We all know the feeling, right? A soft, fluffy hoodie that feels like a warm hug! But, oh no, after a few washes, it’s not as soft anymore. It’s such a bummer when that happens! So, how to keep hoodies soft? In this article, we’ll share 9 easy ways to help you keep your hoodie as soft and comfy as the first time you wore it. Ready to bring back the fluffiness? Let’s dive in!
What Causes Your Favorite Hoodie to Lose Its Soft Touch?
Here’s why your hoodie might not feel as soft anymore:
- Washing machines and dryers can be pretty harsh on hoodies! The more we wash and dry them, the coarser they become. We totally understand the urge to throw it in the dryer, but believe us, that can lead to more problems!
- Hard water is another sneaky troublemaker!! The minerals in hard water stick to your clothes and make the fabric stiff.
- Detergent residue – Yup, some detergents don’t rinse out properly, and that leftover stuff builds up, leaving your hoodie feeling rough and scratchy.
- Wear and tear is just part of the game. We wear our hoodies a lot, right? Over time, that friction and use naturally makes the fabric less soft.
- Fabric pilling happens too, especially with fuzzy hoodies. Those little balls of fabric make your hoodie feel less smooth.
All of these things add up, and suddenly, your hoodie isn’t as cozy as it used to be!

Find out why your hoodie loses its softness over time
How To Keep Hoodies Soft? 9 Ways for Long-Lasting Softness
Want to keep your hoodie feeling soft and cozy for longer? Check out these 9 easy tips to maintain that comfy, fresh-out-of-the-store softness!
1. Don’t Skip the Care Label
Read the care label first if you want your hoodie to stay fluffy and soft! It includes precise directions for washing and drying the fabric without destroying it. Fleece hoodies, for example, perform best when washed on a soft cycle in warm water. Cotton hoodies can withstand a regular cycle in hot water. Trust us, it will help keep things nice!
Check the label to see if it can withstand high temperatures and whether it should be air-dried or dried on low. These small steps will keep your hoodie comfortable for much longer!

Keep hoodies soft by following the care label instructions carefully
2. Less Is More: Why You Should Wash Less
Want to keep your hoodie soft? Try washing it less! Hoodies are outerwear, so they don’t need to be washed after every wear. Seriously, they stay pretty clean! Just spot clean stains and you’re good to go. Every wash removes tiny fibers, making the fabric rougher over time. The less washing, the softer your hoodie stays! So, the secret to keeping your hoodie cozy is simple: wash less!
3. Say No to Fabric Softener for Natural Softness
So, here’s the thing! Fabric softener does make your hoodie feel super soft in the beginning, right? But, it builds up over time and leaves behind this weird residue. And guess what? That actually makes the fabric lose its softness! Crazy, huh? So, we recommend skipping the fabric softener. Your hoodie will stay comfy and last much longer!

Skip fabric softener for a naturally soft, cozy hoodie feel
4. Match Made in Heaven: Wash with Similar Fabrics
Wash your hoodie with similar materials, such as other soft cotton clothing. Don’t mix it with heavy items like jeans or coats! These abrasive fabrics might harm your hoodie, causing loose fibers and a less soft feel. Washing it in lightweight, soft clothes helps to maintain the fabric and keep it comfortable and fresh for longer.
5. Avoid Harsh Detergents for Softer Results
We all know harsh detergents can clean like a charm, but they’re not the best for your hoodie in the long run. They can break down the fabric and leave it feeling rough. Instead, go for a mild detergent and use just the right amount – don’t overdo it! Too much detergent can actually leave behind residue, and nobody wants that. So remember, less is more!
6. Choose The High-Quality Hoodies
Finding a high-quality one is a game changer to keep your hoodie softer. Our hoodies made from premium polyester and spandex blends are not only super comfy, but they also last longer and stay soft after lots of washes! And hey, the stitching matters too! A well-made hoodie will keep its soft feel no matter how many times you wear it.
Check out Yes That Hoodie right now to get stylish, affordable options that’ll keep you comfy all day long. You won’t regret it!
7. Pass on the Dryer
The heat and tumbling when using the dryer can break down fibers, causing them to lose their softness. You’ll even notice the lint trap filling up with soft fibers – those are the bits of your hoodie’s softness being lost!
8. Shield Your Hoodie: The Power of a Garment Bag
If you’re worried about your hoodie getting roughed up, just pop it in a garment bag! It helps protect your hoodie from rubbing against rough fabrics, so the detergent works without losing that soft, cozy feel we all love!

