Bandit Fleece Care: Washing, Drying and Keeping It Fresh
By Valley Eyewear / ANZ | Published: 2026-10-16
Category: Tips & Care
A practical, step-by-step guide to washing, drying and reviving the Valley Eyewear Bandit Fleece, including how to fix pilling and keep the cotton soft.
Quick answer
Wash your Bandit Fleece inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle, then dry it flat or on a low tumble. Because it is 100% cotton and enzyme washed, hot water and high heat will shrink it and dull the soft vintage finish. Treat it like a delicate knit, not a heavy jacket.
Why the Bandit Fleece Needs a Gentler Routine
The Bandit Fleece is a unisex, oversized crew neck made from 100% cotton and enzyme washed for a soft, vintage feel. That enzyme wash is what gives each jumper its distinct fabric finish and markings, and it also means the cotton is already broken in. Aggressive washing strips that finish faster than it would wear out naturally.
Sorting and Preparing Before You Wash
Turn the fleece inside out before it goes anywhere near the machine. This protects the outer surface from friction, which is the main cause of pilling and surface fuzz. Close any zips or buttons if your fleece has them, though the Bandit Fleece is a pullover style. Wash it with similar colours and similar weights, not with heavy denim or items with hooks and zippers.
Drying Without Losing the Softness
The safest dry is flat, reshaped and out of direct sun. If you use a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting and remove the fleece while it is still slightly damp, then lay it flat to finish. High heat is the fastest way to shrink cotton and make the enzyme-washed surface feel rough.
Fixing Pilling and Keeping It Fresh Between Washes
Pilling is normal on soft cotton fleece and does not mean the garment is failing. Use a fabric shaver or a fine sweater comb in short, light strokes over the pilled area, then brush the surface smooth. To keep it fresh between washes, air it overnight after wearing and spot-clean small marks with a damp cloth instead of washing the whole jumper.
Your Bandit Fleece Care Steps
- Turn it inside out: Turn the fleece inside out and check pockets for tissues or small items before loading. Common mistake: washing it right side out, which exposes the soft surface to friction and pills faster.
- Wash cold on gentle: Use cold water, a gentle or delicate cycle, and a small amount of mild detergent. Avoid fabric softener, which coats cotton fibres and reduces the soft hand feel. Checkpoint: if the care label says otherwise, follow the label.
- Skip the heavy spin: Choose a low spin speed or let the cycle finish without an extra spin. High spin speeds stretch and distort the oversized shape. Common mistake: adding a second spin cycle to speed drying, which stresses the seams.
- Dry flat or low tumble: Reshape the fleece and dry it flat away from direct sun, or tumble on the lowest heat and remove while slightly damp. Checkpoint: never use high heat, which shrinks cotton and hardens the enzyme-washed finish.
- De-pill gently: If pills appear, use a fabric shaver or sweater comb in light, short strokes, then smooth the surface with your hand. Takeaway: pilling is normal on soft cotton fleece; regular gentle de-pilling keeps it looking newer.
- Store folded, not hung: Fold the fleece and store it flat on a shelf rather than hanging it, which can stretch the shoulders over time. Next step: if you display frames at home, keep the fleece away from direct sun to protect the colour.
Product facts
- Bandit Fleece: Unisex, oversized crew neck fleece made from 100% cotton and enzyme washed for a soft vintage feel, with distinct fabric finishes and markings from the wash process. The enzyme wash and cotton construction are why cold water and low heat matter more than they would on a synthetic fleece.
