How to Care for Your Varsity Logo Apparel: Hoodies, Sweatpants & Tees

Your varsity logo hoodie, sweatpants, and tee aren't just comfortable—they're part of your everyday uniform. Whether you're heading to the gym, running errands, or lounging at home, those bold letters and patches make a statement. But after a few washes, that crisp logo can start to fade, crack, or peel if you're not careful.

The good news? Caring for varsity logo apparel doesn't require fancy products or dry cleaning. With a few simple habits, you can keep your favorite pieces looking sharp for years. Here's exactly how to wash, dry, and store your varsity gear—plus what to avoid.

Why Varsity Apparel Needs Special Care

Varsity-style clothing typically features embroidered patches, screen-printed letters, or heat-transferred designs. These decorations are the most vulnerable part of the garment. Aggressive washing, high heat, and rough handling can cause them to fade, crack, or peel—ruining the look you love.

Cotton blends, which are common in hoodies and sweatpants, also shrink and lose shape when exposed to hot water or high dryer heat. That's why a little extra attention during laundry pays off. Understanding what your garment is made of and how the logo is applied helps you choose the right care routine.

• Check the care label first—it tells you the fabric blend and recommended water temperature.
• Embroidered logos are more durable than printed ones, but still benefit from gentle washing.
• Heat is the enemy: hot water and high dryer settings cause the most damage.

Washing Your Varsity Logo Hoodie, Sweatpants, and Tee

Turn your varsity apparel inside out before washing. This simple step protects the logo from rubbing against other clothes and the drum of the machine. Use cold water (below 30°C/85°F) and a gentle cycle. Cold water prevents fading and shrinking while still getting your clothes clean.

Choose a mild liquid detergent that's free of bleach and optical brighteners. These harsh chemicals can dull colors and break down the adhesive in printed logos. Skip fabric softeners—they leave a residue that can make prints sticky and attract lint. If you're dealing with stains, spot-treat them before washing rather than scrubbing the whole garment.

For extra protection, consider washing your varsity pieces separately or with similar colors. This prevents color transfer and reduces friction. If you're washing a hoodie with a heavy embroidered patch, you might also want to use a mesh laundry bag—though most standard machines handle them fine without one.

• Always turn garments inside out before washing.
• Use cold water and a gentle cycle—no hot water, ever.
• Skip fabric softeners and bleach; opt for a mild detergent.
• Wash with like colors to avoid dye transfer.

Drying and Ironing: The Heat Rules

The dryer is where most varsity apparel damage happens. High heat can cause prints to crack, patches to warp, and cotton to shrink. The safest approach is to air dry your hoodie, sweatpants, and tee. Lay them flat on a clean towel or hang them on a drying rack away from direct sunlight, which can also fade colors.

If you must use a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting and remove the items while they're still slightly damp. This reduces the time they spend exposed to heat. Never dry varsity apparel on high heat, and avoid over-drying—it weakens fibers and makes logos brittle.

When it comes to ironing, the same rule applies: low heat only. Turn the garment inside out and place a pressing cloth between the iron and the logo to avoid direct contact. If you have an embroidered patch, iron around it, not over it. Steaming is an even safer option to remove wrinkles without touching the design.

• Air dry whenever possible—flat or on a rack.
• If using a dryer, use low heat and remove while slightly damp.
• Iron inside out on low heat with a pressing cloth; avoid direct contact with logos.
• Steam is a great wrinkle remover that won't damage designs.

Storing and Refreshing Your Varsity Gear

Proper storage keeps your varsity apparel looking great between wears. Fold hoodies and sweatpants rather than hanging them—hanging can stretch the shoulders and distort the shape. For tees, folding is also best to prevent stretching at the neckline. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

To keep your gear smelling fresh without frequent washing, hang it in a well-ventilated area after wearing. You can also use a fabric freshener spray designed for activewear. Spot clean small stains immediately with a damp cloth and a little mild detergent—this prevents the need for a full wash.

When you're not wearing your varsity pieces, consider folding them with acid-free tissue paper to help maintain their shape. Avoid plastic bags, which trap moisture and can cause mildew. If you're packing for travel, placing your folded hoodie in a packing cube helps keep it neat and protected—just like you'd pack other essentials.

• Fold hoodies and sweatpants to avoid stretching; hang tees only if necessary.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
• Refresh with a fabric spray between washes, not a full wash.
• Use acid-free tissue paper for long-term storage.

Caring for Your Varsity Gear on the Go

Your varsity logo apparel isn't just for lounging—you might wear it to the gym, on a weekend trip, or to a casual Friday at work. When you're out and about, a little extra care goes a long way. If you're heading to the gym, pack your hoodie in a separate compartment of your gym bag to avoid friction with other items. For travel, fold your tee and sweatpants neatly and place them in a packing cube to keep them wrinkle-free.

If you're carrying a work bag and want to switch into something more comfortable after hours, a lightweight crossbody like the Micah Crossbody in Dune can hold your essentials without adding bulk, leaving your varsity tee free to breathe in your tote. And when you're packing for a business trip, the Landon Carryall in Dune, Large gives you plenty of room for your varsity hoodie alongside your work clothes. Just fold it carefully and place it on top to avoid crushing the logo.

• Use a packing cube to keep folded varsity items separate and wrinkle-free.
• Avoid overstuffing your bag—compression can crease logos.
• If you're carrying a separate bag for your gear, choose one with a dedicated compartment.

Caring for your varsity logo apparel doesn't have to be complicated. Turn items inside out, wash in cold water, skip the dryer when you can, and store them folded. With these simple habits, your hoodie, sweatpants, and tee will keep their bold look and comfortable fit for many seasons to come.