The short answer: fold, do not hang
The best way to store hoodies is to fold them flat on a shelf or in a drawer, rather than hanging them on a thin hanger. Hanging pulls the weight of the fabric down through the shoulders and can leave bumps or stretch the neck. Make sure the hoodie is completely dry before you put it away, and keep it in a cool, airy place away from direct sun.
A good hoodie is one of the longest-lived things in a wardrobe, and how you store hoodies counts for as much as how you wash them. Heavy fleece is dense, soft and a little bulky, so it needs a few simple habits. None of them take long.
Why you store hoodies differently from other clothes
A hoodie carries weight. Our ORIGINAL Hoodie is a 300 GSM brushed cotton fleece, and our ORIGINAL Zip Hoodie is a 400 GSM brushed-fleece full-zip in 90% cotton. GSM is grams per square metre, so these are dense, heavy fabrics. If you would like the numbers explained, see our guide on what GSM a hoodie should be.
Weight is why you should store hoodies folded. On a hanger, gravity pulls the shoulders down over time, and a wide double-layer hood adds even more pull. A folded hoodie rests on its own weight, so nothing stretches.
How to fold a pullover hoodie
- Lay it flat on a bed or table, front side down, and smooth out any wrinkles with your hands.
- Fold the hood down into the body so it lies flat against the back, rather than sticking up.
- Fold each sleeve across the back. For a wide sleeve, you can fold it in on itself first so it makes a neat rectangle.
- Fold the bottom hem up to just below the neckline, or fold in half again if you want a smaller stack.
- Turn it over so the front faces out, and place it on the pile with the fold facing outwards, which lets you see the colour without unpacking the stack.
Thick hoodies like the ARCHIVE Oversized Hoodie, a heavy, roomy hoodie with dropped shoulders and a double-layer hood, take up more room than a tee. It is ₹1,499, in Gulabi Pink, Arav Green, Neel Blue, Noor Black and Rui White. Give it its own space rather than squashing it under a heavy pile.
How to fold a zip hoodie
- Zip it fully so the teeth do not catch on other clothes.
- Lay it flat, front up, and fold each sleeve across the chest.
- Fold the hood down onto the body.
- Fold the hem up to meet the collar, then once more if you need a smaller stack.
The ORIGINAL Zip Hoodie is ₹1,799 in Noor Black or Rui White, with ribbed cuffs and hem. Keeping the zip closed protects the fabric near it, and stops it from snagging on softer pieces in the same drawer.
Where to store hoodies
- A shelf or drawer. Store hoodies in folded stacks of about three or four. Taller stacks squash the bottom ones.
- Away from sun. Sunlight can fade fabric dyes over time, so avoid a spot that sits in direct light.
- Somewhere with air. A cupboard that is shut all year and packed tight can feel stale. Leave a little space so air moves.
- Not in a plastic bag. Never store hoodies in plastic, which traps any leftover moisture. Breathable cotton bags or open shelves are kinder to the fabric.
How to store hoodies in humid months
Damp air is hard on stored clothes. In a wet season, cloth can pick up a stale smell, or even mildew, if it goes into a closed cupboard even slightly damp. In general terms, make sure a hoodie is bone dry before storing it, and open the cupboard for a while on drier days to let air through. Some people leave a small pouch of neem leaves, cloves or an absorbent sachet nearby. These are home habits rather than tested guarantees, so treat them as helpful extras and not a fix.
We cover the drying side in our monsoon fabrics guide.
Before you put it away
- Wash if it needs it. Do not store a hoodie that has been worn a lot without airing or washing it. Sweat and skin oils left in the fabric can cause smells and stains later. Our guide on how to wash a hoodie so it lasts ten years gives the full method.
- Dry it fully. Fleece takes longer to dry than a tee. Check the thick seams and the inside of the hood, since these stay damp longest.
- Turn it right way out if you are storing it long term, especially with a print or embroidery on the outside, so nothing rubs.
What to do with prints and embroidery
If a hoodie has embroidery or a print, fold it so the design is not pressed hard against a rough surface, and avoid stacking a heavy item on top. A soft fold with the design facing inward is usually enough. Simple Solids hoodies, such as the CORE Pullover Hoodie, a soft terry pullover with a clean hood and pouch pocket at ₹1,249 in Rui White, Noor Black or Neel Blue, have no such worry.
How to store hoodies between seasons
If you live somewhere warm and store hoodies away for months, give them a little attention first. Wash them, dry them completely, and fold them loosely instead of tightly. Keep a cotton sheet or pillowcase over the stack to keep dust off. When the cool weather returns, shake each one out and air it for an afternoon before you wear it. A hoodie that has rested well needs only a quick refresh, and the fleece stays soft.
Packing a hoodie for travel
For a trip, roll the hoodie instead of folding it flat. Rolling tends to leave fewer hard creases in thick fleece, and a rolled hoodie fits neatly into the gaps of a bag. Put the zip up first if it has one, and keep it away from anything with a rough edge, such as a buckle. On arrival, take it out and hang it loosely for an hour so the fibres relax. If you are packing for several days, our washing guide is also useful for quick refreshes on the road.
Common mistakes when you store hoodies
- Hanging a wet or heavy hoodie, which stretches the shoulders and neck.
- Storing it in a sealed plastic bag with any dampness left.
- Packing the drawer so tight that the fleece is crushed.
- Leaving it on a chair for weeks, where it collects dust and creases.
Every piece we make is made for you in India once you reserve it and ships free across India. We would like each one to still look right years from now, and the way you store hoodies plays a big part in that.
FAQs
Should I fold or hang my hoodie?
Fold it. Hanging stretches the shoulders and neck over time because fleece is heavy. If you must hang one, use a wide, padded hanger.
How do I stop hoodies smelling musty in the monsoon?
Store hoodies only when they are completely dry, do not seal them in plastic, and let air move through the cupboard when the weather allows.
How many hoodies can I stack together?
When you store hoodies in a stack, three or four is a good limit. A taller stack squashes the fleece at the bottom and can leave creases.
Can I store a hoodie for months without washing?
It is better to wash it first. Sweat and oils left in the fabric can cause smells or marks during long storage.
Looking for a hoodie worth caring for? Visit the shop whenever it suits you.
