You grabbed the latest drop - a fresh 92% hoodie or the "You Gotta Be Kidding Me" tee. You wear it to every game day watch party and tailgate. But after a few washes, that crisp print starts to crack and the colors fade. That is a bummer. We put together these care instructions to keep your New Heights merch looking dialed in for seasons to come.
Why Proper Care Matters
Your New Heights apparel is more than just a shirt. It represents a brotherhood of fans who appreciate elite banter and football IQ. The fabrics - mostly heavy-weight cotton for tees and a cotton-poly blend for hoodies - are built to last, but only if you treat them right. Aggressive washing breaks down fibers, fades screen prints, and ruins the fit. Follow these steps and your gear will stay game-ready.
Think about it: you invested in quality merch. A little intentional care doubles its lifespan. And let's be real, nobody wants to show up to the next watch party with a faded, stretched-out hoodie. Keep it fresh. Keep it New Heights.
Washing Your New Heights Tees and Hoodies
Turn everything inside out before washing. This protects the front print and back graphics from friction. Use cold water - always. Hot water is the enemy of screen-printed designs and can cause shrinkage. Choose a gentle cycle if your machine has one. For detergent, use a mild liquid or powder. Avoid bleach or fabric softeners. Softeners leave a residue that dulls colors and breaks down elasticity in crewnecks.
Separate your New Heights gear from heavy items like jeans or towels. Those zippers and rough fabrics can snag or pill the cotton. Wash similar colors together to prevent any bleeding. If a tee has a large back print, lay it flat in the wash or use a mesh bag for extra protection.
Drying Tips to Prevent Shrinkage
Air drying is the gold standard. Lay tees flat on a drying rack or hang them on a plastic hanger (avoid metal - it can rust and stain). Hoodies can be hung over a shower rod or a sturdy hanger. If you must use a dryer, set it to low heat or delicate. Remove items while still slightly damp and finish air drying. This prevents over-drying that leads to shrinkage and fabric fatigue.
Never wring out your apparel. That twists the fibers and damages prints. Instead, gently squeeze excess water. For hoodies, press with a towel to absorb moisture before drying. Heat is the biggest culprit for fading and cracking, so keep it low.
Storing Your Collection
Fold your tees flat. Hanging them for long periods can stretch the neckline and shoulders. Use padded hangers for hoodies if you prefer hanging, but fold them too if you want to preserve the shape. Store in a cool, dry drawer or shelf out of direct sunlight. UV rays bleach colors, so don't display them in front of a window.
Rotate your rotation. If you have multiple New Heights pieces, alternate wearing them so no single shirt gets washed and worn too often. This extends the life of each item. Keep them in a clean, dust-free space - no damp basements or attics.
When to Retire Your Favorite Gear
Eventually, even the best care won't keep a tee looking pristine. If you notice significant fading, unraveling seams, or cracks in the print that affect the design, it might be time to frame it or repurpose it. But don't toss it - cut it into a rag or turn it into a pillow. Some fans make patches out of old prints. That is the ultimate sign of loyalty.
A little wear adds character. A minor fade gives it a vintage vibe. Replace it when the shirt no longer represents the brand well - when holes appear or the graphic is barely legible. Then, grab a new drop from the store.
Extend the Life of Your Merch
These care instructions boil down to a few simple rules: cold wash, inside out, low heat, air dry, fold, and store out of sun. Follow them and your New Heights apparel will stay looking fresh for years. Your collection is a reflection of your fandom. Treat it with respect.
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