How Do You Make a Hoodie Stay Soft?

There’s nothing better than a soft, cozy hoodie. But after a few washes, it might start feeling rough or stiff. How can you keep your hoodie soft and plush for as long as possible?

To make a hoodie stay soft, wash it in cold water, use mild detergents¹, avoid high heat drying, and air dry whenever possible. Using white vinegar², fabric softeners, and dryer balls also helps maintain softness.

Let’s dive into the best practices for washing, drying, and maintaining the softness of your favorite hoodie.

How Should You Wash a Hoodie to Keep It Soft?

The way you wash your hoodie is crucial for maintaining its softness.

Washing hoodies in cold water with a gentle cycle and mild detergent preserves the fabric fibers, preventing roughness and shrinkage.

Best Practices for Washing Hoodies:

1. Use Cold Water

   • Hot water breaks down fibers and causes shrinkage, making the fabric feel rough.
   • Always wash hoodies in cold or lukewarm water to maintain softness.

2. Turn Inside Out

   • Turning the hoodie inside out reduces friction, protecting the outer surface from pilling.

3. Choose a Gentle Cycle

   • A gentle cycle minimizes fabric agitation, preventing wear and tear.

4. Use Mild Detergents

   • Strong detergents strip away natural fibers, leading to stiffness.
   • Opt for liquid detergents that are free of bleach and harsh chemicals.

Pro Tip: Add White Vinegar

• Add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to soften fibers and remove detergent residue.

Washing Tip	Why It Works
Cold Water Wash	Prevents shrinkage and roughness
Turn Inside Out	Reduces friction and pilling
Gentle Cycle	Minimizes fabric agitation
Mild Detergents	Maintains fiber integrity
White Vinegar Rinse	Softens and removes residue

Can Fabric Softeners Keep Hoodies Soft?

Yes! Fabric softeners can help maintain softness, but they must be used correctly.

Liquid fabric softeners and dryer sheets reduce static and friction, keeping hoodies soft and fluffy.

How to Use Fabric Softeners Effectively:

1. Choose Silicone-Free Softener

   • Some fabric softeners contain silicone that builds up over time, making fabric feel waxy.
   • Opt for silicone-free, plant-based softeners for better results.

2. Avoid Overuse

   • Using too much softener leaves a residue that dulls the fabric’s texture.
   • Follow the recommended amount to avoid buildup.

3. Use Dryer Sheets or Dryer Balls

   • Dryer sheets minimize static and help hoodies remain soft.
   • Alternatively, use wool dryer balls to naturally fluff and soften fibers.

Softener Type	Effect on Softness
Liquid Fabric Softener	Softens fibers, reduces static
Dryer Sheets	Minimizes static and friction
Wool Dryer Balls	Naturally fluffs fibers
Silicone-Free Softener	Prevents waxy buildup

Does Air Drying Help Maintain Softness?

Absolutely! Air drying is one of the best ways to keep hoodies soft and fluffy.

Air drying preserves the fabric fibers by preventing high heat exposure and reducing friction.

Why Air Drying Works:

1. Prevents Heat Damage

   • High heat from dryers weakens fibers, leading to stiffness.
   • Air drying keeps the fabric’s natural softness intact.

2. Reduces Friction

   • Dryers cause friction that results in pilling and roughness.
   • Air drying on a flat surface maintains the fabric’s smooth texture.

3. Maintains Shape and Fit

   • Hanging hoodies to dry can stretch them out.
   • Lay them flat on a clean towel to keep their shape and softness.

Pro Tip: Fluff in Dryer for 5 Minutes

• Toss the hoodie in the dryer on low heat with a dryer ball for 5 minutes before air drying³.
• This helps fluff the fibers while preventing stiffness.

Drying Method	Benefit
Air Drying	Maintains fiber softness
Flat Drying	Keeps shape and reduces stretching
Low Heat Fluffing	Fluffs fibers without stiffness
Avoiding High Heat	Prevents fiber brittleness

What Products Keep Hoodies Soft?

Certain products are specially designed to maintain the softness and quality of hoodies.

White vinegar, fabric conditioners, dryer balls, and baking soda can all help keep hoodies soft and cozy.

Top Products for Maintaining Softness:

1. White Vinegar

   • Works as a natural fabric softener by removing detergent residue.
   • Add half a cup to the rinse cycle for extra softness.

2. Fabric Conditioner

   • Use a plant-based, silicone-free conditioner for long-lasting softness.

3. Wool Dryer Balls

   • Dryer balls reduce static and fluff fibers naturally, preventing stiffness.

4. Baking Soda

   • Softens water and boosts detergent efficiency, making fabric feel softer.
   • Add half a cup of baking soda to the wash cycle.

How to Use These Products:

• White Vinegar: Add to the rinse cycle for natural softening.
• Fabric Conditioner: Use sparingly to avoid buildup.
• Dryer Balls: Toss 2–3 balls in the dryer on low heat.
• Baking Soda: Add directly to the wash cycle to soften water and fabric.

Product	How It Helps
White Vinegar	Softens and removes residue
Fabric Conditioner	Maintains softness and freshness
Wool Dryer Balls	Fluffs fibers and reduces static
Baking Soda	Softens water, enhances detergent

How Often Should You Wash Hoodies to Keep Them Soft?

Over-washing is one of the main reasons hoodies lose their softness.

To keep your hoodie soft, wash it after every 3–4 wears unless it’s visibly dirty or sweaty.

Why Washing Less Often Helps:

1. Reduces Fiber Wear and Tear

   • Frequent washing breaks down fibers faster, leading to roughness.

2. Maintains Natural Softness

   • Washing strips away the natural oils that keep fibers soft.

3. Prevents Shrinkage and Fading

   • Less washing helps hoodies maintain their size, color, and softness.

When to Wash Hoodies:

• Every 3–4 Wears: For casual wear and light activity.
• After Every Wear: For workouts or heavy sweating.
• Spot Clean: Minor stains or dirt to avoid unnecessary washes.

Washing Frequency	Benefit
Every 3–4 Wears	Maintains softness and shape
After Heavy Activity	Keeps fabric fresh
Spot Cleaning	Reduces overall washing

Conclusion

To keep a hoodie soft, wash it in cold water, use mild detergents, avoid high heat drying, and air dry whenever possible. Incorporating products like white vinegar, wool dryer balls, and silicone-free fabric softeners can also help maintain that cozy, plush feel. By following these care tips, you can keep your favorite hoodie soft, comfortable, and looking new for longer.

---