How to Care for Your GORUCK ToughMesh Performance Tees

Quick Answer

To keep your GORUCK ToughMesh tees performing, wash them in cold water with a mild detergent and hang them to dry. Avoid fabric softeners and high heat, which can break down the featherweight Italian fabric. With the right routine, your tees will stay fresh, fast-drying, and ready for your next ruck.

Your GORUCK ToughMesh performance tees are built to handle long rucks and tough workouts, but they still need the right care to keep performing. The featherweight, made-in-Italy fabric is designed to dry lightning fast and keep you comfortable, but improper washing can shorten its life and reduce its effectiveness.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to wash, dry, and store your ToughMesh tees so they stay in top shape. Whether you have the Men's USA Long Sleeve Performance Tee or the Women’s Long Sleeve Mock Neck, these care tips will help you get the most out of your gear.

Understanding ToughMesh Fabric

ToughMesh is GORUCK’s proprietary featherweight fabric, milled at the foothills of the Italian Alps. It’s designed to be breathable, quick-drying, and durable—perfect for training and rucking. Because it’s so lightweight, it requires a bit more care than heavier cotton tees.

The fabric’s quick-drying nature means you can wash it and have it ready to wear again in no time, but only if you avoid common mistakes like using fabric softeners or high heat. These can clog the fabric’s pores and break down its structure, reducing its performance.

• Always check the care label on your specific tee for any additional instructions.
• Consider washing your ToughMesh tees separately from items with zippers or hooks that could snag the fabric.

Washing Your ToughMesh Tee

Turn your tee inside out before washing to protect the outer surface. Use cold water and a mild, liquid detergent—powdered detergents can leave residue. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners, as they can damage the fabric’s moisture-wicking properties.

A gentle cycle is best, but a regular cycle is fine if you’re in a hurry. Just be sure to not overload the machine, which can cause excessive friction and pilling. If you’re hand-washing, use a small amount of detergent and gently squeeze—don’t wring or twist the fabric.

• If you’ve been on a long ruck, rinse your tee in cold water as soon as you can to prevent sweat from setting in.
• For stubborn odors, soak the tee in a mixture of cold water and a little white vinegar for 15-30 minutes before washing.

Drying and Storing

The best way to dry your ToughMesh tee is to hang it up. The fabric dries quickly, so it won’t take long. Avoid using a tumble dryer, as high heat can shrink or damage the fabric. If you must use a dryer, use the lowest heat setting and remove the tee while it’s still slightly damp.

When storing, fold your tee or hang it in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight for extended periods, as UV rays can fade colors and weaken the fabric over time. With proper care, your ToughMesh tee will keep its shape and performance for many rucks to come.

• Hang your tee on a plastic or wooden hanger to maintain its shape.
• If you’re packing for a trip, roll your tee to save space and minimize wrinkles.

Step-by-Step Care Routine

1. Turn Inside Out: Before washing, turn your ToughMesh tee inside out to protect the outer fabric from friction and pilling. Checkpoint: Make sure the tee is fully inside out before placing it in the washer.
2. Wash Cold with Mild Detergent: Use cold water and a mild liquid detergent. Avoid bleach, fabric softeners, and high-heat cycles. Checkpoint: Skip the fabric softener—it can clog the fabric's pores and reduce breathability.
3. Hang to Dry: After washing, hang your tee to dry. The fabric dries quickly, so you won't have to wait long. Avoid the tumble dryer. Checkpoint: If you must use a dryer, use the lowest heat and remove while slightly damp.

ToughMesh Tees to Care For

• Men's USA Long Sleeve Performance Tee - ToughMesh: TOUGHMESH™ FABRIC — THE ITALIAN JOB A featherweight training shirt that excels during a long ruck and your toughest workouts, dries lightning fast to keep you moving. We built these tees to our exacting standards using proprietary, made-in-Italy ToughMesh™ fabric. The quick-drying nature of this tee means you can wash it and have it ready to wear again in no time, but only if you avoid common mistakes like using fabric softeners or high heat.
• Women’s Long Sleeve Mock Neck - ToughMesh: Breathable + Protective Built with featherweight Italian ToughMesh in the USA — this top is built to breathe, wick sweat, and shield your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Perfect for travel, training, and everything in between. The breathable and protective qualities of this top are best preserved with gentle washing and air drying, keeping it comfortable for all your activities.

Taking care of your GORUCK ToughMesh tees is simple: wash cold, hang dry, and avoid harsh chemicals. With these steps, your tees will stay fresh, fast-drying, and ready for your next adventure. For more apparel care tips, explore the GORUCK collection and keep your gear in top condition.