Most people ruin their favorite merch in the first wash. I've seen it happen with $80 hoodies that shrink two sizes because someone tossed them in hot water. The truth is, caring for your New Heights gear isn't complicated, but it does require a few specific steps most folks skip. As a digital artist and print specialist who's worked with dozens of merch lines, I know exactly how to keep those prints vibrant and fabrics soft. Follow these new heights merch care instructions and your gear will stay game-day ready for years.
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New Heights Merch Care Guide Keep Your Gear Like New in 2026
Learn how to wash, dry, and store your New Heights gear to keep it looking fresh. Expert tips from a merch designer on preserving prints and fabrics.
Why Proper Care Matters for Your New Heights Gear
Your New Heights hoodie or tee isn't just clothing. It's a badge of fandom. Whether it's the "92% Ready" tee or the Kelce Fleece Pullover, these pieces feature direct-to-garment or screen-printed designs that need gentle handling. Heat and friction are the enemies. A single high-heat dryer cycle can crack a print or pull fabric fibers out of shape.
Proper care also saves money. A $65 hoodie that lasts three seasons is a better value than one that fades after three washes. Plus, well-maintained merch holds its resale value if you ever want to pass it on. The New Heights community is huge, and fans notice when gear looks crisp and cared for.
Washing Your New Heights Apparel Step by Step
Step 1: Turn Everything Inside Out
This is non-negotiable. The print faces inward, so it doesn't rub against other clothes or the machine drum. It's the single most impactful step you can take.Step 2: Use Cold Water (Below 85°F)
Hot water breaks down inks and causes shrinkage. Cold water preserves both the fabric fibers and the print's adhesive bond. For heavy stains, pretreat with a gentle stain remover instead of using warm water.Step 3: Select the Gentle Cycle
A normal cycle's agitation can stress seams and prints. Use the "delicates" or "gentle" setting with a slow spin speed. I recommend washing your New Heights Game Day Tee with like-colored darks only.Step 4: Choose the Right Detergent
Skip the bleach and fabric softener. Bleach removes ink, and softener coats fibers in wax that weakens prints over time. Use a mild liquid detergent without optical brighteners. A tablespoon is plenty for a small load.Step 5: Use a Mesh Laundry Bag (Bonus Tip)
For smaller items like beanies or baby tees, a mesh bag prevents tangling and reduces friction. I toss my own New Heights flag patch hat in one every wash.Common mistake to avoid: Overloading the machine. Clothes need room to tumble freely. Cramming them in means less cleaning and more abrasion.
Drying and Ironing Tips to Prevent Damage
Air Dry Whenever Possible
The safest method is laying your gear flat on a drying rack away from direct sunlight. UV rays fade colors fast. If you must use a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting (around 120°F) and remove the items while they're still slightly damp.Ironing with Care
If you need to remove wrinkles, iron the garment inside out. Set the iron to low or medium heat (no steam). Never place the iron directly on a print. Use a pressing cloth - a thin cotton towel works - between the iron and the fabric.Pro tip: For the Kelce Fleece Pullover, skip ironing altogether. The fleece texture recovers with a quick tumble in the dryer on no heat. Ironing flattens the cozy pile.
Storing Your New Heights Merch for Long Life
Fold, Don't Hang (For Heavy Items)
Hoodies and sweatshirts should be folded and stored on shelves. Hanging can stretch out the shoulders and create neckline distortion. Use acid-free tissue paper between folds to prevent crease marks on prints.Keep It Cool and Dry
Avoid basements, attics, or garages where humidity and temperature fluctuate. Mold loves dark, damp spots. A closet with a silica gel pack or two is ideal.No Plastic Bags
Plastic traps moisture and can cause yellowing on whites. Use breathable storage like cotton garment bags for long-term storage. I keep my off-season New Heights tees in a canvas bin with cedar blocks to deter moths.Common Care Mistakes to Avoid
- Using hot water - Accelerates fading and shrinkage. Stick to cold always.
- High-heat drying - Shrinks fabrics and cracks prints. Low heat or air dry only.
- Fabric softener - Leaves a film that dulls colors and weakens print adhesion. Skip it.
- Bleaching - Even color-safe bleach can strip inks. Use oxygen-based stain removers instead.
- Direct sunlight - Drying or storing in UV light fades colors. Keep gear in the shade.
Every one of these mistakes is easy to avoid once you know better. I've had fans tell me their "New Heights Game Day Tee" print peeled after one wash because they used bleach. A simple swap to mild detergent would have saved it.
Pro Tips from the Community
Wash Inside Out with Like Colors
This tip comes from a long-time fan who's been collecting since season one. Sorting darks and lights separately prevents color bleeding, and inside-out washing protects prints. It's two steps that take 30 seconds total.Use a Splash of White Vinegar in the Rinse Cycle
A quarter cup of white vinegar in the final rinse helps set colors and removes detergent residue. Don't worry about the smell - it disappears as the clothes dry. This trick keeps black New Heights hoodies looking deep and rich.Pre-Treat Stains Immediately
Grass stains from tailgating? Food spills? Blot (don't rub) with cold water, then apply a dab of dish soap. Let it sit 10 minutes before washing. Waiting until the next day lets the stain set permanently.Avoid Washing After Every Wear
Unless it's visibly dirty or sweaty, a hoodie can be worn 5-6 times before washing. Overwashing accelerates wear. Hang it up to air out instead. The Kelce Fleece Pullover actually looks better after a few wears because the fleece settles.Frequently Asked Questions About Merch Care
Can I use bleach on my New Heights merch?
No. Bleach removes ink from prints and weakens fabric fibers. Use an oxygen-based stain remover for tough spots instead.How often should I wash my hoodie?
Every 5-6 wears if not visibly soiled. Overwashing shortens the garment's life. Hang it up to air out between wears.Will the print fade if I wash in cold water?
Cold water preserves prints best. Turn the garment inside out and use a mild detergent to maximize print longevity.Can I iron directly on the print?
No. Always iron inside out or use a pressing cloth. Direct heat melts or cracks the print.What temperature should the dryer be?
Use the lowest heat setting (around 120°F) and remove items while slightly damp to prevent shrinkage and print damage.
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