How to Wash, Dry, and Fold Hoodies Without Shrinking Them

Your favorite hoodie doesn't have to become a casualty of laundry day. Most people toss their hoodies into the washer without a second thought, only to pull out a shrunken, faded version of what they loved. The good news is that keeping your hoodies soft, perfectly sized, and vibrant requires just a few simple changes to your washing routine.

Whether you're dealing with a graphic hoodie, an embroidered favorite, or a cozy sherpa-lined piece, each type needs specific care to maintain its original fit and feel. The difference between a hoodie that lasts for years and one that shrinks after three washes often comes down to water temperature, drying method, and timing.

Let's discover how to wash hoodies properly and master the complete care process that follows.

Taking five minutes to prep your hoodie before washing prevents most common damage. Small details like zippers and drawstrings can turn into big problems if you skip this step.

• Zip up all zippers completely — Open zippers snag on other clothes during the wash cycle and can damage both your hoodie and other garments

• Tie drawstrings in a loose knot or tuck them inside the kangaroo pocket — Loose drawstrings tangle around other clothes and can pull out of their casings

• Shake out the hood so it lays flat against the back of the hoodie — This prevents water from pooling inside, which leads to uneven drying and potential mildew

• Turn your hoodie inside out — Protects graphics, embroidery, and outer fleece texture from friction damage

• Check the care label for special instructions — Some hoodies require cold water only, hand washing, or professional cleaning

• Spot-treat stains with gentle stain remover or mild soap before washing — Pre-treating means you won't need to rewash or use harsh chemicals later

These simple preparation steps take minimal effort but make the difference between a hoodie that maintains its shape and one that comes out stretched, snagged, or damaged.

Water temperature is your hoodie's biggest enemy when it comes to shrinking. Hot water causes cotton fibers to contract and can fade colors in just one wash. Cold or lukewarm water protects both the fabric and the vibrant colors you want to keep.

• Use cold or lukewarm water (30°C/86°F maximum) — Hot water causes immediate shrinkage and color bleeding

• Choose mild, color-safe detergent — Harsh detergents break down fibers and fade prints faster

• Skip the bleach unless you have a bleach-safe white hoodie — Bleach weakens fabric and yellows colors over time

• Wash by hand — Reduces agitation that can stretch or pill the fabric

• Use a front-load machine when possible — Creates less agitation than top-load machines with center agitators

• Wash similar fabrics together; avoid heavy/abrasive items in the same load.

Hoodies don't need frequent washing like t-shirts or underwear. Overwashing causes unnecessary wear, fading, and shrinking. Wash your hoodie every 5-6 wears unless it's stained or heavily soiled. Between wears, hang it up to air out instead of throwing it in the hamper.

• Embroidered Hoodie — Turn inside out, use a mesh laundry bag for extra protection, and consider hand washing if the embroidery is delicate. Never wring or twist the fabric, which can distort the stitching. See more about How To Wash Embroidered Clothes here.

• Graphic Hoodie — Always wash inside out to preserve the print. Use cold water and gentle detergent to prevent cracking or peeling of the design

• Sherpa-Lined Hoodie — Wash separately or with similar soft fabrics to prevent matting. Use an extra rinse cycle to remove all detergent residue from the thick lining

• Baja Hoodie — Often made of woven cotton or recycled fibers that bleed color easily. Wash in cold water and separate from light colors for the first few washes

Each hoodie style requires slightly different care techniques. Discover the various types of hoodies and understand how their materials affect washing methods.

Drying method impacts your hoodie's lifespan more than washing does. High heat from dryers causes the most shrinkage, while proper air drying maintains the original size and softness.

Air drying takes longer but preserves your hoodie's fit, color, and texture better than any machine setting.

• Hang upside down — Supports the hoodie's weight and prevents stretching from hanging or lay it on a drying rack.

• Choose a shaded, well-ventilated area — Direct sunlight fades colors and can make fabric stiff

• Shape the hood while damp — Smooth out wrinkles and ensure the hood maintains its proper form

• Flip the hoodie halfway through drying — Ensures even air circulation and prevents musty odors

• Avoid too much drying time — Thick hoodies and sherpa linings need extra time, but remember to bring them in. They may stretch or catch bugs and dust.

Sometimes you need your hoodie dry quickly. Machine drying can work if you use the right settings and timing.

• Use low heat or delicate setting only — High heat shrinks cotton and synthetic blends immediately

• Add dryer balls — They improve air circulation, reduce drying time, and keep the fabric soft without chemical fabric softeners

• Partial machine drying — Use the dryer for 15-20 minutes on low heat, then finish air drying

• Towel roll method — Roll the hoodie inside a large dry towel, press gently to absorb excess moisture, then hang normall

• Shower rod hanging — Use padded hangers to prevent shoulder bumps and hang in a bathroom with good ventilation

Sweatshirts and hoodies share similar care requirements, but sweatshirts have their own unique considerations. Learn the complete guide on how to wash sweatshirts for crew neck and pullover styles.

Proper folding and storage prevent stretching, creasing, and fabric damage between wears. The right technique also saves closet space while keeping your hoodies ready to wear.

• Stack folded hoodies horizontally — Prevents stretching that occurs with hanging heavy garments

• Use fabric-safe storage bags — Protects seasonal hoodies from dust, moths, and moisture

• Avoid hanging sherpa-lined hoodies long-term — The weight can stretch the shoulders and neckline

• Store in a cool, dry place — Prevents mildew and fabric deterioration

• Keep cedar blocks nearby — Natural moth deterrent that doesn't leave chemical odors

• Roll thin hoodies — Save even more space by rolling instead of folding for travel or tight storage

• Use shelf dividers — Keep stacks from toppling over in deep closets

• Rotate seasonal hoodies — Store off-season pieces in bins and keep current favorites easily accessible

Following these folding and storage methods keeps your hoodies looking new and prevents the frustration of pulling out a wrinkled, stretched, or damaged favorite when you want to wear it.

Washing hoodies properly isn't complicated once you know the basics. Cold water, gentle cycles, and air drying keep your favorite hoodies fitting perfectly for years. These small changes to your laundry routine prevent the heartbreak of pulling a shrunken hoodie from the dryer. Your hoodies will thank you with lasting comfort and style.