Buying a Fuck You Fishing (FYF) tee or hat is more than just getting apparel—it’s joining a tribe of anglers who believe fishing should be bold, hilarious, and unapologetic. But once you’ve got your gear, how do you make sure it stays sharp, comfortable, and attitude-packed for years to come?
Here’s your ultimate guide to keeping your FYF gear looking fresh, from laundry hacks to style pairings that make your tee the star of the dock.
1. Know What You’re Working With
FYF shirts and hats aren’t your run-of-the-mill department store basics. They’re made to stand out—bold prints, sharp graphics, and designs that can take a beating on the boat. But like any quality gear, they deserve some respect if you want them to last.
- Shirts: Soft, breathable cotton or blends designed for comfort during long hours on the water.
- Hats: Durable fabric with sturdy stitching—made for sun, sweat, and beer spills alike.
Treat them right, and they’ll keep getting better with age.
2. Washing Tips for Maximum Life
You don’t need a degree in textile science to keep your FYF shirt alive, just a few rules of thumb:
- Turn Inside Out: Before tossing in the wash, flip your tee inside out. This protects the print from fading and cracking.
- Cold Water Only: Heat is the enemy. Wash in cold water to keep colors bold and fabric fibers strong.
- Mild Detergent: Skip the harsh stuff. Bleach and super-strength detergents eat away at prints and fabric.
- No Overstuffing: Let your gear breathe in the washer—too many clothes jammed together cause friction that wears graphics down.
💡 Pro Tip: If you really want to baby your gear, use a gentle cycle or a garment bag.
3. Drying: The Deal Breaker
How you dry your FYF tee determines whether it’ll look badass for years or shrink into a crop top that even your sister might steal.
- Skip the Dryer: Heat shrinks cotton and kills prints. Instead, hang-dry or lay flat.
- If You Must… Use the dryer on low or no heat, but pull the shirt out slightly damp. Hang it up to finish drying naturally.
For hats, always air dry only. Stuff the crown with a towel to keep the shape and let it sit in a ventilated spot.
4. Stain Survival Guide
Beer spill? Fish blood? BBQ sauce? FYF gear is bound to see some action. Here’s how to bounce back:
- Act Fast: Dab (don’t rub!) the stain with cold water ASAP.
- Spot Clean: Use a small amount of mild detergent mixed with water, applied directly with a soft cloth.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Stain removers with bleach or peroxide can fade the fabric and graphics.
5. Storage Smarts
Your FYF tee isn’t meant to be shoved in the corner of the boat for a week. A little storage care goes a long way.
- Fold, Don’t Ball: Folding keeps the print crisp. Wadding it into a ball = wrinkles + cracked graphics.
- Cool, Dry Place: Avoid damp garages or car trunks where mold or mildew can creep in.
- Hat Hack: Use a shelf or hat rack to keep brims flat and crowns upright.
6. Style Tips: Rocking FYF Beyond the Lake
Let’s be real: FYF gear isn’t just for fishing. These tees and hats double as conversation starters, party gear, and weekend staples. Here’s how to style them beyond the dock:
- Casual Days: Pair a bold FYF tee with jeans or cargo shorts. Add sneakers or flip-flops, and you’ve got effortless swagger.
- At the Bar: Toss on an FYF hat with a dark tee and denim jacket—instant attitude, no questions asked.
- On the Water: Stick with breathable fabrics, shorts, and sandals. Bonus points for pairing FYF gear with polarized shades.
- Social Flex: Got a BBQ or casual gathering? Wear your loudest FYF graphic. Someone will ask about it—and that’s the point.
7. Mix & Match With Accessories
Want to crank your look up? Try pairing FYF gear with:
- Polarized Sunglasses: Practical for fishing, stylish for flexing.
- Layered Necklaces/Chains: Adds just enough edge without looking try-hard.
- Open Flannel/Light Jacket: Perfect for evening bonfires after a day on the water.
- Beer in Hand: Arguably the most essential accessory.
8. What Not To Do
Sometimes it’s just as important to know what not to do:
- Don’t iron directly on prints (use a cloth if you absolutely must iron).
- Don’t dry clean—chemicals are harsh on graphics.
- Don’t use fabric softeners—these coat fibers and dull colors.
- Don’t let your mom “borrow” it—you’ll never see it again.
9. Passing the Torch
FYF gear is known to become a family heirloom of sorts—borrowed by sisters, stolen by moms, or snagged by friends after one too many beers. If you want to keep your stash, guard it like a prized lure. Or better yet, buy extras. Nothing says love like gifting an FYF hat and watching someone else scandalize their friends.
10. The Bottom Line: Wear It Loud, Wear It Proud
Caring for your FYF gear is easy. Wash cold, air dry, and avoid the usual laundry sins—and you’ll keep rocking your shirts and hats for years. But the real secret? Wear them often, wear them loud, and let the stories pile up.
Every stain tells a tale, every fade adds character, and every laugh your tee inspires just makes it more legendary. FYF isn’t just apparel—it’s swagger stitched into fabric. Treat it right, and it’ll keep delivering laughs and attitude as long as you keep casting lines.
