Storing sweat and hoodies

Short answer: Sweatshirts and hoodies should lie flat rather than hang. The fabric is heavy, and on a hanger the shoulders are pulled down within a few months, so the top never regains its shape.

Weight is the problem on a hanger

A thick sweat fabric stretches itself when it hangs. The whole weight of the top rests on two small points at the shoulders, and over time the fabric gives way right there. The result is bumps at the shoulders and a top that has grown longer. It happens slowly, so you notice it late. See bamboo joggers for men.

Put them on a shelf

A shelf or a wide drawer is the best place for sweatshirts and hoodies. When the top lies flat, the weight spreads over the whole fabric and no single spot is pulled more than another. Choose a shelf at a height where you can see and reach the stack without pulling out the bottom one.

Fold the sleeves in first

Lay the top face down and fold the sleeves across the back so they run parallel to the sides. That gives an even rectangle that is easy to stack. Sleeves that stick out get crumpled in the stack and make it lean. A few extra seconds per top saves time when you look for it.

Fold the hood in behind the back

That keeps the stack flat and stops the hood from getting a sharp crease. A hood left on top makes one end thicker and tips the stack. Lay it down against the back before folding once across. Drawstrings belong inside the fold too. See bamboo T-shirts for men.

No more than four in a stack

Heavy pieces press each other flatter than light ones. The bottom top in a tall stack gets squashed, and the thick fabric loses some of its body. Four is a sensible limit. If you have more, make two stacks side by side instead. See the range for men.

Let them dry fully first

Sweat fabric is thick and holds moisture longer than thinner clothes. A top that feels dry on the surface can still be damp in the cuffs, pocket or hood. Put it in the stack too early and it can pass a musty smell to the others. Feel the thick parts before putting it away.

Avoid hanging storage for long periods

A short time on a hook in the hallway does no harm. It is the long periods on a hanger in the wardrobe that pull the fabric. Use the hook for the top you are wearing this week and keep the others on the shelf. That way no top hangs long enough to lose its shape.

What to do with a stretched top

A top that already has bumps at the shoulders can rarely be fully saved. A wash following the care label and drying it flat can help the fabric a little, but there is no guarantee. The best solution is to avoid it from the start by letting the tops lie flat from day one.

Frequently asked questions

Should hoodies hang or lie flat

They should lie flat. The fabric is heavy, and on a hanger the shoulders are pulled down within a few months, so the top loses its shape there.

How do you fold a hoodie

Fold the sleeves in, fold the hood behind the back and fold once across. That keeps the stack flat and the hood free of sharp creases.

How many can go in one stack

No more than four. Heavy pieces press each other harder than light ones, and the bottom one otherwise ends up completely flat.