How to Dry a Hoodie Quickly Without Shrinking It
The safest way to dry a hoodie quickly is to press out the water with a towel, then hang it on an airer in a well aired room. Keep it away from radiators and high heat, which cause shrinking.
Why does a hoodie take so long to dry?
Hoodies are thick, and the hood, cuffs and hem hold a lot of water. A good spin in the washing machine helps more than anything, so use the highest spin your care label allows before you start.
What is the fastest safe method?
Follow these steps:
- Lay the hoodie flat on a large dry towel
- Roll the towel up with the hoodie inside and press firmly
- Unroll and shake the hoodie out, pulling the seams straight
- Put it on an airer or a rack with air moving around it
- Open the hood and sleeves up so air can get inside
The towel step takes out a surprising amount of water.
Can I use the tumble dryer?
Only if the care label says you can, and then on a low heat. High heat is the quickest way to shrink a hoodie and damage any print. A good trick is to tumble on low for a short time, then finish on the airer while it is still a little damp.
What should I never do?
Keep these off the list:
- Do not put it on a radiator or in front of a heater
- Do not use a hairdryer on high heat
- Do not leave it scrunched up in a heap
- Do not wring or twist it
Direct heat and rough handling are what ruin the shape.
Should I hang it on a hanger?
Better not, especially when it is wet. A wet hoodie is heavy and will stretch at the shoulders. Lay it flat or drape it over an airer instead. Our post on how to fold and store hoodies covers what to do once it is dry.
How do I keep the rest of the wash routine in check?
Washing cool and turning the hoodie inside out protects it before it even gets to the drying stage. For the complete picture, read how to wash a hoodie without shrinking it. If you have a printed piece, see how to care for puff print clothing too.
Take care of it and it will look good for years. Have a browse of hoodies and sweatpants.
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