How Do You Wash NFL Jerseys? Steps to Keep the Numbers Intact
Posted by JerseyZenith on Oct 25th 2026
- Wash inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle.
- Skip softener and bleach.
- Air dry to protect numbers.
This guide covers washing and drying NFL jerseys. It combines Nike's own guide with retailer advice, and your jersey's care label comes first.
How to wash an NFL jersey: step by step
| Step | Setting | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Turn it inside out | Use a mesh bag if you have one | Protects numbers, letters and logos from abrasion |
| 2. Choose cold water | Cold, gentle cycle | Avoids fading and shrinking |
| 3. Use mild detergent | A small amount | Excess detergent leaves residue that traps odors |
| 4. Skip fabric softener | None | It can leave residue and hurt moisture-wicking |
| 5. Skip bleach | None | Harsh chemicals can damage the fabric and numbers |
| 6. Wash with light items | Other synthetics, not jeans or towels | Heavy items can scuff graphics |
| 7. Dry flat or on a plastic hanger | Air dry, away from direct sun | Heat can crack or peel details |
| 8. Iron only if needed | Low steam, never on logos or numbers | Direct heat damages graphics |
The steps combine Nike's guide for washing a sports jersey and care guides from jersey retailers. Always read the care label inside your own jersey first; labels are the final word.
Should you use the dryer?
Nike advises against tumble drying a jersey because heat can crack or peel details. Most retailer guides say the same and recommend air drying. A listing for a Nike Vapor Elite jersey, however, says to machine wash inside out and tumble dry low, while an NFL Shop listing for an Elite jersey says to use the gentle cycle and line dry. Because the sources differ, air drying is the safest choice.
How to wash a vintage or high-end jersey
Hand washing in cold water is the gentlest option for vintage or Elite jerseys. Do not wring or twist the fabric when you squeeze out the water. Lay the jersey flat or hang it on a plastic hanger, not wood or metal, away from direct sunlight.
Printed, heat-applied and stitched graphics
The risks differ by type. Screen-printed and heat-applied graphics can crack or peel with heat. Stitched graphics are more durable but still prefer a gentle wash. Our stitched vs screen-printed guide explains the methods.
How often should you wash it?
Wash it after wearing, like any performance garment, so sweat and oils do not set. If it has only been worn briefly, hanging it to air out between wears can reduce how often you wash.
What the sources say about drying
| Source | Advice |
|---|---|
| Nike's jersey guide | Do not tumble dry; air dry flat |
| Retailer guides | Air dry on a plastic hanger, away from direct sunlight |
| NFL Shop Elite listing (summary) | Gentle cycle, line dry |
| Nike Vapor Elite listing (summary) | Machine wash inside out, tumble dry low |
Storing your jersey
Hang it on a plastic hanger, not wood or metal, and keep it out of direct sunlight. Sunlight can fade colors over time. For Elite or vintage jerseys, hand washing in cold water is the gentlest option. Never wring or twist the fabric.
Common mistakes
The most common mistakes are using hot water, adding fabric softener, washing a jersey with heavy items such as jeans, and drying it on high heat. Each can damage numbers and logos. A jersey with stitched twill is more forgiving than a printed one, but the same care keeps both looking new.
Washing a custom jersey
Custom names and numbers on Game jerseys are heat-applied, so treat them the same way as printed numbers: inside out, cold water, gentle cycle and no heat. See how to customize an NFL jersey for the rules on custom names and numbers.
| Check | Yes or no |
|---|---|
| Care label read? | Yes |
| Jersey inside out? | Yes |
| Cold water and gentle cycle? | Yes |
| No softener or bleach? | Yes |
| Air dry planned? | Yes |
Related guides
Keep reading: stitched vs screen-printed jerseys, Nike Game vs Limited vs Elite and how to style an NFL jersey. Each guide covers one question fans ask before they buy, and all link back to our NFL jerseys hub.
Shop
Browse NFL jerseys, choose a size and compare Game, Limited and Elite before you buy. Teams: Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots, Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears. For custom jerseys, see custom NFL jerseys.
Can you wash an NFL jersey in the washer?
Yes. You can wash an NFL jersey in the washer if you turn it inside out, use cold water and the gentle cycle, and wash it with light items. To wash NFL jerseys in a washing machine safely, use a mesh bag if you have one. Can you wash NFL jerseys by hand? Yes, cold water is the gentlest option.
This guide is current for the 2026 NFL season. Nike, the NFL's uniform maker, advises cold water and no tumble drying.
FAQ
Can you put an NFL jersey in the dryer?
Nike advises against it because heat can crack or peel details. Some listings say tumble dry low, so check your label.
Can you wash an NFL jersey in hot water?
No. Cold water avoids fading and shrinking.
Should you use fabric softener on a jersey?
No. It can leave residue and hurt moisture-wicking.
How do you remove wrinkles?
Use low steam, and never iron directly on numbers or logos.
How to wash NFL jersey?
Inside out, cold water, gentle cycle, mild detergent, then air dry.
How to wash an NFL jersey?
The same steps apply to any NFL jersey.
Can you wash a NFL jersey in the washer?
Yes, on a gentle cycle in cold water.
How do you wash a NFL jersey?
Turn it inside out and use cold water.
Do NFL jerseys shrink?
Hot water and a hot dryer can shrink a jersey, which is why Nike advises cold water and no tumble drying.
Can you wash NFL jerseys?
Yes, with the care steps above.