Quick answer
Wash your High Pile Fleece Crew inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle, then tumble dry low or air dry flat to preserve its color and loft.
Why proper care matters for recycled fleece
The High Pile Fleece Crew is made from 100% recycled polyester, which means it’s already doing good for the planet. But recycled fibers can be a bit more prone to pilling and losing shape if you treat them like regular cotton. Gentle washing and low heat help the fabric keep its plush feel and vibrant colorblock patterns.
Cotopaxi uses a heavyweight fleece that’s built to last, but even the best fleece needs a little TLC. Skipping fabric softener and avoiding high heat are the two biggest wins for longevity.
Step-by-step fleece care routine
- Turn the fleece inside out: Before washing, zip any pockets and turn the entire crew inside out. This protects the outer surface from rubbing against other clothes and reduces pilling. Don’t skip this step — it’s the simplest way to keep the fleece looking new.
- Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle: Use a mild detergent (no fabric softener or bleach) and set your machine to cold water, gentle or delicate cycle. Hot water can shrink or distort the fleece, and fabric softener coats the fibers, reducing breathability. Fabric softener is the enemy of fleece — it clogs the fibers and traps odors.
- Tumble dry low or air dry flat: After washing, shake out the fleece and either tumble dry on low heat or lay it flat on a drying rack. High heat can melt or mat the synthetic fibers, ruining the plush texture. If you use a dryer, remove the fleece while it’s still slightly damp to avoid over-drying. Avoid high heat at all costs — it’s the fastest way to ruin the fleece’s loft and softness.
Product details
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High Pile Fleece Crew - Men's: The High Pile Fleece Crew is made from 100% recycled fabrics with a heavyweight, oversized fit. Recycled fibers are durable but can be more sensitive to high heat and harsh detergents, so following gentle care steps helps the fleece stay soft and retain its shape.
High Pile Fleece Crew - Men's
