So, you’ve just unwrapped your fresh new hoodie from TheHoodie.com.au — custom-designed, printed locally, and crafted on a premium AS Colour blank. Now comes the part no one talks about until it’s too late: how do you actually wash a printed hoodie without wrecking it?
Whether it’s your go-to hoodie for chilly arvos, gym sessions, or festival weekends, keeping it looking sharp for as long as possible comes down to one simple truth: how you care for it matters.
In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about washing and preserving printed hoodies — from that first wash to long-term maintenance — so you don’t end up with a faded, cracked print or a misshapen mess.
Why Hoodie Care Matters (Especially for Custom Printed Ones)
Unlike cheap, mass-produced hoodies, the ones we print at TheHoodie.com.au are made with AS Colour’s 350gsm anti-pill fleece – a heavy, durable, high-quality fabric designed to last. But even the best materials and sharpest prints need a little TLC to maintain their look and feel.
Proper care isn’t just about keeping it clean — it’s about:
- Maintaining print integrity (no cracking or peeling),
- Preserving hoodie shape and softness, and
- Extending the lifespan of your favourite garment.
Pre-Wash: Read the Label & Flip It Inside Out
Before you do anything, check the care label inside the hoodie. If it’s from us, it’ll match AS Colour’s standard guidelines, which generally recommend:
- Cold machine wash
- Do not tumble dry
- Do not iron print
- Do not bleach
And here’s the golden rule: always turn your hoodie inside out before washing. This simple move protects the printed design from direct friction and helps reduce fading over time.
Washing Your Printed Hoodie: Step-by-Step
✅ 1. Cold Wash Only
Cold water is your best friend. It’s gentle on fabric and helps preserve the vibrancy of the ink used in your custom design. Hot water might shrink the cotton or cause the print to deteriorate faster.
✅ 2. Use a Mild Detergent
Avoid bleach, harsh chemicals, or anything marketed as a “deep cleaner.” Opt for a mild, colour-safe detergent that doesn’t contain optical brighteners (these can affect the ink).
✅ 3. Gentle Cycle, Minimal Spin
Select a gentle or delicate wash cycle. Keep the spin speed low to reduce stress on both the print and the seams of your hoodie.
✅ 4. Wash with Similar Colours
This one’s obvious — but important. Mixing a crisp white hoodie with a red sock? Rookie mistake. Wash darks with darks, lights with lights.
What to Avoid at All Costs
- ❌ No tumble drying. Ever. Heat is the enemy of both print and cotton. It can warp the fabric, crack the print, and leave you with a shrunken mess.
- ❌ No fabric softener. It might feel like you’re being kind to your hoodie, but softeners can actually break down the fibres and affect the ink’s longevity.
- ❌ No direct ironing on the print. If you must iron, flip the hoodie inside out and use a low setting. Or better yet, use a pressing cloth over the area.
Drying the Right Way
✅ Air Dry Flat (Preferably in the Shade)
Lay your hoodie flat on a towel or drying rack. This maintains the shape and prevents sagging. Avoid direct sunlight, especially for darker colours, which can fade fast in Aussie UV.
If hanging, fold it over the line at the waistband rather than using pegs on the shoulders (which can leave indentations or stretch the fabric).
Bonus Tips to Keep It Looking Fresh
- 👕 Wash less often. Hoodies don’t need to be washed after every wear. If it’s not visibly dirty or smelly, give it a break. Less washing = longer life.
- 🎒 Avoid backpacks on printed areas. Constant rubbing (e.g. a backpack strap over the chest print) can cause designs to fade or peel.
- 🧼 Spot clean where possible. Small mark? Dab it with cold water and a gentle cloth rather than tossing the whole hoodie in the wash.
The AS Colour Difference (Why Our Hoodies Last Longer)
At TheHoodie.com.au, we only print on AS Colour hoodies — known across Australia for their high-quality stitching, ethical sourcing, and fabric that doesn’t shrink or pill after a few washes. This gives you a hoodie that not only looks and feels better out of the box, but stays looking that way longer — provided you care for it right.
Compared to budget retail hoodies or overseas POD options, the difference in longevity is massive. With the right care, your TheHoodie piece will outlast cheap prints by years.
Summary Checklist: Hoodie Washing Do’s & Don’ts
| ✅ Do This | ❌ Don’t Do This |
|---|---|
| Cold wash, inside out | Hot wash or tumble dry |
| Use mild detergent | Use bleach or harsh chemicals |
| Air dry flat in the shade | Hang in direct sunlight or heat |
| Iron inside-out on low (if needed) | Iron directly over print |
| Wash only when necessary | Overwash after every wear |
Final Thoughts: Your Hoodie, Your Rules (But Care Goes a Long Way)
A custom hoodie isn’t just another piece of clothing. It’s a memory, a moment, a message — whether it’s a Year 12 leavers hoodie, a team uniform, or your own design masterpiece. And with a few simple care steps, you can keep it looking fresh and feeling great for years to come.
Got questions about hoodie care or want to design your next one? Check out our Customiser — it’s the fastest way to get started, with zero dramas.
Printed in Australia. Backed by quality. Just Hoodies. Nothing Else.
