How to Keep Your The Rest Is Money Merch Looking Fresh in 2026

There is something special about pulling on a The Rest Is Money tee or hoodie. Maybe it is the crisp print of the podcast logo, the soft feel of the cotton, or just the sense of being part of a community that cares about the economy - and looks good doing it. But after a few wears, that fresh-off-the-press look can start to fade. Prints crack. Colors dull. The fabric pills. It is frustrating to see your favorite piece lose its spark.

I have spent years working with printed apparel - from limited-run drops to everyday staples. And I can tell you that most damage happens not because the gear is low quality, but because of how we wash, dry, and store it. With the right care, you can keep your The Rest Is Money merch looking sharp for years. This guide covers everything you need to know about The Rest Is Money merch care in 2026.

Why Proper Care Extends the Life of Your Merch

Your cotton tee or hoodie is made of natural fibers that respond well to gentle treatment. The print - typically screen-printed or DTG (direct-to-garment) - bonds with the fabric at the fiber level. When you toss your shirt into a hot wash or a high-heat dryer, you are slowly breaking that bond. Heat is the enemy of both the fabric and the print. Over time, the fibers shrink, the print cracks, and the garment loses its shape.

Think of it this way: a $40 hoodie represents not just the cost of materials, but the design, the production, and the shipping. Spending 10 extra minutes on care can double its lifespan. That is value you do not want to throw away.

The Cost of Neglect

I have seen fans wash their merch once, then toss it in the dryer on high - only to find the print peeling after three wears. A quick cold hand wash and air drying would have kept that shirt looking new for dozens more wears. The difference is not effort; it is knowledge.

Washing and Drying Tips for Cotton Tees and Hoodies

Your washing machine does not have to be the enemy. You just need to set it up right.

Step 1: Turn Your Garment Inside Out

This is the single most effective thing you can do. Turning the shirt inside out protects the printed surface from rubbing against other clothes. It also puts the most abrasive part of the wash - the drum and zippers - against the inner fabric, not the print.

Step 2: Use Cold Water

Hot water shrinks cotton and activates detergent chemicals that can fade colors. Cold water (below 80°F or 27°C) cleans just as well for everyday wear. Use a gentle cycle or a delicate setting if your machine has one.

Step 3: Choose a Mild Detergent

Avoid anything with bleach, optical brighteners, or heavy fragrances. Look for a detergent labeled "free and clear" or one designed for dark colors. I recommend a liquid detergent over powder - powder can leave residue that rubs against the print.

Step 4: Skip the Fabric Softener

Fabric softener coats fibers with a waxy layer that reduces breathability and can cause pilling. It also weakens the bond between the print and the fabric. Your cotton merch does not need it.

Step 5: Air Dry - Or Use Low Heat

Heat from a dryer is the fastest way to ruin a print. Lay your garment flat on a drying rack or hang it on a line away from direct sunlight. If you must use a dryer, set it to the lowest heat setting (often called "low" or "air fluff") and remove it while still slightly damp. Let it finish drying flat.

Pro tip: I keep a mesh laundry bag for my favorite pieces. I turn them inside out, put them in the bag, and wash on cold/gentle. It adds almost no time to my routine and keeps prints pristine.

Common mistake: Washing with zippers or buttons open can snag the fabric. Always close zippers and turn pants inside out before washing.

Storing Your Apparel to Prevent Fading and Pilling

How you store your gear is just as important as how you wash it.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

UV rays degrade both cotton fibers and ink. A tee left on a sunny chair for a few hours can show noticeable fading. Store your merch in a closet or drawer away from windows.

Fold Heavy Items, Hang Light Ones

For heavyweight hoodies (like the 12 oz fleece ones), folding prevents stretching. Hang your tees on wide, padded hangers to avoid shoulder bumps. Avoid wire hangers - they can leave rust marks or indentations.

Keep Them Separated by Color

This is not just an old wives' tale. Dark colors like black or navy can transfer dye onto lighter fabrics if stored pressed together for long periods. Use dividers or space out shelves.

The Pilling Problem

Pilling happens when loose fibers on the surface tangle into little balls. It is more common on areas that rub - underarms, cuffs, and the hem. To prevent it:

• Wash similar fabrics together (cotton with cotton, not with denim)
• Avoid overloading the machine (clothes need room to move)
• Use a fabric shaver (a small device that trims pills off) every few months

Pro tip: I keep a fabric shaver near my dresser. Once a month, I spend 2 minutes on each hoodie to remove pills before they get worse. It makes a $60 hoodie look like it is still new.

Dealing with Stains and Wrinkles

Stains happen. Here is how to handle them without making things worse.

Step 1: Act Fast

The moment you spill something - coffee, grease, wine - blot the stain with a dry cloth. Do not rub, because that pushes the stain deeper. Then rinse the back of the fabric with cold water. For greasy stains, sprinkle cornstarch or baby powder on the spot to absorb the oil. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then brush it off.

Step 2: Pre-Treat, Don't Soak

Apply a small amount of liquid detergent directly to the stain and gently work it in with your fingers. Let it sit for 5 minutes before washing. Do not use hot water on a stain - heat sets it.

Step 3: For Set-In Stains

If you missed the stain and it has been through the wash, try a paste of baking soda and water. Apply it to the damp stain, let it dry for 30 minutes, then rinse and wash again. For ink or pen marks (the plastisol ink used in prints is different from ballpoint ink), rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab can lift it - but test on an inconspicuous spot first.

Wrinkles Without Heat

Prints are heat-sensitive. Ironing directly on a print can melt it. Instead:

• Use a steamer from a distance of 6 inches
• Iron the garment inside out on the lowest cotton setting
• Never iron over the print - iron around it

Common mistake: Using bleach on a stain will create a permanent light spot. Do not use bleach on colored merch. Ever.

Recommended Gear & Products

If you want to make care easier, these items from The Rest Is Money store work perfectly with the tips above.

The Heavyweight Hoodie - This 12 oz fleece hoodie holds its shape better than thinner options. The denser fabric resists pilling and wrinkles, so you get more wears between washes. It is my go-to for travel because it bounces back from folds.

The Signature Tee - Made from 100% ring-spun cotton, it has a smoother surface that shows fewer pills. The print uses a soft-hand ink that bonds deeply, so it holds up to careful washing. Pair it with the care steps above and you will have a tee that looks good for dozens of washes.

The Snapback Cap - Caps get sweaty. Throw yours in a mesh bag and wash it cold, then air dry. The structured front holds its shape better than cheaper alternatives.

Pro Tips from the Community

I reached out to some fellow fans to see what tricks they use. Here are three that stood out.

Tip 1: The Freezer Trick for Odors

"If my hoodie smells from the gym but is not dirty, I put it in a sealed bag in the freezer overnight. The cold kills the odor-causing bacteria without a wash. It works on denim too." - Jess, Manchester

Tip 2: Use a Dryer Ball in the Machine

"I toss three wool dryer balls in the machine during the spin cycle. They reduce static and help fluff the fibers without heat. My prints look better after 50 washes than they did after 10 without balls." - Mark, Bristol

Tip 3: Rotate Your Favorites

"I used to wear my favorite hoodie three days in a row. Now I let each piece rest for at least 24 hours between wears. The fibers relax and bounce back. It cuts down on pilling and fading by half." - Alice, London

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put my The Rest Is Money merch in the dryer?

How do I remove wrinkles without damaging the print?

Why is my print cracking after only a few washes?

How often should I wash my merch?

Can I use bleach to whiten my white merch?