How to Wash a Crewneck Sweatshirt: Reebok Care Tips
By Reebok® Official Site | Life is Not a Spectator Sport | Published: 2026-11-04
Category: Tips & Care
Keep your Reebok sweatshirt soft and pill-free with a simple wash, dry, and storage routine. Follow these steps for crewnecks and zip tops.
Quick answer
Wash your Reebok sweatshirt inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle, then air-dry it flat or hang it to prevent pilling and shrinkage. Store it folded rather than hung to keep its shape.
Why cold water and gentle cycles matter
Hot water and harsh agitation break down fleece fibers and cause pilling, especially on soft materials like the fleece in the Women's Wardrobe Essentials Retro Zip Top. Cold water and a gentle cycle reduce friction and protect the fabric's structure. Always check the care label first—if a specific instruction conflicts with this guide, follow the label.
When to skip the dryer entirely
High heat can shrink sweatshirts and damage stretch fibers. Air-drying is safer for all Reebok sweatshirts, but it's especially important for structured doubleknit styles like the Women's Crewneck Sweatshirt, which can lose their shape in a hot dryer. If you must use a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting and remove the item while slightly damp.
Step-by-step sweatshirt care
- Turn inside out and zip up: Before washing, turn the sweatshirt inside out and close any zippers to prevent snagging. Common mistake: leaving zippers open, which can catch on other garments and cause pulls. Check that zippers are fully closed and the item is inside out.
- Wash cold on gentle: Use cold water and a gentle cycle with a mild detergent. Avoid fabric softeners, which can coat fleece fibers and reduce breathability. Common mistake: overloading the machine, which increases friction and pilling. Wash with similar colors and avoid overloading.
- Air-dry flat or hang: Lay the sweatshirt flat on a drying rack or hang it on a padded hanger. Avoid direct sunlight and radiators. Common mistake: hanging a wet sweatshirt by the shoulders, which can stretch them out. Dry flat to maintain shape, especially for heavy fleece.
- Store folded, not hung: Once completely dry, fold the sweatshirt and store it in a drawer or on a shelf. Hanging can stretch the shoulders over time. Common mistake: storing while damp, which leads to mildew. Ensure the sweatshirt is fully dry before folding.
- De-pill gently if needed: If pilling occurs, use a fabric shaver or a fine-tooth comb to remove pills gently. Common mistake: pulling pills off by hand, which can distort the fabric. Use a dedicated tool and light pressure.
Product facts
- Women's Wardrobe Essentials Retro Zip Top: Soft fleece construction with a relaxed fit. Fleece is prone to pilling, so washing inside out and air-drying helps maintain its smooth surface.
Women's Wardrobe Essentials Retro Zip Top - Women's Crewneck Sweatshirt: Structured, yet soft doubleknit fabric. Doubleknit holds its shape well but can shrink with heat, so cold washing and low-heat drying are key.
Women's Crewneck Sweatshirt
