Quick answer
Wash your Buffalo Bisons sweatshirt inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle, then air-dry it flat or hang it to prevent shrinking. Avoid hot water and high heat, which cause cotton-polyester fleece to contract and lose softness.
Why Bisons Sweatshirts Shrink and How to Avoid It
Most shrinkage happens from heat and agitation. The Buffalo Bisons Toddler Pink Italic Hoodie is made from a 60/40 cotton-polyester fleece blend, which balances warmth with durability. The cotton fibers can shrink when exposed to hot water or a hot dryer, while the polyester helps the garment hold its shape. To keep the fit consistent, treat every wash as a chance to minimize heat and friction.
Pre-Wash Prep: Turn It Inside Out and Check the Label
Before washing, turn the sweatshirt inside out to protect any printed graphics from rubbing against other clothes. Zip any zippers and fasten any buttons to prevent snags. Check the care tag for specific instructions, though most Bisons sweatshirts follow the cold-water, gentle-cycle rule. If the tag is missing, default to the safest method: cold and gentle.
Choose the Right Water Temperature and Detergent
Always use cold water. Hot or even warm water can cause cotton fibers to contract and fade colors. Use a mild, liquid detergent free of bleach and fabric softeners, which can leave residue that stiffens fleece. For tough stains, pretreat with a small amount of detergent and gently rub the fabric before washing.
Drying Tips to Prevent Shrinking and Keep Softness
The safest way to dry a Bisons sweatshirt is to lay it flat on a drying rack or hang it on a padded hanger. Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade colors. If you must use a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting and remove the sweatshirt while it is still slightly damp, then let it finish air-drying. High heat is the number one cause of shrinkage and a stiff feel.
Step-by-Step Washing Process
- Turn inside out and pretreat stains: Turn the sweatshirt inside out to protect the print. Apply a small amount of mild detergent directly to any stains and rub gently with your fingers. Checkpoint: Make sure the print is fully inside and not exposed.
- Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle: Use cold water and a gentle or delicate cycle. Add mild detergent, but no bleach or fabric softener. Wash with similar colors to avoid dye transfer. Common mistake: Using too much detergent can leave residue that makes the fleece feel stiff.
- Air-dry flat or hang to dry: Remove the sweatshirt from the washer promptly and lay it flat on a drying rack or hang it on a padded hanger. Avoid direct sunlight and never use high heat. Checkpoint: If the sweatshirt is still damp after air-drying, finish with a low-heat tumble dry for a few minutes, then air-dry completely.
Product facts
- Buffalo Bisons Toddler Pink Italic Hoodie: Buffalo Bisons Toddler Pink Italic Hoodie is made from 7.5 oz 60/40 cotton/polyester fleece and has no drawcords for safety. The cotton-poly blend resists shrinking better than 100% cotton, and the lack of drawcords means you don't have to worry about them getting tangled or damaged in the wash.
