I still remember pulling my first Pat McAfee Show hoodie out of the dryer and realizing I'd shrunk it by two sizes. That mistake taught me a valuable lesson: these pieces deserve better care. Whether you're rocking the signature 'Hammer Dahn' tee or a cozy crewneck, here's how to keep them in game-day condition with proper Pat McAfee Show merch care.
| Product/Pick | Best For | Key Feature | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hammer Dahn T-Shirt | Everyday wear | 100% preshrunk cotton | $29 |
| Game Day Hoodie | Chilly tailgates | Heavyweight fleece (10 oz) | $69 |
| Snake Pit Hat | Sun protection | Structured fit, curved brim | $34 |
| Pat's Picks Crewneck | Layering | Midweight, relaxed fit | $59 |
| Limited Edition Drop | Collecting | Unique artwork, runs small | $39-$79 |
Why Proper Care Extends the Life of Your Merch
The Pat McAfee Show uses high-quality blanks - mostly 100% cotton or cotton-poly blends. But even the best fabrics need the right treatment. Heat is the biggest enemy: it breaks down fibers and fades prints. Direct sunlight and rough washing also take a toll. With simple adjustments, you can double the life of your favorite pieces. I've seen customers keep their tees looking near-new for years by following these guidelines.
Washing Your Pat McAfee Show T-Shirts and Hoodies
Step 1: Turn garments inside out
This protects the front print from rubbing against other clothes. Zippers and buttons on other items can snag and peel the design. Always flip your gear before tossing it in the machine.Step 2: Use cold water on a gentle cycle
Cold water (around 60°F) prevents shrinkage and keeps colors vibrant. Hot water is for heavily soiled items only - and even then, pretreat stains instead. Use a mild detergent free of bleach or fabric softener. Softeners can leave a residue that dulls colors over time.Step 3: Skip the fabric softener
Fabric softener contains waxes that coat the fibers. This reduces the absorbency of cotton and can cause the print to crack. If you want softness, add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle - it works wonders and won't leave a smell.Step 4: Wash similar colors together
Separate darks and lights. A bright red Pat McAfee tee can bleed onto a white hoodie if you're not careful. New items with bold prints should be washed separately for the first few cycles.Drying Tips to Prevent Shrinkage and Fading
Step 5: Air dry when possible
The best way to avoid shrinkage is to skip the dryer entirely. Lay your gear flat on a clean towel or hang it on a drying rack. Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade prints. If you must use a dryer, set it to low heat and remove items while they're still slightly damp.Step 6: Never use high heat
High temperatures shrink cotton and melt synthetic blends. I've seen hoodies lose two inches in length on a hot cycle. Keep the heat low and check frequently. For printed items, 15 minutes on low is often enough.Step 7: Remove promptly
Leaving clothes in the dryer creates wrinkles and can set creases. For hoodies, shake them out before drying to keep the shape. Pull sleeves and hems gently while damp to restore their original length.Storing Your Gear to Keep It Looking Fresh
Fold t-shirts and hoodies rather than hanging them. Hangers can stretch out the neckline on cotton tees over time. If you do hang, use padded hangers and fold the collar over the hook to reduce stress. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct light. Avoid cramming items into a tight drawer - folded stacks work best. For hats, use a cap form or stuff the crown with tissue paper to maintain shape. Keep them on a shelf, not piled under other items.
Pro Tips from the Community
Pat McAfee Show fans on social media have shared some gems. One trick: spray a mix of water and vodka on armpits to neutralize odor without washing - great for hoodies you wear often. Another: use a pill shaver on fleece fabrics to remove pilling without damaging the print. If your white tee has yellowed under the arms, a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide applied for 30 minutes before washing can bring it back.
How to Maintain Hats and Accessories
Hats need special attention because of their structured shape. Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap; never submerge in water. If the brim has a cardboard core, moisture can ruin the shape. For sweat stains, use a soft brush and a small amount of laundry detergent. Air dry away from heat - never put a hat in the dryer. Accessories like beanies can be hand-washed in cold water and laid flat to dry.
Common Care Mistakes to Avoid
- Using hot water on every wash: Hot water is overkill for most loads and accelerates fading. Stick to cold unless items are truly grimy.
- Overloading the washer: Cramming too many shirts in a load means less water contact and poor cleaning. Prints can rub against each other and peel. Wash no more than 3-4 hoodies at a time.
- Drying on high heat: This is the number one cause of shrinkage. Even preshrunk cotton can shrink when exposed to high heat repeatedly.
- Ignoring stain treatments: Rubbing a stain vigorously can spread it and damage the fabric. Blot instead, and pretreat with a dab of dish soap before washing.
- Folding hats flat: This can crease the brim permanently. Use a cap form or fill with plastic bags to keep the shape.
Recommended Gear to Care For
If you're looking to add to your collection with pieces that reward good care, start with the Game Day Hoodie ($69). The heavyweight fleece holds up well to repeated washing, and the embroidered logo stays sharp. For a summer essential, the Hammer Dahn T-Shirt ($29) features a large back print that needs gentle handling - making it the perfect candidate to practice your new skills. The Snake Pit Hat ($34) completes the look and is easy to spot clean between wears.
Key Takeaways
- Always wash inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle.
- Air dry or tumble dry on low heat to prevent shrinkage.
- Store folded for tees and hoodies; use a cap form for hats.
- Avoid fabric softener, bleach, and high heat to preserve prints.
- Treat stains gently and spot clean hats.
How often should I wash my Pat McAfee Show t-shirt?
Wash after 2-3 wears unless it's visibly dirty or sweaty. Overwashing fades prints faster.Can I use bleach to remove stains on my Pat McAfee Show merch?
No, bleach will discolor the fabric and damage the print. Use a stain remover made for colors.Why did my hoodie shrink even though I washed it in cold water?
It likely went into a hot dryer. Even residual heat from a drying cycle can cause shrinkage. Always choose low heat.How do I fix a wrinkled print on my Pat McAfee Show tee?
Turn it inside out and iron on the back side on a low setting. Never iron directly on the print.Should I dry clean my Pat McAfee Show hoodie?
No, dry cleaning solvents can harm the print material. Stick to machine or hand washing.
