How to Care for Kids Sweatshirts and Hoodies
By Kids and Baby Clothes Rompers, T-Shirts, & More |RAGS.com .... | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: Tips & Care
Learn how to wash, dry, and maintain your child's sweatshirts and hoodies so they stay soft, colorful, and well-fitting longer.
Quick answer
To keep kids sweatshirts and hoodies in great shape, wash them inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle, and always air dry or tumble dry on low heat.
Why care matters for sweatshirts and hoodies
Kids sweatshirts and hoodies take a lot of wear — playground tumbles, snack spills, and repeated washes. Without proper care, colors fade, fabric pills, and elastic cuffs lose their shape. A few simple habits can keep your child's favorite piece looking fresh longer.
The materials matter. Sweatshirts often blend cotton with polyester or have printed graphics that need gentle handling. Knowing what your garment is made of helps you choose the right wash and dry settings.
Common care mistakes to avoid
Hot water is the top culprit for shrinking cotton sweatshirts. Always check the care label, but cold water is a safe default for most kids hoodies.
Tumble drying on high heat can damage elastic cuffs, drawstrings, and screen-printed designs. If you must use a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting and remove the hoodie while it's still slightly damp.
Step-by-step kids sweatshirt care routine
- Check the care label and pre-treat stains: Read the garment's care tag for water temperature and drying instructions. Spot-clean any visible stains with a mild detergent or stain remover before washing. Avoid rubbing stains vigorously — blot or dab instead to prevent spreading.
- Turn the sweatshirt inside out and zip or button up: Turn the hoodie or sweatshirt inside out to protect the outer fabric and any printed graphics. Close zippers or buttons to prevent snagging. This simple step reduces friction that causes pilling and fading.
- Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle: Use cold water and a gentle or delicate cycle. Choose a mild liquid detergent — avoid bleach or fabric softeners, which can break down fibers and dull colors. Overloading the machine can cause uneven cleaning; wash similar colors together.
- Air dry or tumble dry on low heat: Lay the sweatshirt flat or hang it to air dry away from direct sunlight. If using a dryer, select the lowest heat setting and remove the garment while it's still slightly damp to prevent shrinkage. High heat is the fastest way to shrink a cotton hoodie or damage elastic cuffs.
- Store properly to maintain shape: Fold sweatshirts and hoodies rather than hanging them, which can stretch out the shoulders. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Hanging heavy hoodies can cause the neckline to sag over time.
Product care notes
- Child - Ghost Hoodie: Loose-fit hoodie with ribbed cuffs and checkered sleeves; also comes with thumb holes. Ribbed cuffs and thumb holes can lose elasticity in high heat, so air drying or low-heat tumble drying is recommended to keep them snug.
Child - Ghost Hoodie - Child - Legend Sweatshirt: Repeated washing gives it a cool used look. If you prefer a consistent color and shape, wash this sweatshirt inside out on a gentle cycle and avoid harsh detergents to slow the fading process.
Child - Legend Sweatshirt - Child - Sunbird Sweatshirt: Raglan sweater for a vintage look with original front graphic; repeated washing gives a cool used look. The raglan sleeves and front graphic benefit from gentle washing — turn the sweatshirt inside out and use cold water to protect the print.
