Quick answer

Wash Athletic Brewing Co. apparel inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle, then air-dry or tumble on low. This routine protects screen-print graphics and slows color loss on flannels and sweatshirts. Skip hot water, fabric softener, and high-heat drying to keep logos crisp and fabric soft.

Why cold water and inside-out washing matter

Heat and friction are the two biggest causes of fading and cracked graphics. Cold water (below 30°C/86°F) reduces dye bleed and slows the breakdown of screen-print ink. Turning garments inside out minimizes abrasion against other items and the drum, which is especially important for the embroidered logo on the Unisex Grey Flannel and the printed graphics on tees and sweatshirts.

Sort by color and fabric weight

Separate lights from darks, and wash heavy items like the Crewneck Sweatshirt apart from lightweight tees to reduce pilling and friction. New dark garments may release excess dye for the first few washes, so wash them alone or with similar darks. Flannels should be washed with other sturdy fabrics, not delicate knits.

Choose the right detergent and cycle

Use a mild, color-safe liquid detergent free of bleach and optical brighteners. Powder detergents can leave residue on dark fabrics, and fabric softener coats fibers, reducing absorbency and potentially degrading print adhesives. Select a gentle or normal cycle with a low spin speed to limit wrinkling and stress on seams.

Dry with care to prevent shrinkage and print damage

Air-drying is the safest option for all Athletic Brewing Co. apparel. If you use a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting and remove items while slightly damp to avoid overdrying. High heat can shrink cotton and cause screen prints to crack or peel over time. Hang flannels and sweatshirts on a sturdy hanger or lay flat to dry.

Step-by-step washing routine

  1. Turn garments inside out and close fasteners: Zip zippers, button buttons, and turn flannels and sweatshirts inside out to protect prints and embroidery from friction. Checkpoint: all graphics and logos should face inward.
  2. Sort by color and fabric weight: Keep darks with darks, lights with lights, and wash heavy sweatshirts separately from lightweight tees to reduce pilling. Mistake to avoid: mixing a new dark flannel with light tees can cause dye transfer.
  3. Use cold water and a gentle cycle: Set your machine to cold (below 30°C/86°F) and choose a gentle or normal cycle with a low spin speed. Checkpoint: water temperature should feel cool to the touch.
  4. Add mild, color-safe detergent—no softener: Use a liquid detergent free of bleach and optical brighteners. Skip fabric softener, which can coat fibers and degrade print adhesives. Mistake to avoid: powdered detergent can leave white residue on dark fabrics.
  5. Air-dry or tumble on low heat: Hang flannels and sweatshirts, or lay flat. If using a dryer, select the lowest heat and remove items while slightly damp. Checkpoint: never overdry; high heat causes shrinkage and print cracking.

Product care notes

  • Athletic Brewing Co Crewneck Sweatshirt - Navy: This cozy crewneck is a favorite for days when the temps are low but your comfort needs are high. With a vintage wash and a simple design, this sweatshirt lends an old-school vibe to your look. The vintage wash finish can fade further with hot water or harsh detergents, so cold washing helps preserve its intended worn-in look without over-lightening.
  • Athletic Brewing Co Crewneck Sweatshirt - Grey: This cozy crewneck is a favorite for days when the temps are low but your comfort needs are high. With a vintage wash and a simple design, this sweatshirt lends an old-school vibe to your look. Same vintage-wash care applies: turn inside out and use cold water to protect the fabric's soft hand and muted color.
  • Athletic Brewing Co Unisex Grey Flannel: It’s made of durable twill in easy-to-match grey with just a slight pop of color thanks to an embroidered logo above the left pocket. The embroidered logo is more durable than screen print, but the twill can still fade; washing inside out and in cold water keeps the grey uniform and the logo crisp.