Why does my hoodie get rough patches under the arms

Short answer: Rough patches under the arms of a hoodie usually come from friction at the armhole when you move your arms, and from traces of sweat and deodorant. You can limit them with the right fit and a gentle wash where the hoodie does not rub against other clothes.

What happens under the arms

The armpits are the spot where the fabric is worn the most. Every time you lift your arms, the sleeve rubs against the body of the top and against your skin. Over time small fibres are pulled out and gathered into little bobbles, and the surface feels rough and a little hard.

Friction and fit

A hoodie that is too tight at the armhole rubs more and wears faster. If it is very loose, though, the fabric can also shift and rub against itself. Choose a fit where you can lift your arms without the top coming with them, and try reaching up before you buy.

Sweat and deodorant

Traces of sweat and deodorant can settle in the fabric and make it stiff, especially if the top is not washed often enough. Choose a deodorant that dries fully before you put the top on, and give it a moment. If you have health questions about sweating or skin, talk to your doctor.

Washing can make it worse

If the hoodie is washed with coarse items such as jeans, zips and towels, the surface gets roughened. Wash it on its own or with soft things, and turn it inside out. Do not overfill the machine, so the tops are not pressed hard against each other in the wash.

Clean fibres and fabric softener

Fabric softener can leave a film on the fabric that traps dirt and makes it feel stiff. Wash the hoodie according to the care label, usually at a low temperature and without fabric softener. Do not use more detergent than needed, because residue can stay in the fabric, and rinse an extra time if you like.

Remove bobbles gently

Small bobbles can be removed with a lint brush or a fabric shaver used carefully on the rough spot. Do not press hard, and work in short strokes so you do not cut into the fabric. If the fabric has become very thin, it cannot recover completely.

A layer under the hoodie

A soft layer under the hoodie protects the fabric from sweat and friction, and you can wash it more often. Look at the range of bamboo sweatwear, where you can find both tops and trousers. Choose a T-shirt with short, smooth sleeves, so no seams rub under the arms.

Rotate between several

If you only have one hoodie, it gets worn in the same places every day. Rotate between two or three and let each rest a day or two. See bamboo sweat for men if you want one to alternate with, and remember that socks also benefit from rotation, as you can see at socks for men and women.

Frequently asked questions

Are rough patches under the arms a sign the hoodie is ruined?

Not necessarily. Most often they are bobbles from friction, which you can gently remove with a lint brush, and they do not mean the top is useless.

Can deodorant make the fabric stiff under the arms?

Yes, residue can settle in the fabric and make it feel stiff. Let the deodorant dry before you put the top on, and rinse the top thoroughly.

Should I wash the hoodie more often?

Wash it when it is dirty or no longer smells fresh, but not more often than needed. Use a mild wash without fabric softener, and turn it inside out.

See our range of men's bamboo hoodie.