Hill City Howlers Hoodie Care: Wash and Dry Without Shrinking

Quick Answer

To keep your Hill City Howlers hoodie from shrinking, wash it in cold water on a gentle cycle and always air dry or use the lowest heat setting. This works for both athletic hoodies and Champion Powerblend styles.

Step-by-Step Hoodie Care Routine

1. Read the care label: Before anything else, check the tag inside your Hill City Howlers hoodie. It lists the exact fabric blend and any specific washing instructions. If the label says 'wash cold' or 'tumble dry low,' follow that guidance. The care label overrides any general advice.
2. Turn the hoodie inside out: Turning your hoodie inside out protects the outer surface from friction and helps prevent pilling. It also keeps any printed graphics or logos from cracking or peeling. Zip up any zippers and fasten any buttons or snaps. Inside out is the default for every wash.
3. Use cold water and a gentle cycle: Set your washing machine to cold water and the gentle or delicate cycle. Hot water is the main cause of shrinkage, so cold is the safest choice. Use a mild detergent and avoid bleach or fabric softeners that can break down fibers. When in doubt, choose the coldest and most delicate setting.
4. Air dry or use the lowest heat: The best way to avoid shrinking is to lay the hoodie flat to dry or hang it on a drying rack. If you must use a dryer, set it to the lowest heat possible and remove the hoodie while it is still slightly damp. High heat is the second biggest culprit after hot water. Air drying is the safest; if using a dryer, keep it low and brief.
5. Reshape while damp: After washing, gently stretch the hoodie back to its original shape while it is still damp. Pay attention to the cuffs, hem, and hood. This helps the fabric dry evenly and prevents it from setting in a shrunken or misshapen form. A quick reshape while damp preserves the intended fit.
6. Store folded, not hung: Once fully dry, fold your hoodie and store it on a shelf or in a drawer. Hanging a heavy hoodie can stretch the shoulders and distort the shape over time. Folding keeps the fabric relaxed and maintains the fit. Folding beats hanging for hoodies.

Hoodie Care Facts

• Hill City Howlers Luchadores Men's Gray Athletic Hoodie: Men's gray athletic hoodie from the Luchadores collection, available in sizes S through 4XL. The larger size range means a shrink of even one size can be more noticeable, so careful washing is especially important for maintaining the intended fit.

  

• Hill City Howlers Luchadores Women's Pink Athletic Hoodie: Women's pink athletic hoodie from the Luchadores collection, available in sizes S through 2XL. A vibrant color like pink can fade with harsh washing, so cold water and gentle cycles help preserve both the fit and the bold shade.

  

• Hill City Howlers Women's Champion Powerblend Hoodie: Women's Champion Powerblend hoodie, available in sizes S through 2XL. Champion Powerblend fabric is designed for durability and comfort, but following low-heat care instructions will keep the soft feel and structure longer.