Knowing how to wash a hoodie properly is the difference between one that stays soft and shapely for years and one that bobbles, fades and shrinks by spring. The short answer: turn it inside out, close any zips, wash at 30°C on a gentle cycle with similar colours, skip the bleach and fabric softener overload, and dry it flat or on a low tumble. Below we explain each step and why it matters.
Why hoodies need a little extra care
Most hoodies are made from fleece or heavy knit fabric with a brushed or looped inner face. That inner surface is what makes them warm and soft, but it is also what rubs, pills and traps lint in a busy wash. Hoodies are also heavy when wet, so they stretch if hung by the shoulders, and many have prints, washed finishes or metal zips that need protecting.
The good news is that a few simple habits solve almost all of these problems.
Check the label first
Your care label is the rule book, and our product pages list care instructions too. For example, the Essential 430 GSM Heavyweight Hoodie (56.44% cotton, 43.56% polyester) and the Essential Oversized Boxy Fit Fleece Hoodie (53% polyester, 42% cotton, 5% other fibres) both carry the same guidance:
- Machine wash at 30°C (gentle cycle)
- Do not bleach
- Tumble dry low
- Iron at low temperature, avoid ironing on print
- Do not dry clean
If your label differs, follow the label.
How to wash a hoodie: step by step
- Empty the pockets. A forgotten tissue will cover a fleece hoodie in white flecks that are hard to remove.
- Close zips and untie drawcords. An open zip acts like a saw against other fabrics in the drum. Tie drawcords loosely in a bow so they do not get pulled out.
- Turn it inside out. This protects the outer face, any print or embroidery, and washed finishes from friction.
- Sort by colour and fabric. Wash dark hoodies with darks. Keep them away from towels and lint-shedding items, which leave fluff on fleece.
- Choose a cool, gentle cycle. 30°C is plenty for everyday wear and is gentler on cotton fibres and colour. See our guide to cold wash vs warm wash for more on temperatures.
- Use a little less detergent. Too much can leave residue in thick fleece, making it feel stiff. Use the dose recommended for a lightly soiled load.
- Do not overload the machine. Hoodies need room to move. A packed drum means more rubbing and more pilling.
- Dry gently. Tumble dry on low if the label allows, or dry flat. Avoid hanging a wet heavyweight hoodie by the shoulders, as the weight of the water can stretch it.
Washing different types of hoodie
| Hoodie type | Main risk | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Heavyweight 100% cotton | Shrinking and slow drying | Wash cool, reshape while damp, dry flat or on low |
| Cotton-polyester fleece | Pilling and lint on the inner face | Inside out, smaller loads, wash away from towels |
| Vintage, mineral or snow wash | Further fading if washed hot | Inside out, cool wash, wash with similar colours |
| Full-zip hoodie | Zip snagging other clothes | Close the zip fully before washing |
| Printed hoodie | Cracking print | Inside out, no high heat, do not iron over the print |
Heavyweight cotton hoodies
Pieces like the Unisex Heavyweight Vintage Wash Boxy Hoodie, made from 100% cotton at 420 GSM, hold a lot of water. Give them a good spin, then pull the body and sleeves gently back into shape before drying. Because they are thick, allow extra drying time so they are fully dry before you fold them away.
Washed-finish hoodies
A washed finish, such as on the Women's Mineral Wash Full Zip Hoodie (85% cotton, 15% polyester), is part of the look. Washing inside out at a cool temperature helps keep that character even, and washing with similar colours avoids any transfer onto lighter pieces.
Common hoodie washing mistakes
- Washing after every wear. Unless it is sweaty or stained, a hoodie worn over a T-shirt can usually be aired and worn again. Fewer washes mean less wear.
- Using bleach on dark or coloured hoodies. It strips colour and weakens fibres. Our labels say do not bleach.
- High-heat tumble drying. Heat is a main cause of shrinkage in cotton. Stick to low.
- Ironing over prints. If you must iron, use a low temperature and avoid the print.
- Ignoring bobbles until they are everywhere. Light pilling is normal on fleece. Remove it early with a fabric shaver; see how to stop hoodie pilling.
How to keep a hoodie soft
Softness is mostly about avoiding build-up and heat. Use less detergent, rinse thoroughly, and do not overdry. Taking a hoodie out of the dryer while it is still very slightly damp and letting it finish flat helps keep the fleece lofty. Store hoodies folded rather than on hangers, which can stretch the shoulders over time.
Frequently asked questions
Can you put a hoodie in the tumble dryer?
Many hoodies can be tumble dried on a low setting; check the label. All of the BALIVENO hoodies mentioned in this guide say tumble dry low. Avoid high heat, which encourages shrinkage.
How often should you wash a hoodie?
There is no fixed rule. If you wear a layer underneath and it is not stained or sweaty, washing every few wears is usually enough, with airing in between.
Why does my hoodie have fluff on the inside after washing?
Brushed fleece naturally sheds a little, especially in the first few washes, and it picks up lint from towels. Wash inside out with similar fabrics and clean the filter regularly.
Looking for a new favourite? Shop men's hoodies and women's hoodies.
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