colours. Keep hoodies away from jeans and towels, which cause pilling.
- Don't overload the machine. Clothes need room to move, or they rub harder against each other.
How to dry a hoodie without shrinking
- Best: lay it flat on a drying rack or towel, gently reshaping the body and sleeves.
- If you use a dryer: choose the lowest heat setting and take it out while it's still slightly damp.
- Avoid hanging a wet heavyweight hoodie — the weight of the water can stretch the shoulders and length.
Washed and sunfaded hoodies
Vintage wash, mineral wash and sunfade finishes are part of the design, so treat them gently: cold water, inside out, and washed with similar colours for the first few washes, as they can release a little dye. Learn more about these finishes in Vintage Wash vs Snow Wash vs Acid Wash.
How to remove pilling
If small balls appear, use a fabric shaver or a fabric comb on the hoodie while it lies flat. Work gently in one direction. Washing inside out and avoiding rough fabrics will prevent most pilling from coming back.
How to store your hoodie
- Fold it instead of hanging, so the shoulders and neckline don't stretch.
- Store it in a dry place, away from direct sunlight that can fade the colour.
Quick care checklist
- Inside out, zipped up.
- Cold, gentle cycle with mild detergent.
- No bleach, no fabric-rough laundry.
- Dry flat or tumble dry low.
- Fold to store.
The same rules work for sweatpants and sweatshirts. Shop heavyweight hoodies, sweatshirts and sweatpants, and read what heavyweight cotton means.
FAQ
Can I put my hoodie in the dryer?
Yes, on the lowest heat setting. To be safest, take it out while slightly damp and let it finish drying flat.
Why does my hoodie shrink after washing?
Usually because of hot water or high-heat drying. Washing cold and drying low or flat prevents most shrinking.
How often should I wash a hoodie?
Every 4–6 wears is usually enough unless it's visibly dirty. Washing less often keeps fleece softer and reduces pilling.
Should I use fabric softener on fleece?
It's best to skip it. Fabric softener can coat fleece fibres and reduce their softness and breathability over time.