This is a question I hear from buyers all the time. When you have a hoodie with a zipper, you start to wonder. Should I zip it before putting it into the machine, or leave it open?
You should always wash hoodies zipped up. Closing the zipper protects the fabric from snagging and keeps the zipper teeth from damaging other clothes. Turn the hoodie inside out and zip it before washing.
I learned this the hard way. Years ago, I washed a batch of new samples unzipped. The metal teeth scratched the fabric, and we had to repair them by hand.
Table of contents
- Why should you zip a hoodie before washing?
- Should you also turn hoodies inside out?
- What if you forget to zip a hoodie?
- Step-by-step: How to wash zip-up hoodies safely
- Do pullover hoodies need special care?
- Conclusion
Why should you zip a hoodie before washing?
The zipper is a hard surface that can easily catch on fabric.
When a hoodie is zipped, the zipper teeth stay closed and smooth. This reduces friction and stops the puller from hitting other clothes.
Protecting the fabric
A closed zipper prevents threads from pulling and stops holes from forming.
Protecting the zipper
When zipped, the puller does not swing around. It keeps the zipper in good shape.
Keeping the shape
Zipped hoodies hold their shape better during washing because the garment moves as one piece.
For more garment washing care tips, check Good Housekeeping – Clothing Care Guide.
Should you also turn hoodies inside out?
Yes, always.
Turning hoodies inside out reduces pilling, keeps prints safe, and protects embroidery from friction.
How I do it in my factory
When we wash hoodies before packing, we always:
- Zip them up
- Turn them inside out
- Use cold water
More on apparel manufacturing practices at Dec Garment.
What if you forget to zip a hoodie?
Leaving it open one time will not ruin it.
But over time, washing hoodies unzipped can damage the fabric around the zipper area and shorten the life of both the hoodie and the zipper.
Common damage from unzipped washing
- Scratched fabric
- Bent zipper teeth
- Puller breaking off
Step-by-step: How to wash zip-up hoodies safely
- Close the zipper fully
- Turn the hoodie inside out
- Wash with cold water
- Use a gentle cycle
- Air dry, never use high heat
These steps work for cotton, fleece, polyester, and blends.
Additional care tips: Consumer Reports – How to Wash Clothes.
Do pullover hoodies need special care?
Pullover hoodies (no zippers) do not need this step, but they still benefit from turning inside out and using cold water.
Pullovers are simpler, but the same care rules help them last longer.
Conclusion
You should always wash hoodies zipped up and inside out. This keeps the fabric smooth, the zipper safe, and the hoodie looking good for a long time.