How to Wash and Care for Your Memphis Tigers Hoodie Without Fading

Every Memphis Tigers fan has that one favorite hoodie — the one you never want to ruin in the wash. You know the feeling: you pull it out of the dryer and notice the colors look a little duller, or worse, the logo's starting to crack. Whether it's a classic pullover or one of those popular hooded jerseys that blend comfort with that authentic game day look, keeping your Memphis Tigers gear looking fresh takes more than just tossing it in with your regular laundry.

The good news? With a few simple care steps, you can keep your hoodie looking stadium-ready for seasons to come. Let's break down exactly how to wash, dry, and store your Tigers apparel so it stays as bold and comfortable as the day you bought it.

Pre-Wash Prep: Set Yourself Up for Success

Before anything goes near the washing machine, take a minute to prepare your hoodie properly. This is where most fading and damage actually gets prevented.

Check the care tag first. Every officially licensed Memphis Tigers hoodie comes with specific washing instructions based on its fabric blend and printing method. Most will recommend cold water and gentle cycles, but it's always worth confirming.

Turn your hoodie inside out. This single step protects the outer graphics, embroidered logos, and screen-printed designs from friction against other clothes and the drum of your washer. The inside-out method shields what matters most — that bold Memphis Tigers branding you're proud to wear.

Zip it up and secure any drawstrings. If your hoodie has a zipper, close it completely to prevent snagging. Tie drawstrings together or tuck them inside to keep them from tangling or getting pulled.

Separate by color. Wash your Tigers hoodie with similar colors, especially during the first few washes. Navy, blue, and gray hoodies should stay away from whites to prevent any color transfer.

Best Wash Settings: Treat Your Gear Like the Investment It Is

Now that your hoodie's prepped, it's time to choose the right settings. Think of your washing machine as having a "gentle fan mode" — because that's exactly what your Memphis Tigers apparel needs.

Always use cold water. Hot water is the enemy of vibrant colors and printed graphics. Cold water cleans effectively while preventing dye from bleeding and logos from deteriorating. This is especially important for hooded jerseys, which often feature detailed team graphics and numbers.

Select the gentle or delicate cycle. The less agitation, the better. A gentle cycle reduces the friction that causes fading and pilling, helping your hoodie maintain its soft texture and sharp appearance.

Use mild detergent sparingly. A small amount of quality, color-safe detergent is all you need. Skip the bleach entirely — even color-safe bleach can gradually dull those iconic Memphis Tigers colors. If you want extra protection, consider a detergent specifically designed for dark or vibrant fabrics.

Don't overload the washer. Give your hoodie room to move freely. Cramming too many items into one load increases friction and prevents proper rinsing, which can leave detergent residue that dulls colors over time.

Drying Tips: Patience Pays Off

How you dry your Memphis Tigers hoodie matters just as much as how you wash it. Heat is one of the biggest culprits behind fading, shrinking, and cracked graphics.

Air drying is your best friend. Lay your hoodie flat on a clean, dry towel or hang it on a sturdy hanger away from direct sunlight. Air drying maintains the fabric's integrity and keeps graphics looking crisp. Yes, it takes longer, but your hoodie will thank you with years of extended wear.

If you must use a dryer, go low and slow. Choose the lowest heat setting or tumble dry on no heat. Remove the hoodie while it's still slightly damp and let it finish air drying. This minimizes heat exposure while still giving you a faster drying time than full air drying.

Never use high heat. High dryer temperatures can shrink cotton blends, fade colors rapidly, and cause printed designs to crack and peel. It's simply not worth the risk for a few saved minutes.

Logo & Print Protection: Keep That Tigers Pride Looking Sharp

The Memphis Tigers logo, team name, and any numbers or graphics are what make your hoodie special. Protecting these details ensures your college apparel stays game-day ready.

Avoid ironing directly on graphics. If your hoodie needs a touch-up, turn it inside out and iron on a low setting, or place a thin cloth between the iron and any printed areas. Better yet, hang it in a steamy bathroom to release wrinkles naturally.

Store it properly between wears. Fold your hoodie neatly or hang it in a cool, dry place. Avoid cramming it into tight spaces where graphics might crease or stick together. Proper storage prevents unnecessary wear even when you're not wearing it.

Watch for pilling and snags. Use a fabric shaver to gently remove any pills that form over time. If you notice a snag, don't pull it — carefully trim it with small scissors to prevent further damage.

Why Officially Licensed Gear Makes a Difference

Not all Memphis Tigers hoodies are created equal. When you invest in officially licensed apparel, you're getting more than just a logo — you're getting quality construction designed to last.

Official merchandise features better stitching, higher-grade fabrics, and more durable printing methods. The colors are more vibrant, the logos are more detailed, and the overall construction can withstand repeated washing without falling apart. That hooded jersey you love? It's built with reinforced seams and quality materials that make proper care even more worthwhile.

Cheaper knockoffs might save a few dollars upfront, but they fade faster, pill more easily, and lose their shape after just a handful of washes. When you properly care for authentic Tigers gear, you're protecting an investment that will genuinely last through countless game days, tailgates, and everyday wear.

When It's Time for a New Hoodie

Even with perfect care, every hoodie eventually reaches the end of its lifespan. If your favorite Memphis Tigers hoodie is showing significant fading, the graphics are cracking beyond repair, or it's lost its comfortable fit, it might be time for an upgrade.

The good news? Today's officially licensed Memphis Tigers apparel offers more styles than ever. From classic pullovers to performance hooded jerseys that combine athletic functionality with fan-favorite designs, there's something for every type of Tigers supporter.

→ Ready for a fresh start? Explore our latest Memphis Tigers Hoodies & Jerseys here.

Whether you're replacing a well-loved favorite or adding to your collection, starting fresh with quality gear and the right care routine sets you up for years of comfortable, proud wear.

Keep Your Tigers Spirit Strong

Taking care of your Memphis Tigers hoodie doesn't require expensive products or complicated routines — just a little knowledge and a few smart habits. Cold water, gentle cycles, air drying, and proper storage will keep your college apparel looking bold and feeling comfortable season after season.

Your hoodie represents more than just team colors — it's a connection to memorable games, campus pride, and the Tigers community. Take care of your gear, and it'll take care of your game day look for years to come.

Go Tigers!