If you've invested in Matt & Tommy apparel, you want it to stay sharp. This guide covers washing, drying, and storing your favorite pieces so they look and feel great for seasons. From that oversized hoodie to your go-to tee, proper Matt & Tommy apparel care keeps the prints vibrant and the fabric soft.
Why Proper Care Extends Your Merch's Life
Your hoodie and tee designs are printed using advanced methods - direct-to-garment on the tees, and screen-print style on some hoodies. These prints bond with the fabric fibers, but heat, friction, and harsh chemicals can weaken that bond over time. Without proper care, you might see cracking after just a few washes.
What Happens to Prints Without Care?
A typical 100% cotton tee from Matt & Tommy uses water-based inks. These inks are soft and breathable, but they are also more vulnerable to high heat and strong detergents. After 10-15 improper washes, you can expect fading and cracking. With good habits, that same tee can look nearly new after 50 washes. The hoodies often feature a thicker fleece lining that traps lint and can lose shape if washed too hot.
Washing Your Matt & Tommy Tees and Hoodies
Start by turning every garment inside out. This protects the printed surface from rubbing against other clothes. Close zippers and buttons to avoid snags.
Step 1: Sort by Color
Separate darks and lights. A black Matt & Tommy hoodie can bleed dye in the first few washes. Wash with similar colors only.
Step 2: Choose Cold Water
Cold water (below 80°F) is your friend. It prevents shrinking and helps prints stay flexible. Hot water may set stains but also fades the design and can cause cotton to shrink by 3-5%.
Step 3: Use Mild Detergent
Skip bleach, fabric softener, and anything with optical brighteners. These chemicals attack the print's surface. A gentle, color-safe detergent works best. For dark garments, use a detergent formulated for darks to reduce fading.
Step 4: Gentle Cycle
Use the delicate or gentle cycle on your machine. The agitation of a regular cycle is too rough for print longevity. Wash tees and hoodies separate from jeans or towels to minimize friction.
Pro tip: If your tee has a heavy stain, pre-treat with a tiny drop of detergent on the spot and gently rub before washing. Do not use hot water to pre-treat.
Drying and Ironing Tips to Avoid Damage
Heat is the biggest enemy of a well-cared-for print. Tumble drying can shrink the garment and crack the design.
Air Drying is Best
Lay your Matt & Tommy apparel flat on a drying rack or hang it in the shade. Avoid direct sunlight, which can bleach colors over time. Drying times are typically 4-8 hours depending on thickness.
If You Must Use a Dryer
Set to the lowest heat setting possible (air fluff or delicate). Remove the garment while still slightly damp and finish air drying. This reduces shrinking and heat stress on prints.
Ironing: No Direct Heat on Prints
Never iron directly over the printed area. Always iron the garment inside out, and use a low-medium setting. If you need to remove wrinkles on the print, place a thin cloth (like a towel) between the iron and the shirt.
Common mistake: High heat drying can shrink a cotton hoodie by one full size. I've seen customers shrink their favorite hoodie to the point it no longer fits. Always check the care label - though our standard recommendation is cold wash, low dry.
Storing Your Collection to Prevent Wear
Proper storage keeps your pieces fresh between wears. Folding is better than hanging for most items.
Fold Tees and Hoodies
Heavy hoodies can stretch out on hangers - especially around the neck. Fold them neatly and stack in a drawer or shelf. For tees, folding avoids the shoulder bumps that hangers create.
Use Cedar or Lavender Sachets
To keep moths away without chemicals, place cedar blocks or lavender sachets in your closet. Avoid mothballs - the smell can cling to fabric.
Store in a Cool, Dry Place
Avoid attics or basements with humidity swings. Dampness encourages mildew. If you're storing seasonal items, use breathable cotton garment bags, not plastic dry-cleaning bags that trap moisture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using bleach to whiten a white tee: Bleach weakens the cotton fibers and can yellow the print over time. Use oxygen-based bleach (like OxiClean) sparingly.
- Washing with zippers or velcro: These catch on prints. Always zip up hoodies and fasten velcro before washing.
- Hanging wet garments: The weight of water stretches the fibers. Lay flat to dry instead.
- Folding prints against each other: If you store multiple tees in a stack, turn every other one face-down to prevent the prints from rubbing.
- Ignoring armpit stains: Treat with a paste of baking soda and water before washing. Do not use hot water.
Pro Tips from the Community
Tip 1: Turn Inside Out Before Wearing
Yes, even before the first wash. This keeps the print from rubbing against your body's oils and reduces fading. A dedicated fan shared this trick on the Matt & Tommy fan forum.
Tip 2: Use a Laundry Bag for Delicates
A mesh laundry bag adds an extra layer of protection. Place your tee inside, zip it, and then wash. This prevents snags from other clothing items.
Tip 3: Spot Clean When Possible
If you get a small stain (like coffee or food), try spot cleaning with a damp cloth and mild soap before doing a full wash. This reduces the number of washes your garment goes through, extending its life.
Tip 4: Rotate Your Rotation
Don't wear the same hoodie every week. Rotating between two or three pieces allows the fibers to recover between wears. This reduces pilling and keeps the shape intact.
Recommended Gear & Products
Premium Cotton Tee
Our classic Matt & Tommy tee is made from 100% ring-spun cotton. It handles repeated cold washes well and resists shrinking better than standard cotton. The print is cured at high heat during production - it's designed to last if you follow the care steps above.Fleece Hoodie
For colder days, the Matt & Tommy hoodie features a 80% cotton, 20% polyester blend. This mix holds shape after many washes. The fleece interior can pill if over-dried, so air drying is especially important here.Color-Safe Detergent
Though not sold in our store, we recommend using a detergent specifically for darks if you're washing black hoodies. Brands like Woolite Darks or similar help maintain color depth.Key Takeaways
- Wash inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle with mild detergent.
- Air dry whenever possible; use low heat if drying machine is necessary.
- Never iron directly on the print; always iron inside out.
- Store folded in a cool, dry place to prevent stretching and moisture damage.
- Rotate your pieces to reduce wear and tear.
FAQ
Can I use fabric softener on my Matt & Tommy apparel?
No. Fabric softener coats the fibers and can cause the print to peel over time. Stick to a mild detergent.How often should I wash my hoodie?
Only wash it when it's visibly dirty or after several wears. Over-washing accelerates fading. Spot clean minor stains.What is the best way to remove wrinkles from a printed tee?
Iron the shirt inside out on a low setting. If the print needs ironing, place a thin cloth between the iron and the print.Why did my black tee fade after the first wash?
This often happens if washed in warm or hot water, or with a heavy-duty detergent. Always use cold water and a color-safe detergent for the first few washes.Can I dry my Matt & Tommy hoodie in the dryer?
Yes, but only on low heat and remove it while still slightly damp. Air dry to finish. High heat will shrink the cotton and crack the print.
