How to wash a plush hoodie so it stays soft

Plush fleece feels soft because of its fluffy pile. High heat, rough wash cycles and heavy products can flatten that pile or make it feel stiff over time. The good news: caring for it is easy, and a few habits keep it feeling soft wash after wash.

Always check the care label on your garment first. The steps below match the care instructions for the Hug Hoodie.

Use cold water and a gentle or delicate cycle. Cold water is kinder to soft fabrics and helps colors stay true, especially on darker shades like Midnight Nap (Black) and Campfire (Olive Brown).

Use a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Too much soap can leave residue that makes the pile feel heavier.

It sounds backwards, but fabric softener can coat the fibers and make plush feel flat. Skip it, along with dryer sheets. Don't use bleach, and never iron plush, since direct heat can flatten or damage the pile.

Tumble dry on low heat, or lay it flat or hang it to air dry. Take it out as soon as it's dry instead of letting it tumble longer than needed.

If you hang it, use a wide hanger or drape it over a drying rack so the shoulders don't stretch.

Once dry, give the hoodie a good shake. If any spots look a little flat, gently brush them with your hand or a soft clothes brush in one direction. The pile lifts back up and feels soft again.

You don't need to wash a hoodie after every wear. If you wear a T-shirt underneath, washing every few wears is usually plenty. Airing it out overnight between wears helps it stay fresh. Washing less often is also one of the easiest ways to keep plush soft for longer.

Spilled coffee or hot cocoa? You often don't need a full wash. Blot the spot right away with a clean cloth and cold water, working from the outside of the stain inward so it doesn't spread. Use a drop of mild detergent if needed, then rinse by blotting with a damp cloth. Let it air dry and fluff the area with your fingers once it's dry.

Avoid rubbing hard or scrubbing with a brush while the fabric is wet, since that can mat the pile.

Make sure the hoodie is clean and fully dry before you put it away. Fold it loosely instead of hanging it for months, and keep it somewhere cool and dry, away from direct sunlight, which can fade colors over time. Don't vacuum-pack plush tightly for long periods; it can flatten the pile. When you take it out again, a quick shake or a short tumble on a no-heat setting brings back the fluff.

The Hug Hoodie is a plush fleece hoodie with a relaxed, oversized fit, in four colors and sizes XS to XXL, for $68. Follow the steps above and it'll stay your favorite for a long time.