Start with the care instructions for the piece in your hands. A hoodie, tee, cap, and jacket do not all need the same routine. Even pieces with similar fabric names can have different instructions.
Before the First Wash
Read the garment's care label and any care instructions supplied with it. Check the product page for information specific to that piece, including its decoration. A general guide cannot settle a disagreement between those sources.
If the instructions are missing, unclear, or contradictory, contact us before washing. Include the product name and the wording you are trying to reconcile. Do not assume that a care instruction for another Weathered Sailor piece applies to yours.
Check Washing and Drying Separately
Look for the permitted washing method and temperature, then check the drying instructions separately. Permission to machine wash does not by itself mean a garment can go in the dryer.
Use the instructions for your specific piece to decide whether to tumble dry, line dry, or dry flat. Check any separate restrictions on bleach, ironing, or dry cleaning too.
Fabric Names Are Not Care Instructions
Fleece, French terry, cotton, and blends describe parts of a garment's construction or composition. They do not establish one care routine for every finished piece. Hoodies and crewnecks should be checked individually; the same applies to tees, caps, beanies, and outerwear.
A familiar size or fabric name also does not establish how much a garment will shrink.
Keep the Instructions With the Piece
Keep a record of the care label and any supplied instructions so you can refer to them later. If you give the piece as a gift, pass those instructions along.
For a question about a particular item, ask us about that piece. To keep browsing, shop Weathered Sailor.
Editorial update — September 25, 2026: Weathered Sailor revised this article to replace general washing and drying rules with garment-specific care guidance. The original publication date and byline are retained.
