How to Wash Your Hoodies and Sweatshirts the Right Way
By Shop Women's Activewear Yoga Wear and | Published: 2026-10-19
Category: Tips & Care
Keep your favorite fleece hoodies and sweatshirts looking new with these simple washing and drying steps. Avoid common mistakes that cause pilling, shrinkage, and fading.
Quick Answer
Wash your hoodies and sweatshirts inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle, then air dry or tumble dry on low to keep the fleece soft and the fit true.
Why Care Matters for Fleece Hoodies
Fleece hoodies like the Karma Club Venice Hoodie and Power Of Love Malibu Hoodie are made from soft, brushed knits that can pill or lose shape if washed aggressively. The vintage fleece fabric in these pieces feels airy and light, but it needs gentle handling to stay that way.
A common trade-off: using hot water or high heat drying removes wrinkles and bacteria faster, but it also shrinks fleece and fades graphics. Cold water and low heat take a little longer but preserve the fabric and the print.
How to Wash Your Hoodies and Sweatshirts: Step by Step
- 1. Turn the hoodie inside out: This protects the outer fabric and any screen-printed graphics from rubbing against other clothes or the machine drum. Zip up any zippers and fasten drawstrings to prevent snags. Inside out is non-negotiable for preserving prints and preventing pilling.
- 2. Use cold water and a gentle cycle: Set your washing machine to cold water and the delicate or gentle cycle. Hot water shrinks fleece and fades colors. Use a mild liquid detergent—avoid bleach and fabric softener, which coat the fibers and reduce softness over time. Cold water keeps the fit and color intact; skip fabric softener entirely.
- 3. Air dry or tumble dry on low: Lay the hoodie flat on a drying rack or hang it to air dry. If you must use a dryer, select the lowest heat setting and remove the hoodie while it is still slightly damp to avoid shrinkage. High heat is the fastest way to ruin fleece. Air drying is safest; if using a dryer, low heat and partial drying prevent shrinkage.
- 4. Store folded, not hung: Fold your hoodie and store it on a shelf or in a drawer. Hanging heavy fleece can stretch out the shoulders and neckline over time. If you must hang it, use a wide, padded hanger. Folding keeps the relaxed fit from stretching out.
Products That Benefit From Proper Care
- Karma Club Venice Hoodie: Good Karma Club graphic with kangaroo pocket and cozy hood, relaxed fit, extended length, made in LA. The screen-printed graphic stays vibrant longer when you wash inside out and avoid fabric softener.
Karma Club Venice Hoodie - Power Of Love Malibu Hoodie: Fluffy, brushed stretch knit with hidden heart pocket and heart chakra mantra, extended length, relaxed fit. The brushed fleece texture feels softer after every wash if you skip the dryer and air dry instead.
Power Of Love Malibu Hoodie
