How to Wash Football Maglias Correctly (Without Ruining Prints & Badges)

Wash a football jersey wrong once and you can crack the print, peel a heat-pressed badge or watch the fabric pill and go dull. Wash it right and a good jersey will still look sharp after 50+ washes. Here is exactly how to do it — step by step, plus the mistakes that ruin prints and badges fastest.

The golden rule: turn it inside out

Always turn your jersey inside out before washing. This is the single biggest thing you can do to protect a printed name, number or crest — it stops the print from rubbing directly against zippers, buttons or other garments in the wash, which is the main cause of cracking and peeling over time.

Wash cold, wash gentle

Use cold water (30°C / 86°F or below) on a gentle or delicates cycle. Hot water is the fastest way to break down the adhesive on heat-pressed badges and can cause printed graphics to crack or fade within a handful of washes. If your machine has a low-spin option, use it — high spin speeds stretch the fabric and stress the print.

Skip the fabric softener

Fabric softener leaves a coating on synthetic jersey fabric that traps heat and moisture against the print, which speeds up cracking and can also reduce the moisture-wicking properties of the shirt. A mild, normal detergent is all you need — skip the softener entirely.

Never tumble dry

Heat is the number one enemy of a printed jersey. Always air dry, ideally inside out and away from direct sunlight, which can fade colours over time. Lay flat or hang on a wide hanger rather than a thin wire one, which can stretch the shoulders out of shape.

Never iron directly on a print or badge

If you need to remove creases, turn the jersey inside out and use the lowest heat setting, or place a thin cloth between the iron and the fabric. Never run an iron directly over a printed number or a badge — the heat can melt or warp the print instantly.

Quick wash-day checklist

• Turn the jersey inside out before washing
• Wash cold on a gentle cycle, low spin
• Use a mild detergent, no fabric softener
• Air dry only — never tumble dry
• Iron inside out on low heat, or avoid ironing altogether
• Wash similar colours together to avoid dye transfer

How often should you wash a match jersey?

Wash after every wear if it has been used for actual play or heavy sweat, but for jerseys worn casually or for a few hours at a match, you can usually get two or three wears before washing — less washing means the print lasts longer. When you are ready for a new one, browse our Nuovi arrivi or the full retro jerseys collection.

Frequently asked questions

Can I put a football jersey in the dryer?

No. Tumble drying is the fastest way to crack a printed name, number or badge. Always air dry your jersey instead.

Why is my jersey print cracking?

Cracking is almost always caused by heat — from hot water, tumble drying or direct ironing — or from the print rubbing against zippers and rough fabric in the wash. Wash cold, inside out, and air dry to prevent it.

What temperature should I wash a football shirt at?

30°C (86°F) or below, on a gentle or delicates cycle, is the safest temperature to protect both the fabric and any printed graphics.

Is fabric softener bad for football jerseys?

Yes — fabric softener coats the synthetic fibres and can trap heat against printed areas, making cracking more likely over time. Stick to a mild detergent only.