How to Take Care of Your Streetwear Clothing to Keep It Looking Fresh

Did you know that the average person spends over $1,200 per year on clothing but wears only about 60% of it? 

That’s a lot of wasted money and wasted fashion potential. If you're into streetwear clothing, you know that your collection isn’t just about clothes—it’s an extension of your personality, a way to express yourself.

But here’s the thing—streetwear isn’t cheap, and nothing kills the vibe of a dope outfit faster than a faded, stretched-out, or ruined piece. I’ve made the mistake of washing my favourite hoodie carelessly, only to find it shrunken and dull. Lesson learned: streetwear demands extra care.

This guide is for you if you want to keep your streetwear outfits looking fresh. I’ll walk you through the best washing techniques, sneaker maintenance tips, and storage hacks to keep your wardrobe on point. Let’s get started.

1. Understand Your Fabrics Before You Wash

Not all streetwear pieces are made the same. That oversized hoodie and your favourite stacked joggers? They need different care. The key to keeping your streetwear clothing looking fresh starts with understanding the fabric.

Common Streetwear Fabrics & How to Care for Them

1. Cotton (T-shirts, Hoodies, Joggers) is breathable but prone to shrinking. Always wash in cold water and air dry.
2. Denim (Jeans, Jackets, Cargo Pants) – Wash inside out to avoid fading. Spot clean when possible.
3. Leather and suede (Sneakers, Jackets, Bags): Never wash in water! Use a leather cleaner and store it properly.
4. Synthetics (Techwear, Performance Streetwear) – Can trap odour. Wash with mild detergent and air dry.
5. Ignoring fabric care instructions is the fastest way to ruin your pieces. Always check the care label before washing.

2. Wash Streetwear the Right Way

Tossing your clothes into the washer on any random setting is a bad idea. The way you wash your streetwear clothing makes a massive difference in how long it lasts.

Best Practices for Washing Streetwear

1. Turn clothes inside out before washing—this protects printed designs and keeps colours from fading.
2. Use cold water instead of hot to prevent shrinking and preserve fabric quality.
3. Wash in small loads to reduce friction and wear.
4. Use a mild detergent to avoid stripping fabric of its natural softness.

What to Avoid

1. Bleach and harsh chemicals – These weaken fibres and cause colour fading.
2. Overloading the machine – Too many clothes rubbing together leads to quicker wear and tear.
3. Frequent washing – If it’s not dirty, don’t wash it unnecessarily. Air it out instead.
4. If your streetwear outfits have delicate materials like embroidery or unique prints, consider hand washing for extra care.

3. Drying Streetwear Without Ruining It

One of the biggest mistakes people make is throwing everything into the dryer on high heat. This is a one-way ticket to faded colours and shrunken fits.

How to Dry Streetwear Clothing Properly

1. Air dry whenever possible – This helps retain the shape and quality of your clothes.
2. Lay hoodies flat instead of hanging them—hanging can stretch out the fabric.
3. Avoid direct sunlight when drying—UV rays can fade colours.
4. If using a dryer, set it to low heat or air dry mode to prevent shrinkage.

Taking the extra time to dry your streetwear properly will keep it looking as fresh as the day you bought it.

4. Smart Storage to Keep Your Streetwear in Shape

How you store your streetwear clothing matters just as much as how you wash it. Have you ever pulled out a hoodie and found weird shoulder bumps on the hanger? Yeah, we don’t want that.

Storage Tips for Streetwear

1. Fold graphic tees instead of hanging them to avoid stretched collars.
2. Use padded hangers for hoodies and jackets to prevent shoulder bumps.
3. Store sneakers in their original boxes or a shoe organiser to keep them dust-free.
4. Use silica gel packs inside sneaker boxes to absorb moisture and prevent mould.

A well-organized wardrobe doesn’t just look better—it keeps your streetwear outfits in top shape for longer.

5. Keeping Sneakers Fresh and Clean

Sneakers are essential to streetwear, but dirty kicks can ruin an otherwise great outfit. If you want your outfits to stay looking fresh, taking care of your sneakers should be part of your routine.

Daily Sneaker Maintenance

1. Wipe off dirt immediately—don’t let stains set.
2. Use sneaker protector sprays to prevent stains and water damage.
3. Rotate your sneakers instead of wearing the same pair daily—this prevents excessive wear.

Deep Cleaning Sneakers

1. Remove the laces and wash them separately.
2. Use a soft-bristle brush and mild soap to clean sneaker uppers.
3. For white sneakers, mix baking soda and water to brighten the material.
4. Always air dry—never use a dryer, as heat can warp the shape.

Your sneakers are the foundation of your streetwear look. Keep them fresh, and they’ll continue to turn heads.

6. How to Prevent Fading and Wear Over Time

Even the highest-quality streetwear clothing will show signs of wear over time. However, preventative steps can significantly extend its life.

1. Wash less often – If it’s not dirty, don’t wash it unnecessarily.
2. Use garment bags for delicate pieces.
3. Steam instead of ironing – This removes wrinkles without damaging prints.
4. Spot clean immediately – Small stains become permanent if ignored.

A little extra care goes a long way in keeping your streetwear outfits fresh for years to come.

7. Restoring Worn-Out Streetwear Pieces

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, our favourite pieces start looking a little rough. Instead of tossing them, why not revive them?

1. Re-dye faded black t-shirts to bring them back to life.
2. Use a fabric shaver to remove pilling from hoodies and joggers.
3. Restore sneakers with whitening kits and deep cleaning.
4. Patch up small holes instead of throwing out your favourite pieces.

These simple hacks can breathe new life into your wardrobe, making old pieces look brand new again.

Final Thoughts: Keep Your Streetwear Looking Fresh

Taking care of your streetwear clothing isn’t hard, but it does require a little effort. From washing and drying correctly to storing and maintaining sneakers, small habits can make a huge difference in how long your wardrobe lasts.

Key Takeaways

1. Wash streetwear inside and out with cold water to protect designs and fabric.
2. Air dry whenever possible to prevent shrinking and fading.
3. Store sneakers properly and clean them regularly to keep them looking fresh.
4. Invest in small maintenance hacks like garment bags, fabric shavers, and sneaker cleaners.

When you take care of your streetwear outfits, they take care of your style. And when it’s time to refresh your wardrobe, check out 1 N' A11 Apparel for high-quality streetwear clothing that’s built to last.

Stay fresh, stay stylish!