You picked up some fresh Stokes Twins gear. Maybe it's the iconic prank call tee with the retro logo. Or the black hoodie with the bold screen print on the back. Now you want it to last. The last thing you need is a faded design or a shrunken fit after one wash. Here's how to keep your merch looking box-fresh.
Why Caring for Your Merch Matters
Your Stokes Twins apparel isn't just cotton and ink. It's a piece of the community. A well-cared-for tee keeps its shape, color, and the crisp details that make it stand out. Screen-printed designs are especially sensitive - heat, friction, and harsh detergents can crack or peel them within a few washes. Hoodies with fleece lining need extra love to stay soft and pill-free.
Real talk: merch is an investment. A quality hoodie runs $60-$80. Spending five extra minutes on care doubles its life. That means more wears, more memories, and less money spent replacing gear. It's also better for the planet - less clothing waste ends up in landfills.
Step-by-Step Washing Guide for Stokes Twins Tees and Hoodies
Turn everything inside out before washing. This protects the outer print from direct agitation. Use cold water - hot water is the number one enemy of vivid colors. It accelerates fading and can shrink cotton blends unevenly.
Choose a mild liquid detergent. Avoid bleach, fabric softener, and stain removers with optical brighteners. These chemicals degrade the ink and leave a yellow tint on whites. For deep stains, spot-treat with a dab of dish soap and a soft toothbrush before washing.
Machine wash on a gentle cycle with similar colors. Don't overload the drum - clothes need room to move so soap and water can reach every fiber. For hoodies with zippers or drawstrings, zip them up and tie strings loosely to prevent snags.
How to Dry Without Shrinking or Fading
Air drying is the best move. Lay your merch flat on a clean towel or hang it on a plastic hanger in a shaded area. Direct sunlight bleaches colors like a cheap filter. Avoid wire hangers - they can stretch out necklines.
If you must use a dryer, set it to low heat and remove items while they're still slightly damp. High heat shrinks cotton and can cause screen prints to crack. Once out, reshape the garment by gently tugging the sides and laying flat to finish drying.
One pro tip: never dry hoodies with the hood up. The extra fabric dries slowly, trapping moisture inside and causing mildew smell. Pull the hood down flat over the body or hang the hoodie by the hood loop (if it has one) to let air circulate.
Storage Tips to Keep Your Gear Looking New
Fold your tees instead of hanging them. Hangers can stretch out shoulders over time, leaving peaks under the collar. For hoodies, use a padded hanger to keep the shape, or fold them and stack on a shelf.
Keep your merch in a cool, dry closet. Avoid attics or basements where humidity and pests can damage fabric. Cedar blocks or lavender sachets keep moths away without chemical smells.
Separate light and dark merch for storage. That white Stokes Twins tee can absorb color from a black hoodie if stored together for months. Use acid-free tissue paper between stacked items to prevent color transfer and creasing.
Your gear is part of the Stokes Twins story. With these care steps, you can wear it proudly for years. Check out the latest drops at the Stokes Twins Merch Store to keep your collection fresh.
