How often should you wash a hoodie

Short answer: A hoodie lasts three to five wears between washes if it is worn over another layer and aired in between. Worn directly against the skin, one day applies, just as with a T-shirt.

Three to five wears as an outer layer

An outer layer rarely touches the skin and does not get dirty quickly. With a T-shirt or top underneath, that layer collects sweat and skin oils while the hoodie stays fresh. It can then be worn three to five times before washing, as long as it is aired in between. See bamboo joggers for women.

The layer underneath makes the difference

The layer underneath decides how long the hoodie stays fresh. A thin layer with short sleeves protects the body but not the sleeves, which still touch your arms. A long sleeved layer protects more. Choose the layer underneath based on how long you want to wear the hoodie before washing.

One day if worn against the skin

With nothing underneath, the hoodie is the inner layer. It then collects sweat and skin oils like a T-shirt and needs washing after a day. Many wear a hoodie against the skin on a cool evening at home, which is fine, but then the same rules apply. See the range for women.

Air it overnight

Most light odours disappear on their own in dry air without a wash. Hang the hoodie on a hanger or hook with air around it rather than folding it straight away. One night is usually enough. Let the hood and sleeves hang freely so the air reaches all of the fabric.

Signs it needs washing

If the hoodie still smells after a night on the hanger, has stains, or the cuffs and hood are visibly grubby, it needs washing however many times it has been worn. The cuffs often show it first, as they touch your wrists all day. If you have sweated in it, wash it too.

Wash less, last longer

Fewer washes mean less wear on both fabric and cords. Every wash pulls a little at the fabric, the cord and the hood, so a hoodie washed only when needed keeps its shape longer. That is one reason a layer underneath pays off. See most popular for women.

Wash it gently

Follow the care label and turn the hoodie inside out before washing. Close any zip so it does not snag the fabric. Check the cord is in place so it does not get pulled out in the wash. Wash it with clothes of similar colour and weight.

Dry it so it keeps its shape

A wet hoodie is heavy, and if it hangs by the hood it can pull out of shape. Dry it over a drying rack or flat so the weight is spread. Make sure it is completely dry, including the hood and cuffs, before putting it away. Moisture in the thick parts can leave a musty smell.

Frequently asked questions

How often should a hoodie be washed

After three to five wears as an outer layer, or after one day if worn directly against the skin with nothing underneath.

How do you keep a hoodie fresh in between

By hanging it up to air overnight. Most light odours disappear on their own in dry air without a wash.

Does washing wear out a hoodie

Yes. Every wash pulls a little at the fabric, the cord and the hood, so fewer washes give a longer life.