How to get fluff on my hoodie?

Flat hoodies feel cold, look cheap, and simply don’t spark joy. Whether it’s your favorite pullover or a new blank you’re testing for your brand, you might be wondering—how do I get that fluffy, soft, lived-in feel?

To make a hoodie fluffier, you can use materials like fleece or French terry and apply techniques like tumble drying with towels, gentle brushing, or fabric steaming. Choosing the right fabric is just as important as the method you use.

I’ve gone through dozens of prototypes at the factory, trying to recreate that premium fluff effect—sometimes successfully, sometimes not. Let me share the lessons I’ve learned from both.

Why Add Fluff to a Hoodie? Benefits You Didn’t Expect

Most people think fluff is only about softness, but it affects everything from performance to product perception.

Fluff improves thermal insulation, tactile comfort, and the perceived value of the garment. It also enhances the style, making hoodies appear fuller and more premium.

Colorblock fleece hoodie

Does fluff make your hoodie warmer and softer?

Yes, fluff acts like an insulator by trapping air within the fabric structure.

More air pockets mean better thermal retention, making the hoodie significantly warmer. Plus, brushed or raised fibers create a gentler feel on the skin, reducing irritation compared to flat, tightly-woven knits.

Can adding fluff improve the style and aesthetic of your hoodie?

Absolutely. A fluff-enhanced hoodie often looks more luxurious and fashion-forward.

• Volume & Structure: Fluff adds dimension, helping the hoodie hold its shape better, especially in the hood and sleeves.
• Visual Texture: It catches light differently, giving the garment a soft matte finish.
• Genderless Appeal: Fluffy textures work well for unisex collections, aligning with current loungewear and cozywear trends.
• Retail Perception: Retailers often price brushed-back fleece hoodies higher due to their “premium hand feel,” even if the construction is otherwise identical.

Best Materials to Create or Add Fluff to a Hoodie

Fabric choice determines whether your fluff game will thrive—or flop.

Brushed cotton fleece, French terry, sherpa, and polar fleece are excellent materials that either hold fluff naturally or can be enhanced through mechanical or thermal treatment.

What kind of fabric naturally attracts fluff?

Not all fabrics are built for fluff. The structure of the yarn and the surface treatment matters most.

Fabric Type	Natural Fluff Factor	Reason
Brushed Fleece	★★★★★	Fibers are raised and aerated
French Terry	★★★★☆	Loop-back knit traps air and lint
Sherpa	★★★★★	Imitates wool with maximum pile height
Polar Fleece	★★★★☆	Synthetic but engineered for fluffiness
Flat Jersey Cotton	★★☆☆☆	Needs brushing; doesn’t fluff naturally

High-fluff fabrics usually have these traits:

• Open knit structure (like loopback or interlock)
• Lofted yarns with more bulk than twist
• Mechanical brushing on one or both sides
• Synthetic fiber blend for memory and resilience

Avoid tightly woven or high-twist knits—they resist fluff even when brushed.

Which hoodie materials are easiest to fluff up intentionally?

Cotton-poly fleece blends are the easiest to manipulate, followed by rayon-fleece and bamboo-fleece mixes.

• Cotton-Poly Blends: Retain structure and respond well to brushing or tumble methods. Good for low-pill applications.
• Rayon Mixes: Super soft but prone to shrinkage—fluff can exaggerate this.
• Bamboo Fleece: Naturally soft and breathable but may flatten quickly if not cared for properly.

If you’re sourcing or sampling, request one-side brushed fleece. It gives you the surface softness you want while keeping the interior clean and structured.

DIY Methods to Get Fluff on Your Hoodie at Home¹

No special equipment? No problem. Several low-tech methods can coax fluff out of the right material.

Use a lint brush, towel-dryer combo, or steam to stimulate fiber lift. All of these methods mimic what textile mills do—just on a smaller scale.

Can you use a dryer trick or towel method to create fluff?

Yes. The "towel tumble" trick is a classic home method that’s surprisingly effective.

• How It Works: The dry towel agitates the hoodie surface, loosening fibers gently.
• Method: Add a large clean towel to the dryer with your hoodie. Set to low or no heat and tumble for 15–20 minutes.
• Bonus Tip: Add 1–2 wool dryer balls to enhance fiber lift.

🛑 Avoid high heat. It can compress the fibers permanently, making your hoodie stiffer instead of fluffier.

How does brushing your hoodie with a lint brush increase fluffiness?

Brushing raises fibers, especially on brushed-back fleece or terry materials.

• Best Tools: Use a natural bristle brush or even a pet grooming brush.
• Technique:
  • Lay your hoodie flat.
  • Brush in one direction.
  • Focus on cuffs, hood lining, and pocket edges.
• Frequency: Once every few wears helps maintain the fluff without damaging fabric.

Brushing can also remove pilling, improving the visual appeal at the same time.

How to Maintain the Fluff on Your Hoodie for the Long-Term

Fluff is fragile. The wrong wash cycle can undo all your hard work.

Wash in cold water, skip heavy spin cycles, and avoid enzyme-based detergents. Let it air dry naturally to preserve the fluff.

What washing techniques help preserve hoodie fluff?

Gentle is key.

• Use a laundry bag: Reduces friction and fiber loss.
• Avoid fabric softener: It can coat the fibers and weigh them down.
• Try a vinegar rinse: Helps lift fibers naturally and remove detergent residue.
• Brush after drying: Revives fluff and keeps it looking fresh.

💡 Pro tip: For heavy-use hoodies, rotate with another one to avoid overwashing.

Should you avoid certain detergents or heat settings?

Yes. Certain ingredients can be fluff killers.

Detergents to Avoid:

Ingredient	Why It Hurts Fluff
Enzymes	Break down natural fibers
Bleach	Weakens structure
Softener Sheets	Flatten and coat fibers

Safe Practices:

• Choose “delicate” or “wool-safe” detergents.
• Always use cold water and gentle spin.
• Dry flat or line dry in the shade—sunlight and heat can degrade fluff texture.

---

Conclusion

Adding fluff to a hoodie isn’t just about comfort—it’s about creating a better product, look, and feel. From sourcing the right fabrics to using simple at-home tricks, you can master the fluff game and enjoy a cozier, more stylish hoodie every time.

---