A good hoodie gets worn more than anything else you own. That's the point. But heavy rotation, hot dryers, and lazy washing are what turn a solid hoodie into a faded, pilled, shrunken one. Here's how to keep the Eyes Low Champion Hoodie looking right for a long time.
Know what you're working with
The Eyes Low hoodie is built on a Champion blank: 50% cotton and 50% polyester in Black; Light Steel is listed as 50% cotton, 40% polyester, and 10% black polyester. Both use 9 oz/yd² fabric, with Champion's moisture-wicking Double Dry® technology. It has a two-ply hood, a dyed-to-match drawcord, a kangaroo pocket, heavy rib-knit cuffs and waistband, and the embroidered "C" logo on the left cuff. It comes in Black and Light Steel, sizes S to 3XL.
Fabric care depends on the garment, its decoration, and how it is used. Always check the care label inside your hoodie first. The tips below are the general rules for a blend like this.
Wash it less than you think
Unless it's actually dirty or smells, you don't need to wash a hoodie after every wear. Air it out over a chair overnight and throw it back on. Fewer washes means less fading and less pilling. Wash when needed for cleanliness; there is no fixed number of wears that suits every routine.
Turn it inside out
Before it goes in, flip it inside out and pull the drawcord so it doesn't slip into the hood. Inside out protects the print and the outer face of the fabric from rubbing against everything else in the load. That rubbing is what causes those little fuzz balls on the front.
Cold water, gentle cycle
- Cold water. Hot water fades dark colors fast and can shrink cotton. Black especially stays deeper in cold.
- Gentle or normal cycle. Skip heavy duty. It's not a work rag.
- Wash with like colors. Black with darks, Light Steel with lights or grays.
- Go easy on detergent. Too much soap leaves residue that makes fleece feel stiff.
- Skip bleach. On any color.
- Keep it away from towels and jeans. Rough fabrics speed up pilling.
Drying: low heat or no heat
This is where most hoodies die. High heat shrinks cotton and breaks down fibers. Best option is to lay it flat or hang it over a drying rack. If you use the dryer, use low heat and pull it out while it's still slightly damp, then let it finish on a hanger or flat surface.
Don't hang a wet hoodie by the hood on a hook for days. The weight stretches the neck. Flat or over a rack is the move.
Dealing with pilling
If pills appear, check the garment and any tool instructions before attempting removal. Keep blades, combs, and abrasive tools away from the Eyes Low graphic and embroidered details. Do not pull at loose fibers or assume a tool suitable for plain fabric is safe across a decorated area.
Storage
Fold your hoodies, don't hang them long-term. Hangers stretch out the shoulders over time, especially on a heavier piece. A folded stack in a drawer or on a shelf keeps the shape right.
Getting the fit right from the start
Care matters, but so does buying the right size. The Eyes Low Champion Hoodie has a regular fit. If you like it looser and roomier, size up. Use the hoodie's garment size guide to compare chest width and length with a hoodie you already like. Choose the fit you want now rather than planning to shrink it in the dryer.
Make it part of the rotation
A hoodie that's cared for right becomes the one you grab every cold morning. Throw it over a pocket tee, add the packable jacket when it rains, and you're set. For more on building cold-weather fits, check out the Eyes Low fall and winter layering guide.
Find your next everyday layer. Get the Eyes Low Champion Hoodie or see the full Hoodies collection.