Protect your hoodie’s softness with a garment bag during washing
9. Use Dryer Balls: Softness Boost
For an extra softness boost, use dryer balls! They fluff up your hoodie while drying, speeding up the process and preventing clumping. Plus, they help keep your hoodie super soft- no harsh chemicals needed!
How to Wash Hoodies Soft?
Flip It! Turn Your Hoodie Inside Out for Washing
Should you wash hoodies inside out? Yup, flipping your hoodie inside out totally works! It’s honestly one of the best little tricks to keep it super soft. Those soft loops on the inside are what make your hoodie so cozy, and flipping it inside out stops it from rubbing against other clothes.
Not only does it keep the softness, but it also helps keep the outside from fading! And it gives the washing machine a chance to clean the inside better, which is where it really needs it. You’ve got to try this – such a simple hack, but it works wonders!

Turn your hoodie inside out before washing to maintain softness
Lock Down Zippers and Drawstrings
Does a hoodie have a zipper? No matter what you like, hoodies can have zippers or pullovers. But remember to zip up your hoodie and tie the drawstrings before you wash it if it has one. This simple step helps keep them from getting caught on other clothes and keeps your hoodie looking awesome. Trust us, it’ll come out just as fresh and perfect as it went in!
Wash in Cold Water
Use cold water every time you wash. It is better to wash clothes in cold water instead of hot water because hot water can stretch and weaken the fibers.

Washing in cold water helps maintain your hoodie’s softness
Don’t Over-Dry: Keep It Snug and Soft
Let’s talk about how to dry your hoodies! Just be careful not to go too far when you use a dryer! Lower the heat and take it off while it’s still a little wet. That way, your hoodie will stay soft and not get stiff! And, whenever possible, air dry your hoodie to keep it soft and cozy – high heat can cause damage!
Combine Baking Soda & Vinegar Hacks
A great tip is to add a cup of vinegar or baking soda to the wash. These natural wonders make hoodies softer without hurting them. Baking soda gets rid of smells, and vinegar stops soap buildup. Everything is fresh!

Baking soda and vinegar are nature’s secret for soft hoodies
Air Drying To Keep Perfect Softness
Air drying your hoodie is like giving it a nice little break! It helps keep it soft and cozy, without the rough spin of the dryer. Plus, it dries gently, so your hoodie stays just as comfy as always. How awesome is that? Your favorite hoodie stays cozy, clean, and ready for you to wear again whenever you want!
Store Smartly for Long-Lasting Softness
Proper storage of your hoodie is like giving it a wonderful little house! It will stay soft and comfy if you only keep it cool, dry somewhere far from direct sunshine. It’s like letting it lounge and rest. In this sense, your hoodie will be fresh, silky, and ready to keep you warm when you want to wear it!
Tips and Tricks for Preventing Hoodie Roughness in the Future
- Gentle Cycles Only: Hoodies don’t need a tough wash cycle like jeans! Use a moderate wash cycle to protect the fabric and keep it soft.
- Don’t Overload the Washer: Do not put too many clothes in the washer at once. This can wear them out, which could make your hoodie less soft.
- Be Eco-Friendly: Go green with eco-friendly laundry products! They’re gentle on your hoodie and the environment. Win-win!
- Fold, Don’t Hang: Hanging your hoodie can stretch the fabric. Instead, fold it neatly to help keep its shape.
- Avoid Sunlight: UV rays can fade and weaken your hoodie. Store it out of direct sunlight to keep it fluffy and vibrant!
Read more: Do You Wear A Shirt Under A Sun Hoodie? Great Tips For Your Comfort

Keep your hoodie soft with these easy, effective prevention tip
FAQs
1. How To Dry A Hoodie To Keep It Soft?
If your hoodie seems stiff, it could be from excessive heat. Try a lower heat setting and remove it while still somewhat damp. Then air dry the rest of the way. Dryer balls can help it stay fluffy!
2. How Often Should I Wash My Hoodie To Keep It Soft?
Washing it every 5–6 wears is usually enough! Overwashing can wear out the fabric. So, how many hoodies should I own? Check out our article to find out how many hoodies you really need! This way, you’ll always have one to wear, even after you wash your favorite ones!
3. How Do I Store My Hoodies To Keep Them Soft?
Keep your hoodie cool, dry, and out of the sun. No need to hang it—fold it neatly to retain its shape!
Bottom Line
In the end, we now know how to keep hoodies soft and cozy easily with 9 effective ways! A comfy hoodie is like a warm hug, especially when it’s chilly. By following these tips, we can keep our favorite hoodies feeling soft and fluffy all the time!