Eric Emanuel Shorts—widely known as EE Shorts—have become an essential piece in modern streetwear culture. Their bold designs, athletic aesthetic, and premium comfort make them a favorite among fashion enthusiasts, athletes, and celebrities. But as popular and high-quality as they are, Eric Emanuel Clothing is not immune to wear and tear.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most common issues EE Shorts owners face—fading, shrinking, pilling, and damage from improper care—and give you expert-level solutions to fix and prevent them. Whether you’re rocking the latest drop or a rare vintage pair, this guide will help you protect your investment and extend the life of your gear.
Why EE Shorts Deserve Special Care
Before diving into the solutions, it’s important to understand why caring for your Eric Emanuel Shorts properly matters:
- Premium Materials: EE Shorts are made with high-grade mesh and quality dyes. Harsh treatment can affect texture and color.
- Limited Edition Drops: Many pieces are seasonal and hard to replace once sold out.
- Resale Value: Clean, well-maintained shorts retain higher resale prices on platforms like StockX, Grailed, and eBay.
- Signature Aesthetic: Their vibrant colorways and embroidered logos are prone to wear if not handled right.
Common Issues with Eric Emanuel Shorts
Let’s go over the main problems EE Shorts wearers often experience:
1. Fading of Color
Bright, vibrant colors are a signature of Eric Emanuel designs. But over time, frequent washing and sunlight exposure can lead to fading.
2. Shrinking After Washing
While mesh fabric is generally durable, improper washing or drying can cause EE Shorts to shrink, especially if blended with cotton lining or elastic waistbands.
3. Pilling and Friction Damage
Friction from frequent use or improper washing methods can cause small fabric balls—known as pilling—to form on the surface.
4. Loose Threads and Logo Damage
Washing with other clothes or using rough cycles can loosen embroidery, threads, or cause the logo patch to peel or fray.
How to Fix and Prevent Common EE Shorts Issues
Below are detailed solutions and tips to help you restore and protect your shorts:
Fixing and Preventing Fading
Cause: Exposure to heat, sunlight, and strong detergents.
Prevention Tips:
- Always wash in cold water to preserve fabric dye.
- Use color-safe, mild detergents with no bleach or whitening agents.
- Turn your shorts inside out before washing to protect the outer color.
- Air dry instead of machine drying to minimize fading and heat exposure.
- Avoid direct sunlight when drying outside—shade drying is best.
Fixes:
- For minor fading, use a fabric color restorer or dye treatment specific to polyester.
- Add fabric softeners made for color protection when washing.
Fixing and Preventing Shrinking
Cause: Hot water or heat from the dryer.
Prevention Tips:
- Wash in cold water only.
- Never use the high-heat setting on your dryer. Use “air dry” or “tumble dry low.”
- Check the care label—some limited drops might have unique fabric blends.
Fixes:
- If your EE Shorts shrink, soak them in lukewarm water with baby shampoo for 20–30 minutes, then gently stretch them back into shape while drying flat.
- For elastic waistbands, stretching them slightly while wet and letting them air dry can help restore fit.
Fixing and Preventing Pilling
Cause: Friction from wear, rough surfaces, and improper laundry methods.
Prevention Tips:
- Wash EE Shorts separately or with similar soft garments.
- Use mesh laundry bags to protect fabric from friction during machine cycles.
- Avoid using abrasive surfaces when sitting (e.g., concrete or wood benches).
Fixes:
- Use a fabric shaver or pill remover to clean the surface gently.
- Do not use scissors to cut pills—this may damage the mesh fabric.
- Apply a small amount of white vinegar in the final rinse to reduce static and future pilling.
Fixing Loose Threads and Logo Damage
Cause: Overwashing, rough agitation, or snagging on sharp objects.
Prevention Tips:
- Hand wash or use the delicate cycle with a laundry bag.
- Avoid overloading the washer or combining with items that have zippers, Velcro, or hooks.
- Air dry your EE Shorts to protect the logos from heat-induced peeling.
Fixes:
- Use small embroidery scissors to carefully trim loose threads—never pull them.
- If the logo is peeling, consider using a fabric adhesive to press it back down.
- For minor embroidery damage, you can use fabric markers to color-correct frayed logos.
Additional Tips to Extend the Life of Your EE Shorts
Here are a few extra steps you can take to make sure your Eric Emanuel Clothing stays in top condition:
- Rotate your shorts instead of wearing the same pair every day to reduce wear.
- Store in a cool, dry place, preferably hung to maintain shape.
- Avoid ironing directly on printed or embroidered areas.
- Spot clean small stains instead of full washes to preserve fabric integrity.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your shorts have significant damage—burn marks, ripped seams, or major color loss—it may be best to bring them to a professional tailor or sneaker cleaner who specializes in streetwear and performance fabrics.
Some specialty services even offer restoration for limited edition apparel, which could save your investment and preserve the value of your piece.
Conclusion
Your Eric Emanuel Shorts are more than just comfortable mesh bottoms—they’re a part of your personal style and often a limited edition treasure. With proper care, attention, and the tips outlined in this guide, you can keep your EE Shorts looking as fresh as the day you got them.
Remember, caring for your Eric Emanuel Clothing isn’t just about maintenance—it’s about making sure you get the most out of your streetwear investment while maintaining its original flair. Whether you’re rocking them courtside, in the gym, or out in the city, your shorts deserve the best care possible.
Want more tips on Eric Emanuel Clothing drops, care, or styling advice? Stay tuned to our blog for updates on the latest collections and streetwear essentials.