Can You Put a Bape Hoodie in the Washing Machine?

Yo, what’s up, Bapeheads? I know you all are obsessed with keeping your coveted Bathing Ape hoodies looking fresh. And who can blame you? Those shark faces and camo prints are iconic. But here’s the tea: tossing your bape into the washing machine can be risky. In this article, I’m spilling all the details on the right and wrong ways to clean your hype beast hoodie. We’ll cover washing methods, water temperatures, detergents, and more. I’ll even share some pro tips to avoid shrinkage and messed-up graphics. Have you been? Is it cool to machine wash your bape? You’ll know if your hoodie can handle the spin cycle by the end. Let’s get into it!

Can You Put a Bape Hoodie in the Washing Machine?

As an avid Bape hoodie collector, keeping my prized pieces clean is a top priority. But can you trust just any old washing machine with these designer garments? The answer is yes, with some important caveats.

Use a gentle cycle and cold water.

The most important thing is using a gentle, cold water cycle. Hot water can damage the hoodie’s print and cause it to fade, while an aggressive spin cycle risks tearing or pilling the fabric. I always wash my bape hoodies in my washer’s most delicate, cold water setting.

Remove stains first.

If your hoodie has any noticeable stains, treat them before washing. I use a paste of water and baking soda for most stains before tossing them in the wash. For stubborn protein stains, a commercial stain remover is the best. Removing stains before washing helps ensure they don’t set in and prevents you from scrubbing too hard during the actual wash.

Air drying is best.

While you can machine dry bape hoodies on low heat, I prefer air drying them. Lay the hoodie flat to air dry away from direct heat and sunlight. This helps the hoodie retain its shape and prevents heat-related damage or fading. Air drying may take longer, but it will keep your Bape hoodie looking fresh for years.

With some primary care and attention to detail, you can machine wash most Bape hoodies. Follow these best practices, and your favorite hoodie will remain clean, vibrant, and ready to rock for a long time! What’s not to love about that?

What Kind of Detergent Should You Use for a Bape Hoodie?

As an avid Bape hoodie collector, keeping my prized pieces clean is a top priority. I’ve found that using a premium detergent specifically designed for delicates is the way to go. Gentle and pH-balanced, I look for a detergent free from dyes and brighteners and has a neutral pH to ensure it’s gentle enough for the high-quality fabrics and prints Bape is known for. Harsh detergents can fade prints and damage fibers over time.

No fabric softener

Fabric softener may make your hoodie feel soft. Still, it can damage the fire-resistant coating and weaken the fabric. It’s best to avoid it altogether.

Follow the care instructions.

Bape hoodies typically recommend a cold or warm wash on the gentle cycle and low heat or air drying. Be sure to zip or button up your hoodie before washing to avoid snags and overloading the washer, which can cause damage.

Hand-wash when possible.

Hand-washing your Bape hoodie and laying it flat to air dry is ideal for ultimate care. This minimizes wear and tear from the agitation of a washing machine. If hand-washing, use a detergent explicitly made for delicates. Avoid twisting or wringing out the fabric, which can misshape the hoodie.

With the proper detergent and following the recommended care instructions, you can keep your prized Bape hoodie looking fresh for years. A little extra care will ensure your style investment lasts.

What Wash Cycle Is Best for Washing a Bape Hoodie?

If you want to keep your beloved Bape hoodie looking fresh, the wash cycle you choose is crucial. I recommend washing it gently or delicately using cold or warm water. The cold water setting is the most gentle and helps prevent fading. In contrast, warm water is more effective at cleaning and removing stains. Either way, keep the water temperature consistent with the care instructions on the item’s tag to avoid damage.

For the spin speed, choose a low or no-spin option. The lower spin speed causes less stress on the fabric and helps the hoodie keep its shape. I know it can be tempting to crank up the spin to get as much water out as possible but resist the urge! A slower spin means your hoodie will last longer.

Avoid the dryer!

Whatever you do, do not put your Bape hoodie in the dryer! The heat and tumbling can cause damage like shrinkage, fading, and pilling. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water and lay the hoodie flat to air dry away from direct heat. Make sure to straighten and shape the hoodie with your hands as it dries to maintain its shape. I flip my hoodie inside out before air drying, which helps it retain its size and shape.

