Best Tips for Taking Care of Your Streetwear to Make It Last Longer

Streetwear is more than just clothing—it's a way to express yourself, a reflection of your unique style, and often, it can be a real investment. Whether you're wearing a pair of stacked joggers, a limited-edition red Valentine's shirt, or your favorite pair of glaze sneakers, you want to keep them looking sharp. But how do you ensure your streetwear stays fresh, even after multiple wears?

Taking care of your streetwear collection is critical to making your favorite pieces last. From properly handling your hoodies to keeping your jogger suits and sneakers in top shape, I have some simple yet effective tips on caring for streetwear to ensure your collection stays fresh. Let's dive into how you can extend the life of your streetwear pieces.

Know the Fabrics and Materials in Your Streetwear

Before washing or storing your stacked joggers or cream crewneck sweaters, knowing the materials you're working with is crucial. Different fabrics require different care routines, and understanding your streetwear fabrics will help you avoid unnecessary wear and tear.

Standard Fabrics in Streetwear:

• Cotton is popular for T-shirts and V-Day shirts. It is soft and breathable but prone to shrinking in hot water.
• Polyester: Often found in jogger suits and shorts, it is durable but can pill if mishandled.
• Denim: Sturdy but can fade if washed too frequently.
• Fleece: Cozy but likely to pill if not cared for properly.

Pro Tip: Always check the care label on your streetwear. This small detail can help preserve the life of your favorite items, like your black Valentine's Day shirt or charcoal sneakers.

How to Wash Your Streetwear the Right Way

Proper washing is critical in extending the life of your streetwear. Overwashing or using incorrect methods can wear out your clothes faster, especially for pieces like stacked joggers or printed red Valentine's shirts.

Don’t Overwash Your Streetwear

Only some pieces of clothing need to be washed after each use. Avoid overwashing items like hoodies, jogger suits, or jogger stacks to prevent unnecessary fading or shrinkage.

Cold Water is Best

When it is time to wash, opt for cold water. Hot water can be too harsh, potentially ruining the fit or color of items like your pink stacked joggers or limited-edition red Valentine’s shirt.

Use a Mild Detergent

A mild detergent is best for streetwear, particularly for items with prints. It’s gentler on fabrics and preserves both colours and textures.

Turn Clothes Inside Out

This simple step protects printed designs and fabrics from damage caused by rubbing against other clothes during the wash. Turning clothes inside out is essential for printed items like stacked joggers or V-Day shirts.

How to Dry Your Streetwear Properly

Once your streetwear is washed, the drying process is equally important. Incorrect drying can cause shrinking, fading, or stretching.

Air Dry Whenever Possible

Air drying is the safest option for most streetwear items. The heat from dryers can be harsh on fabrics, so hang your jogger suits or hoodies on a drying rack or lay them flat to dry.

Flat Dry Heavy Items

Heavier pieces like crewneck sweaters or denim jackets should be laid flat to dry. Hanging these items can stretch them out and distort their shape.

Low Heat for Delicate Items

If you must use a dryer, use low heat for delicate items like your red Valentine’s shirt or light blue joggers. This will help prevent shrinking or fading.

Store Your Streetwear Correctly

Proper storage can significantly extend the life of your streetwear. Correct storage ensures your pieces stay fresh and ready to wear for longer.

Hang or Fold?

Lightweight items like t-shirts or jogger stacks are better off folded, while jackets and jogger suits should be hung using solid hangers to maintain their shape. Avoid wire hangers, which can warp your clothes over time.

Keep It Cool and Dry

Store your streetwear in cool, dry spaces. Avoid damp environments that can cause mould or fabric weakening.

Spot Cleaning for Minor Stains

Spot cleaning is a great way to address minor stains without washing the entire item, which helps extend the life of your streetwear. Use gentle cleaners for delicate fabrics to avoid damaging your clothes.

Protecting Prints and Graphics on Streetwear

Streetwear often features unique prints and logos central to its appeal. Taking care of prints is essential in keeping your collection looking sharp.

Turn Printed Items Inside Out

Always turn printed items inside out before washing them to prevent cracking or fading. This simple step protects the designs from rubbing against other fabrics.

Use Low Heat When Ironing

If you need to iron, place a cloth over the print and use low heat to avoid damaging the design.

Care for Your Sneakers and Accessories

Sneakers and accessories are essential parts of any streetwear outfit, so they deserve as much care as clothing. Proper sneaker care can keep them looking fresher for longer.

Clean Sneakers by Hand

Avoid machine washing your glaze or charcoal sneakers. Hand cleaning using a soft brush and a gentle cleaner will help maintain their structure and material.

Store Shoes and Accessories Properly

When not in use, keep your sneakers in their original boxes or dust bags to protect them from sunlight and moisture and ensure they last longer.

Rotate Your Streetwear Collection

One of the easiest ways to prolong the life of your streetwear is to rotate your wardrobe. Constantly wearing the same items accelerates wear and tear.

Give Clothes a Break

By rotating your jogger stacks or hoodies, you give each piece time to rest, helping them maintain their shape and quality.

Seasonal Rotation

Storing off-season items can also prolong their life. Pack away heavier items like crewneck sweaters in the summer and bring out lighter pieces like joggers in the colder months.

Conclusion

Taking care of your streetwear involves more than tossing it in the wash. By following these tips on how to care for streetwear—from proper washing techniques to innovative storage practices—you can keep your favorite pieces in excellent condition for longer. Whether it’s your stacked joggers, glaze sneakers, or a limited-edition red Valentine’s shirt, these steps will help you keep your streetwear fresh and looking sharp for years.

With these simple but effective steps, your streetwear collection will stay stylish, allowing you to enjoy high-quality clothing that truly lasts.