Crawdads Softstyle Tee: Fabric, Fit and Care Questions
By Hickory Crawdads Official Store | Published: 2026-11-03
Category: Tips & Care
Get clear answers on the Tuttle Sport Gray Softstyle Tee fabric blend, fit, and how to wash a Softstyle tee so the print and shape hold up all season.
Quick answer
Wash your Crawdads Softstyle tee inside out in cold water and tumble dry low to protect the print and limit shrinkage. The Tuttle Sport Gray Softstyle Tee is a 35% cotton, 65% polyester blend, so it feels smooth and resists heavy wrinkling compared with an all-cotton tee.
Why the cotton-poly blend changes how you care for this tee
The Tuttle Sport Gray Softstyle Tee is 35% cotton and 65% polyester, pre-shrunk and 4.5 oz. That blend matters for care: polyester holds its shape and dries faster than cotton, but it can also hold onto body oils and odors if you wash in cool water with too little detergent or let damp laundry sit in the machine. Use the normal amount of detergent for your load size, and move the tee to the dryer or a hanger promptly after the cycle ends.
Because the fabric is pre-shrunk, you are less likely to see a dramatic size change after the first wash than with an untreated cotton tee. Still, high heat is the main risk to both the print and the fit, so keep the dryer on low and avoid overloading it.
What this tee is not designed for
This is a Softstyle tee, not a heavy ring-spun cotton shirt or a performance jersey. It is built for everyday comfort and casual wear, so it will not have the same heat tolerance as a work shirt. If you need a tee for repeated hot industrial washing or heavy outdoor abuse, treat this one as a casual layer instead.
The catalog does not list a fabric weight beyond 4.5 oz. or a specific shrink percentage, so treat any fit change after washing as a possibility rather than a guarantee. If you are between sizes, the safer choice is to size up rather than rely on the tee stretching out.
Softstyle tee care and fit FAQ
- How should I wash a Softstyle tee?
- Turn the tee inside out, use cold water on a normal or gentle cycle, and avoid chlorine bleach. Wash with similar colors and skip fabric softener, which can coat the polyester fibers and reduce softness over time. Inside out and cold water are the two habits that protect both print and fabric.
- Can I put the Tuttle Sport Gray Tee in the dryer?
- Yes, but use low heat and remove the tee promptly when the cycle ends. High heat is more likely to shrink the cotton content and stress the printed graphic. If you want to minimize any change in fit, hang it to dry. Low heat or air-drying keeps the fit closer to its original size.
- Will the print crack or fade?
- Washing inside out and avoiding high dryer heat are the best ways to slow print wear. The catalog does not specify the print method, so follow the care label inside the tee if it lists additional instructions. Check the inside care label for any print-specific directions.
- How does the Softstyle tee fit compare with other Crawdads tees?
- Softstyle tees are generally a closer, lighter fit than a standard heavyweight cotton tee. The Tuttle Sport Gray Tee uses shoulder-to-shoulder taping and double-needle stitching, which help it hold its shape, but it is not a relaxed or oversized cut. If you want a looser fit, size up. Size up if you prefer a roomier fit or plan to layer.
- Is the Hickory Crawdads gray tee true to size?
- The tee is pre-shrunk, so it should stay close to its original size with cold washing and low drying. Between sizes, choose the larger size for a more comfortable fit, especially if you are tall or broad through the shoulders. Between sizes, go up rather than expecting the tee to stretch.
- What should I do if the tee arrives wrinkled?
- Turn it inside out and iron on low heat, or use a steamer. Avoid pressing directly on the printed graphic. A quick low tumble with a damp towel can also relax wrinkles without high heat. Iron inside out and never directly on the print.
Product facts
- Hickory Crawdads Tuttle Sport Gray Softstyle Tee: Softstyle cotton tee, 4.5 oz., pre-shrunk, 35% cotton and 65% polyester with shoulder-to-shoulder taping. The pre-shrunk blend and taped shoulders help the tee keep its shape through regular washing, so you can size with more confidence.
Hickory Crawdads Tuttle Sport Gray Softstyle Tee - Hickory Crawdads Tuttle Sport Gray Softstyle Tee: Double-needle stitched neckline and sleeves with 1/4 turned construction. Reinforced seams at the neck and sleeves are the areas most likely to warp or fray, so wash inside out to protect them along with the print.
