Quick answer
Wash your Cotopaxi crew sweater and sweatshirt in cold water on a gentle cycle, then lay flat to dry to preserve fabric and fit.
Why care matters for knitwear and sweatshirts
Cotopaxi’s crew sweater (men’s) is a knit garment, while the Adventure Gear crew sweatshirt (women’s) is made from an organic cotton-recycled polyester blend. Both benefit from gentle handling to avoid pilling, shrinking, or losing shape. Knit sweaters are especially prone to stretching if hung wet, and cotton-blend sweatshirts can lose softness if washed with harsh detergents or high heat.
Special considerations for each fabric type
The men’s Cotopaxi crew sweater is a knit construction designed for warmth and everyday wear. Knit fabrics require extra care to maintain their structure—avoid wringing or twisting. The women’s Adventure Gear crew sweatshirt uses a blend of organic cotton and recycled polyester, which is durable but can pill if washed with rough fabrics like denim. Always turn garments inside out before washing to reduce friction.
Step-by-step care routine
- Check the care label: Before washing, always read the care tag inside your garment. Cotopaxi recommends specific temperatures and cycles for each fabric type. For the knit sweater, look for a gentle or hand-wash symbol; for the sweatshirt, a machine-washable label is common. Common mistake: assuming all Cotopaxi tops have the same care instructions—always verify.
- Turn inside out and zip up: Turn your sweater or sweatshirt inside out to protect the outer surface from friction. If your sweatshirt has a zipper or drawstrings, fasten them to prevent snagging. This step reduces pilling and keeps colors vibrant. Checkpoint: Make sure all fasteners are closed before washing.
- Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle: Use cold water (below 30°C / 86°F) and select the gentle or delicate cycle on your machine. Add a mild detergent—avoid bleach or fabric softeners, which can break down fibers. For the knit sweater, consider placing it in a mesh laundry bag for extra protection. Common mistake: using hot water or a regular cycle can shrink or distort the knit fabric.
- Skip the dryer—lay flat to dry: After washing, gently squeeze out excess water without wringing. Lay the garment flat on a clean towel or drying rack, reshaping it to its original dimensions. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Never hang a wet knit sweater—it can stretch out of shape. The sweatshirt can be tumble-dried on low if the label permits, but flat drying is safer. Checkpoint: If you must use a dryer, use the lowest heat setting and remove while still slightly damp.
- Store folded, not hung: For the knit sweater, fold it and store on a shelf to maintain its shape. Hanging can cause shoulder bumps and stretching. The sweatshirt can be hung if desired, but folding is still recommended to preserve the fabric’s structure. Common mistake: hanging a heavy knit sweater leads to permanent stretching at the shoulders.
Product care notes
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Cotopaxi Crew Sweater - Men's: The Cotopaxi Crew Sweater for men is a versatile knit top designed for everyday wear, available in two color options. Knit sweaters need gentle washing and flat drying to prevent stretching or misshaping—this sweater’s classic crew neck will keep its fit with proper care.
Cotopaxi Crew Sweater - Men's
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Adventure Gear Crew Sweatshirt - Women's: The Adventure Gear Crew Sweatshirt for women is made from an organic cotton-recycled polyester fabric blend for a softer feel. This blend is comfortable but can pill if not cared for properly; washing inside out on a gentle cycle helps maintain that soft feel.
Adventure Gear Crew Sweatshirt - Women's
