There’s nothing quite like pulling on a hoodie that feels just as soft as the day you bought it. Over the past few years working closely with textile suppliers and managing apparel orders, I’ve picked up a few reliable tricks to keep hoodies from turning stiff, scratchy, or faded after multiple washes. Whether it’s fleece-lined or brushed cotton, softness matters—not just for comfort, but also for how long the garment lasts.

In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to keep hoodies soft, based on my own experience maintaining samples and stock garments for customer reviews. These tips apply whether you’re caring for a single favorite hoodie or prepping hundreds for retail sale.

Why Do Hoodies Lose Their Softness So Fast?

Most people don’t realize this, but hoodies begin to lose softness from the first wash. Harsh detergents, high heat, and over-drying can break down fabric fibers. Even the way you store your hoodie can cause stiffness over time.

I used to think washing inside out was just a TikTok trend. Turns out, that one move prevents friction on the outer surface—especially on fleece or loopback cotton blends. For commercial clients ordering in bulk, keeping garments soft after shipping is even more critical because nobody wants to buy scratchy loungewear.

The Simple Mistakes That Make Hoodies Feel Rough

Let me share a quick example. We once sent a batch of 300 hoodies to a U.S. retailer. Their first wash test? Hot water, heavy detergent, high heat dryer. The result? Garments came back stiff, pilled, and one even shrunk a size.

Here’s what not to do if you want to keep hoodie softness:

• Don’t use hot water (warm or cold is best)
• Avoid strong detergent—especially powder formulas
• Never toss your hoodie in a hot dryer without care
• Skip fabric softeners; they coat fibers and reduce breathability

I’ve found that air drying flat and using a gentle, enzyme-free detergent makes a world of difference. And yes, wash with similar fabrics—don’t throw towels in with your hoodies.

My Proven Steps to Keep Hoodies Soft (Even After Dozens of Washes)

This is my exact routine I use both at home and when advising customers on bulk hoodie care instructions. It works whether you’re buying for personal use or stocking your boutique.

1. Turn It Inside Out

This reduces surface wear during washing, protecting any print and keeping the texture fluffy.

2. Wash in Cold Water Only

Cold water keeps fibers intact. It also prevents color fade, especially for pigment-dyed or tie-dye hoodies.

3. Use a Mild, Liquid Detergent

I usually go for a plant-based or “delicates” detergent. It cleans well without stripping softness.

4. No Fabric Softener or Bleach

Softener builds up over time and actually makes hoodies stiff. Bleach is a no-go unless it’s white-only and necessary.

5. Air Dry Flat or Tumble Dry Low

Flat drying is safest. If I’m in a rush, tumble dry on low with a clean tennis ball to keep the inner fleece fluffy.

6. Brush the Fleece Occasionally

This one’s a trick I learned from a factory in Portugal. Lightly brushing the inner fleece with a clean, soft brush restores its texture.

Care Instructions I Now Include with Every Custom Hoodie Order

At Sheen, we now attach a small card to every bulk hoodie shipment that includes this advice. Many clients ordering for retail or corporate wear don’t realize how big of a difference care makes—not just in garment life, but also in repeat sales.

If you’re a buyer for a store or a brand, I strongly recommend giving your customers clear washing instructions. It saves returns and boosts customer satisfaction.

And if you’re just shopping for yourself? Trust me—follow these steps, and your hoodie will feel as soft next season as it did on day one.

FAQs: Your Hoodie Softness Questions Answered

1. What is the best way to keep a hoodie soft after washing?
Turn it inside out, use cold water, and air dry it flat. This helps maintain the fabric texture and prevents shrinkage or pilling.

2. How do you wash hoodies to keep them soft and fluffy?
Use a gentle liquid detergent, avoid softeners, and tumble dry on low with a tennis ball or air dry flat for best results.

3. How can I maintain hoodie softness for the long term?
Avoid harsh chemicals, wash with similar fabrics, and store folded—not hung—to prevent fabric stretch and stiffness.

4. What makes a hoodie go rough or scratchy over time?
Over-washing, hot drying, and strong detergents damage fibers and cause rough texture. Softener buildup can also make fleece feel waxy.

5. How to soften a hoodie after washing if it already feels stiff?
Soak it in cold water with a spoon of white vinegar, rinse gently, and air dry with a brush-out after drying. This resets fiber texture naturally.