If you follow these tips, your Bape hoodie will stay looking fresh and last for years to come. Be sure to avoid fabric softener, which can damage the water-resistant coating, and wash the hoodie every 3–4 wears to prevent stains from setting in. Caring for high-quality pieces correctly shows them the love they deserve! My Bape hoodie is one of my favorite and most cherished items, so taking the time to wash it right is worth it.

How to Dry Your Bape Hoodie After Washing

So you took the plunge and tossed your prized Bape hoodie in the washing machine. Now what? Have no fear; drying your hoodie correctly is critical to keeping it looking fresh.

As an avid Bape hoodie collector, I’ve learned a thing or two about caring for these statement pieces. The first rule is never to put your Bape hoodie in the dryer. The heat can cause damage to the fabric and prints and significantly reduce their lifespan.

Instead, gently squeeze out excess water and lay the hoodie flat on a towel to air dry.

As it dries to maintain its shape, fluff and reshape the hoodie with your hands. This is a perfect time to give your hoodie a once-over and spot any areas that need touch-ups. Bape’s signature prints and embroidery are high-quality but can still snag or fade with repeated washing. I like to have matching fabric paint or iron-on patches on hand for quick repairs.

Turn the hoodie inside out halfway through drying and continue airing until it is barely damp.

You can speed up the drying time by stuffing it with towels to absorb more moisture. Don’t be impatient; it’s best to keep stuffing and re-stuffing the hoodie for over 6–12 hours until it dries completely.

Once dried, inspect your hoodie before wearing it to ensure it is even drying and that the color and prints remain vibrant. Fluff again, and you’re ready to rock your freshly cleaned Bape hoodie! Following these drying tips will keep your hoodie looking and feeling brand new after every wash. My collection has stayed pristine over the years using this tried-and-true method. You can machine wash your Bape hoodie without worry using the proper care and drying technique. Happy cleaning, and good luck with your hype beast hoodie!

FAQs: Can You Put a Bape Hoodie in the Washing Machine?

You bet I can put my beloved Bape hoodie in the washer! The care instructions say “dry clean only,” but where’s the fun? As the owner of several Bape hoodies, I’ve been machine-washing them for years and haven’t had any issues. Here are my tips for keeping your hypebeast gear fresh:

What wash cycle should I use?

I always use the gentle or delicate cycle on warm or cool water. The agitation in the washer, not the water temperature, can cause damage. The gentle cycle has a slower, more careful agitation that won’t stress the seams or cause the hoodie to pill.

Should I use detergent?

Absolutely, but go light on the detergent. I use about half the recommended amount for an average load. Too much detergent won’t rinse out properly, leaving residue on the hoodie that can attract more dirt over time. A mild detergent made for delicates is best. Avoid anything too harsh with brighteners or bleach.

Can I machine-dry it too?

I machine-dry my bape hoodies on low heat, checking them frequently. I don’t let them get completely dry in the dryer. As soon as they’re just slightly damp, I remove them. The heat and tumbling action of the dryer, even on low, can cause damage over time. Letting them air dry the rest of the way prevents this. You can tumble dry for 10–15 minutes to soften them up, then air dry if needed.

Any other tips?

Zip up all zippers and fasten any Velcro before washing to avoid snags. Consider using a mesh laundry bag, which provides extra protection. Remove and clean the hoodie’s drawstrings separately in a delicate bag; they can wrap around the agitator. Avoid fabric softeners, which can damage water resistance.

With some care and technique, machine washing your Bape hoodie is doable. I’ve been doing it for years, and my hoodies still look as fresh as the day I bought them! Give it a try, and your hypebeast gear will thank you.

Conclusion

And there you have it, my buddies! It looks like throwing your precious Bape hoodie in the washing machine can be done. Still, you’ve got to follow the care instructions to a T. Set that lousy boy to cold water, gentle cycle, zip it up, and use a mild detergent. Inside out is the way to go. Then air dry—no heat for this cotton candy-colored camo! Treat your hoodie right, and it’ll last you for years. For all your other streetwear care questions, poke around the blog—I spill all my laundry secrets. Till next time, stay fresh!