How to Care for Your Grid-Mesh Sprint Gear
By John Elliott Official Online Store | Johnelliott.com | Published: 2026-10-19
Category: Tips & Care
Learn the right way to wash, dry, and store your John Elliott Grid-Mesh Sprint Hat and Shorts to keep them breathable, water-repellent, and looking sharp.
Quick Answer
To keep your Grid-Mesh Sprint Gear performing, machine wash cold on a gentle cycle, air dry away from heat, and store flat to avoid creasing the mesh.
Why Care Matters for Performance Mesh
The Grid-Mesh Sprint Hat and Shorts are built from a four-way stretch, micro-perforated nylon that balances airflow with water repellency and UV protection. How you wash and dry them directly affects those properties. Heat and harsh detergents can break down the water-repellent finish, while rough handling can stretch the mesh or distort the hat's shape.
Because both pieces are made in Japan from 100% polyester, they're naturally quick-drying and resistant to shrinking. But that doesn't mean you can toss them in a hot dryer. A little care goes a long way in keeping the fabric's targeted airflow and protective finish intact.
Step-by-Step Care Routine
- Pre-treat stains before washing: Spot-clean any marks with a mild detergent and a soft cloth. Do not rub aggressively, as the micro-perforated mesh can snag. Rinse with cool water. Always check for stains before washing to avoid setting them in.
- Machine wash cold on gentle: Turn the shorts inside out and place the hat in a mesh laundry bag. Use a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild liquid detergent. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners, which can clog the perforations and reduce breathability. Inside-out and a bag protect the fabric and the hat's shape.
- Air dry flat, never tumble dry: Lay the hat and shorts flat on a towel, reshaping the hat's crown and brim. Keep them away from direct sunlight and heat sources, as UV and high temperatures can weaken the water-repellent finish. If the hat's brim needs shaping, stuff the crown with a towel while drying.
- Store flat or hanging: Once fully dry, store the shorts folded in a drawer or hung by the waistband. For the hat, keep it on a flat surface or a hat rack to preserve the six-panel structure. Avoid crushing it under heavy items. Proper storage prevents creases and maintains the hat's fit.
What You're Working With
- Grid-Mesh Sprint Hat / Charcoal: The Grid-Mesh Sprint Hat is a fitted six-panel cap with an adjustable clip closure, made from four-way stretch micro-perforated nylon with water repellency and UV cut protection. The adjustable clip and fitted shape mean you should avoid high heat and aggressive washing, which can warp the brim or degrade the protective finish.
Grid-Mesh Sprint Hat / Charcoal - Grid-Mesh Sprint Shorts / Charcoal: The Grid-Mesh Sprint Shorts feature a lined base layer, side pockets, a concealed back zipper pocket, and an elasticated waistband with perforation. The lined base layer and elastic waistband need gentle handling to prevent pilling or loss of stretch, so skip fabric softeners and hot water.
Grid-Mesh Sprint Shorts / Charcoal
