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Care notes

Good gear earns its keep with a little attention. These are the same care notes we’d give a teammate — not a legal disclaimer, just what actually works. A few minutes now buys years of wear.

French terry

Hoodies, pants

French terry is a looped-back knit, which means its softness lives in the loops — treat them gently and they’ll last. Wash cold, inside out, with like colours. Skip the dryer sheets; they coat the loops and flatten the nap over time. Tumble low or lay flat, and pull the piece back into shape while it’s still damp. If pilling starts along the underarms or waistband, a fabric shaver (not a razor) on low pressure will lift it without thinning the loops. Loose thread at a hem or drawstring end? Snip it flush with small scissors — never pull, or you’ll gather the seam.

Technical knit

Quarter-zips, Surge Shirt

Technical knit is built for movement, and it stays that way if you keep oils and detergent buildup from clogging the fibres. Wash cold on a gentle cycle, using a small amount of detergent — too much is what dulls the moisture-wicking finish over time. Skip fabric softener entirely; it coats the yarn and blocks breathability. Air dry or tumble on low — high heat is the one real risk to the fabric’s stretch. To keep the fibres from pilling at friction points like underarms or waistband, turn the piece inside out before washing. A snagged loop can usually be worked back into the knit from the inside with a blunt needle, rather than cut.

Modal blend

Pants

Modal is a soft, fluid fibre that drapes beautifully but is more delicate wet than dry, so handle it gently at the washing stage. Cold water, gentle cycle, similar colours — modal takes dye well and can transfer if mixed carelessly. Skip the wringing; press water out instead. Lay flat to dry if you can, since heat is what causes the slow shrinkage people blame on “wear.” Fold rather than hang for storage — the fibre has some give, and hanging can stretch the waistband over months. Any small snag can be smoothed back into place by hand; the weave is forgiving if you don’t tug.

Polos

A polo’s collar and placket are where wear shows first, so that’s where a little care goes furthest. Wash cold, inside out, and do the buttons up before washing to keep the placket from stretching. Skip high heat in the dryer — it’s what causes collars to curl. Tumble low or lay flat, and smooth the collar flat while damp so it dries the way it’s meant to sit. If a button loosens, a few hand stitches through the existing holes will outlast a re-sew from scratch. Light pilling at the sleeve cuffs responds well to a fabric shaver on the lowest setting.

Hats

Structured hats hold their shape best when they’re cleaned by hand, not machine. Spot clean with a soft brush, mild soap, and cold water, working in small circles rather than scrubbing. Rinse lightly and reshape the crown and brim by hand while damp, then let it air dry on a flat surface or over a bowl to hold its curve — never in the dryer, which warps the brim. Store hats brim-up or stacked on their crown, not squashed in a bag, to keep the shape true. A loose stitch at the brim edge can be tacked down with a needle and matching thread in a few minutes.