Which wash temperature suits a hoodie

Short answer: Always follow the care label in your hoodie, but as a rule of thumb a low to moderate temperature suits best, often 30 to 40 degrees. It protects the fabric, the colour and the shape, and a hoodie is seldom so dirty that it needs more.

The label has the final word

The care label is the manufacturer's instruction for your particular garment, and it is the safest guide. The number in the wash tub symbol shows the highest temperature the garment should be washed at. If the label has come off, choose a lower temperature rather than a higher one, because washing again is easier than repairing damage.

Why a low temperature is gentler

High heat can make fabric shrink, wear the fibres and dull the colour. You often notice it on sleeves and cuffs, which become short and slack. A low temperature puts less strain on the garment, and with a suitable detergent it still removes most everyday dirt.

When the hoodie is only lightly dirty

A hoodie worn for a single day rarely needs more than a short, gentle program. Air it out instead if it has only hung over the back of a chair. That saves both clothes and energy, and the fabric stays soft longer when it is not washed more often than necessary.

Sweaty or stained clothes

If you have exercised or got stains, a slightly longer program can help, but do not raise the temperature automatically. Treat the stain first with a little mild detergent and let it work. Then the rest of the hoodie does not need a warmer wash. Check that the label allows it, and avoid bleach, which can discolour the fabric.

Wash with suitable items

Sort hoodies by colour and fabric, and do not wash them with anything hard or rough, such as zips and jeans, that can chafe. Turn them inside out and close zips and cords. That also suits a bamboo sweatshirt for women, which benefits from the same gentle habits day to day.

Rinsing and detergent

Use detergent in the amount stated on the packet and avoid fabric softener, which can leave a film on the fabric. Too much soap can give a stiff, dull result. Choose an extra rinse if you have hard water or sensitive skin. The same advice applies to a bamboo sweat for women, where the softness should be kept.

Drying and temperature

The temperature when drying matters as much as when washing. Dry the hoodie on low heat or preferably lying flat, and take it out while it is still slightly damp so it does not turn stiff. The same goes for the rest of the wash, such as bamboo socks, which dry faster and need no more heat.

A quick rule of thumb

Think low temperature, gentle program, inside out and dry without too much heat. If you are unsure, follow the label and choose a mild wash rather than a hot one. A hoodie that is washed carefully keeps its shape and colour longer, so you get more use out of it in daily life.

Frequently asked questions

Can I wash a hoodie at 60 degrees?

Only if the label in the garment allows it. Many hoodies do not tolerate that much heat, and too much heat can make the fabric shorter and the colour duller. Choose a lower temperature.

How often should a hoodie be washed?

It depends on use. If it has only been worn briefly, airing it out is often enough. Wash it when it is dirty or has picked up a smell, and as rarely as possible.

Does a higher temperature help with stains?

Not always. Treat the stain first with mild detergent, then wash at the temperature the label recommends. High heat can sometimes set stains instead of removing them.

See our range of men's bamboo hoodie.